Advocates urge Pittsburgh council to preserve Housing Opportunity Fund as URA lays out 2026 plan; council holds transfer for two weeks
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Housing advocates told council the Housing Opportunity Fund provides emergency shelter, legal help and rental gap financing. URA staff presented a $10 million allocation plan for 2026; council voted to hold final approval for two weeks while budget questions are resolved.
Advocates for Pittsburgh's Housing Opportunity Fund urged city council on Dec. 3 to preserve the fund amid broader budget scrutiny and proposed a $10 million transfer for the 2026 allocation plan.
"HOF did not appear out of thin air," Tamika Harris, a member of the HOF advisory board, told the standing committees, recounting the fund's origins in a city task force and the city's prior commitment of $10 million annually. Adrienne Wannaha, acting chair of the HOF advisory board, cited the fund's role in emergency housing, infrastructure work at Wood Street Commons and subsidies for residents facing housing loss. "Please approve our 2026 allocation plan that has been presented," she said.
Kiana Wasler, chief housing officer at the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and Catherine Murray of the URA briefed council on the draft allocation plan. The URA proposed increases to the rental gap program (the largest single line item) and to legal assistance, reflecting public comments and the advisory board's recommendations. Murray said the city has leveraged the 2023 affordable housing bond but still needs targeted operating funds to avoid service gaps.
Council members reflected support for eviction-prevention and stabilization programs but raised budgetary concerns. Councilman Charland and others asked how services would scale if the full transfer could not be made. URA staff said some programs could be adjusted but that funding cuts would reduce services and housing production.
Instead of final approval, council voted to hold Bill 25-10 for two weeks to allow budget reconciliation and further review. Council President Lavelle and other members said they remained strong supporters of the HOF, with Lavelle calling it an "investment" that produces housing and tax revenue, while acknowledging the need to examine citywide budget trade-offs.
What's next: The HOF allocation will return to committee following budget deliberations; the hold delays any transfer until council approves or modifies the plan.