42 minMar 13, 2026

Pittsburgh's $40M Deficit? Plus, Chipped Ham Returns & Nightmare on Penn

Show Notes

Mayor Corey O'Connor announced yesterday that Pittsburgh's facing a shortfall of up to $40 million and he's reopening the 2026 budget. Executive producer Mallory Falk is with contributor and TribLive reporter Colin Williams to share what we know so far. Then, newsletter editor senior Francesca Dabecco joins the team to talk about never-ending construction on Penn Ave, development plans in the Lower Hill, a sneak preview of Pittsburgh's newest concert venue, and Isaly's return to the Strip District. (How much will they charge for a chipped ham sandwich?!)

Come work with us! We're hiring an audience development manager and podcast contributors. Learn more about the roles here. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 16.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Pittsburgh faces budget shortfall of up to $40M, leaving city finances in crisis [TribLive]
PODCAST: Is Pittsburgh Going Broke? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
New phase of Penn Avenue reconstruction in Pittsburgh to begin with extensive detours [TribLive]
Penn Avenue Strategic Plan [Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation]
First look: Citizens Live at The Wylie [Axios Pittsburgh]
URA details new approach for portion of Lower Hill redevelopment site [Pittsburgh Business Times]
O’Connor unveils plan to streamline Pittsburgh permitting, overhaul zoning code [WESA]
PODCAST: Pittsburgh's Big Idea To Fix Downtown. Plus, Do Local Sports Really Matter? [Your City Could Be Better]
Former Westinghouse site in Churchill could become a mixed-use ‘dream come true’ [Post-Gazette]
Council votes to restrict Allegheny County employees from cooperating with ICE [Public Source]
PODCAST: Sara Innamorato on ICE, Buying a House & Next Steelers Stadium [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Isaly's will be returning to Pittsburgh's Strip District this coming summer [KDKA]

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