🎸 Can Pittsburgh save live venues?

Gainey Gives Final Budget Address

Mayor Ed Gainey presented his final budget proposal on Monday, saying it "seeks to preserve" four years of progress while acknowledging "challenging financial waters ahead." The proposal isn't drastically different from his original draft, which critics said didn't include enough money for the city’s aging vehicle fleet or overtime for public safety. Each city department will give feedback, and City Council can amend the budget before voting on it. [WESA / TribLive]

• Hear why critics called the preliminary budget "sloppy" and how the deputy mayor is defending it. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
• The next administration has a big to-do list. Here’s what Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor will inherit. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pittsburgh Water Gets a Refresh

Pittsburgh Water broke ground on a $193 million project to modernize the city’s system. The ABC Project, a three-part overhaul of infrastructure at the Aspinwall plant, is expected to be complete by 2029. [🔐 Business Times]

Live Venues Want a Tax Exemption

Local entertainment venue owners and promoters are requesting help from the city as their industry struggles and proposing ideas like an exemption from Pittsburgh’s 5% amusement tax. According to a recent study, about 72% of independent venues in PA weren’t profitable last year. [TribLive]

PPS Holds School Closure Listening Sessions

Community members can give feedback on the district’s school closure plans at upcoming listening sessions Nov. 13 and 15, before the school board votes Nov. 25. At previous meetings, attendees shared concerns about how resources will be distributed across the district. [WESA]

Let’s play a game! At what small business can you find this array of beverages? 👀

🌟 Congrats to Mary R., Corey E., Carrie S., Mike M., Gabe M., Adam L. Emma R., Janis M., Lauren B., Jeffery L.P., Emily G., Sam L., Tiffany L., Kaitlin R., John S., Kelly S., and Carye B. who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Find this light display, called Garrison Canal, on Garrison Place in Downtown. The next time you’re in the city at night, take the shortcut between Liberty and Penn Avenues to walk under the wave of colors.

It isn’t just decoration — these lights are synced with a weather report and change colors and intensity to reflect wind conditions. It almost makes you feel like you’re under water!

This display brightens up Downtown year-round, but the city is about to really sparkle. Check out Light Up Night plans and more holiday displays.

Looking for things to see and do?

• 🍂 Bookmark these 10 things to do in November..
• 🎁 Shop at Pittsburgh’s best holiday pop-up markets.
• 🛏️ Book a cozy Pittsburgh staycation.
• 🍎 Help your neighbors and donate food or volunteer.
• 🎃 Use these tips to recycle your pumpkins.
• ☕ Warm up with a cup at tea houses and shops.
• 🥯 Learn about the new bagel shop on wheels.

We’re back with recommendations from City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors 📣 This is a weekly spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their favorite local businesses, organizations, and events.

• 🛍️ Amy D. wants everyone to know about the new South Side farmers market at Velum Fermentation. Check out a special holiday edition of the market on Dec. 6.
• 🐕 Alison B. is giving claps to lather. A Pet Bathouse. in Bloomfield. “The staff is so kind and they do a great job with my doodle at a pretty reasonable price. Ask for Riley!”

Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟