👍👎 Rating Pittsburgh landlords

O’Connor Proposes Changes To Pittsburgh Budget

After raising concerns about the budget earlier this month, Mayor Corey O’Connor has proposed amendments that add $28.3 million in spending to underfunded areas, including overtime payments, retiree health care, fuel expenses, and the city’s lawn cutting program. It’s not yet clear how the additional expenses will be funded, but the city would have to withdraw $6.5 million from its rainy day fund to balance the budget. City Council will consider the amendments.

• The budget would also remove some unfilled positions. O’Connor’s administration is not currently considering any layoffs, tax increases, or service cuts. [Post-Gazette]
• Here’s how overtime payments drove up the city’s budget last year and what the city is already spending big money on in 2026. [Public Source / City Cast Pittsburgh]

City Council Introduces Bill Barring ICE Cooperation

The legislation would forbid city employees and contractors from asking about, sharing, or taking action based on someone's immigration status — and from giving ICE agents access to anyone in city custody. It would also create "safe community places" like recreation centers and parks where agents aren't allowed, and bar the city from entering any formal agreements with ICE. Allegheny County Council passed a similar bill earlier this month. [TribLive]

• What is ICE doing at Pittsburgh International Airport? [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pitt Students Create ‘Rate Yinz Landlord’

In an effort to hold landlords and management companies accountable to tenants, a group of Pitt students developed a website where renters can leave anonymous reviews on their communication, maintenance, and respectfulness. The model is similar to Rate My Professors. While it's designed by college students, the site is open to all renters in Pittsburgh. [Public Source]

Cultural Trust Announces New Broadway Shows

Eleven performances are coming to the Benedum Center for the 2026-27 season: “The Lion King,” “Hadestown,” “The Notebook,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Maybe Happy Ending,” “The Sound of Music,” “Beetlejuice,” “Death Becomes Her,” “The Phantom Of The Opera,” “The Outsiders,” and “The Who's Tommy.” [Cultural Trust]

• The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra just announced its Pops Season lineup, including the music of Lin Manuel Miranda and Aretha Franklin. [PSO]

Eating farm fresh food can be good for you — and the local economy. Consider a subscription to these Pittsburgh-area community supported agriculture (CSA) shares to get a seasonal harvest straight from the source.

Wondering if a CSA will work for you? Here’s what to think about:

Pay now, relax later

Prepaying for months of farm-fresh goodies ensures our farmer neighbors have what they need to provide for their land, livestock, and whatever nature throws their way. And once you’re in, it’s magic: fewer grocery buying decisions, fewer impulse buys, and a steady stream of food you’ve already budgeted for.

• 🥬 Money tight? Split a share with friends, roommates, or neighbors. If you have more time than cash, consider workshare and volunteer programs like the ones with Grow Pittsburgh, Churchview Farms, and more. Or if you receive SNAP benefits, check out Just Harvest's Fresh Access Program for matching dollars at local farmers markets.

Let the farm surprise you

For most CSAs, farmers choose what you get. You're trading control for peak-season, just-picked bites that'll make your cooking even better. And if you like being nudged out of your routine (or finally learning what to do with kohlrabi), unfamiliar flavors can be a really fun culinary challenge.

Choose a pickup you won’t skip

Western PA is covered in farmland, and there are tons of places to retrieve your CSAs, like farmers markets and coffee shops. Look for providers that deliver to spots you already frequent on days you'll actually be there. The best CSA is the one that fits into your real life, not your aspirational one.

Find the size that fits your needs

CSA boxes can be generous. For a household of one or two, smaller or every-other-week shares usually hit the sweet spot, and you can often add on to your box week-to-week with additional produce, cheese, eggs, mushrooms, meat, soaps, flowers, syrups, herbal teas, and more. Find one that offers the right amount of the right kinds of food for you.

• 🥕 Try before you buy: Purchase a la carte from the be.wild.er farm store or get a one-time box from Isidore Foods for a taste of the CSA lifestyle without the season-long commitment.

Plan for travel and overflow

If you travel a lot or have vacations coming up, plan ahead. Some shares let you skip weeks. For those that don't, line someone up to pick up your box and drop it off in your fridge. Or better yet, think of your CSA as a tool to help build community and share the wealth with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. We're betting someone will happily take that box off your hands!

Buy food that fits your values

You’re helping farmers cover upfront costs and sharing in the risk and reward of a growing season. You may also get an email or handwritten letter that tells you about the family's new swing set or the antics of a mischievous goat. There's something grounding about it. So yes, the food is fresher, but the connection is sometimes what matters most.