Pittsburgh City Council members faced urgent calls for action on housing issues during their recent meeting on October 1, 2025. Advocates from the Housing Justice Table and local community leaders expressed their disappointment that the proposed inclusionary zoning (IZ) policy was not on the agenda, emphasizing the pressing need for affordable housing solutions in the city.

Maddie McGrady, co-chair of the Housing Justice Table, highlighted the coalition's extensive support, comprising over 180 organizations advocating for a citywide IZ policy. She stressed that the current housing market fails to meet the needs of residents earning 50% or less of the area median income, pushing many families into precarious living situations. McGrady urged council members to prioritize the IZ policy, which was previously approved by the planning commission, warning that the opportunity to implement such measures may not arise again.

Rhonda Schroeser, executive director of Fund U and Perry Hilltop Citizens Council, echoed these sentiments, calling for immediate action on the IZ policy. She pointed out that discussions around this issue have been ongoing for years, and the community's need for housing is urgent.

The meeting also featured a passionate address from Ikahana Halmikina, who urged council members to consider the broader implications of their decisions on marginalized populations. Halmikina criticized the influence of developers on city policies and called for a shift towards prioritizing the needs of residents over profit-driven interests.

As the meeting concluded, the absence of the IZ policy from the agenda left many community members concerned about the council's commitment to addressing the housing crisis. The discussions underscored a growing demand for political courage and decisive action to ensure that Pittsburgh remains a city that serves all its residents. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively they respond to these pressing community needs.