Commission pushes back restroom data internship to May, focuses immediate action on unisex facilities in new construction

The City of Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Commission reported a delay to an internship that was to gather Department of Public Works (DPW) restroom data and said the internship is now expected in May. Commissioners discussed pursuing an interim recommendation that new construction and renovations include unisex or family restrooms.

Adriana said the internship — intended to gather data on restroom types across city properties — has been pushed back to May because of administrative delays. She said the commission will still pursue the single‑stall restroom recommendation but that asking for unisex or family restrooms in new projects may be a more immediately implementable step.

Commissioners asked whether federal funding or recent political changes affecting DEI policy could restrict what the city could require for federally funded construction. Members raised the possibility that legislative language could invite legal challenges; Adriana said she would consult the DPW director and Barb’s office to clarify legal risks and implementation options.

No formal legislative action was taken at the meeting. The commission agreed to follow up with DPW and city legal or administrative staff to determine whether the commission’s recommendation should be advisory, incorporated into city code guidance for procurement and design, or otherwise constrained by funding sources.

Ending: The commission deferred data collection to a delayed internship and directed staff to consult DPW and the mayor’s office about how to move forward with recommendations for unisex or family restrooms in new construction and renovations.