Pittsburgh's $40M Deficit? Plus, Chipped Ham Returns & Nightmare on Penn
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]
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 13th episode:
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Lion McBaby Face, Catena’s Defeat & Inclusionary Zoning Returns
A new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan...

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Pittsburgh Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris,...

Sara Innamorato on Paid Leave, Term Limits, and a Fancy New Hotel
Allegheny County could become the first in the U.S. to require 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. County Executive Sara I...

What's On Your Primary Ballot?
It's primary election day! Local voters are being asked to weigh in on one ballot measure: If Pittsburgh loses its print newspapers, shou...

Pittsburgh's Dangerous Drop in Vaccination Rates
Measles is on the rise across the U.S., and experts say outbreaks aren't hypothetical anymore. At least 40,000 PA students are missing re...

'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Would Pittsburgh be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more...

Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz
Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his o...

Can Pittsburgh Fix Its Budget Problems?
City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city...

Mid-Century Sleepover, Tiki Cruise & More Pittsburgh Milestone Birthday Ideas
Got a big birthday coming up? Sure, you could make a fancy dinner reservation, but there are so many more exciting ways to celebrate. The...

What To Eat (and Avoid) at PNC Park
Let's be honest, the Pirates aren't always the main draw at PNC Park. Many of us go for the views, the pierogi race, and inventive ballpa...

