Pittsburgh hearing: environmental justice groups urge stronger notice and safeguards ahead of May charter referendums

At a Jan. 27 public hearing, a registered speaker representing Upstream Pittsburgh and the Environmental Justice Table urged Pittsburgh City Council to ensure proposed charter amendments on budget approval timing and public hearing notice rules do not reduce access for historically marginalized communities.

Ikahana Hamalkina, who identified themself as a chief and said they represent Upstream Pittsburgh and the Environmental Justice Table, told the council the city’s loss of its two newspapers of general circulation makes the design and implementation of any new notice rules crucial. "We recognize the intent behind these proposals, particularly the need for timely governance and the reality that Pittsburgh has lost both newspapers of general circulation," Hamalkina said.

Hamalkina said communities that already face barriers — including limited internet access, language needs, disabilities, irregular work schedules and historic exclusion from decision making — often rely on public notices as their primary bridge to participation. "Without strong safeguards, the risk falls disproportionately on the same communities that are already underrepresented," Hamalkina said.

On the notice question, Hamalkina urged the city not to "weaken" existing channels but to replace them with multiple accessible, community-centered forms of outreach. "That means investing in multiple accessible community centered forms of notice, including neighborhood based outreach, trusted community organizations, accessible digital platforms, and clear timelines that allow residents and community members time to understand and respond," Hamalkina said.

Hamalkina also warned changes to budget approval rules intended to ensure timeliness should not "inadvertently compress opportunities for public input, limit community oversight, and reduce transparency" in how public dollars are allocated, particularly where budgets affect housing, infrastructure and environmental health.

The clerk read the titles of Bill 39 and Bill 40 at the hearing: both are ordinances directing the Allegheny County Board of Elections to place referendum questions on the May 2026 primary ballot to amend Article 3 of the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter — one addressing budget approval timing and the other addressing public hearing notice requirements. No formal vote or council action occurred at the hearing; the meeting concluded after the single registered public comment and the council adjourned.

Council members noted as present during the proceeding included Councilman Salinestro; Councilman Moseley and Councilwoman Deborah Gross joined online before adjournment. The referendums as described by the clerk will be presented to voters at the May 2026 primary unless further council action changes that schedule.