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Pittsburgh council to consider confirmation of Jeff Scalikin as director of Department of Mobility and Infrastructure
Summary
Jeff Scalikin, the acting director of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, told council members during a March 30 pre‑agenda interview that he has grown the department over nine years, secured more state and federal projects, and plans to expand in‑house bridge staff and hire painters; the council asked that his confirmation be placed on the agenda for formal consideration.
Jeff Scalikin, the acting director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, appeared at a pre‑agenda interview on March 30 as the council reviewed Bill 231, a resolution to appoint him to the permanent director role. The meeting chair administered an oath and Scalikin affirmed he would "faithfully discharge the duties" of the office.
Scalikin told council members he has been with the department since it was formed and helped build it from a one‑person operation into a staff of about 127. "We have over 40 projects right now that are receiving federal and state funding," he said, identifying partnerships with PennDOT and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission as key to winning grants.
The nominee outlined near‑term priorities if confirmed: expanding the in‑house bridge crew and hiring dedicated painters and small maintenance teams to perform routine repairs and preserve infrastructure. "If we have in house workers, that's the way we could do it a lot quicker, a lot more efficient," Scalikin said, adding that some contractors decline smaller jobs and that in‑house crews would reduce the need to write scopes, solicit contractors and manage external contracts.
Scalikin offered rough cost comparisons to support the shift: he said one local maintenance example cost about $160,000 in local dollars the first year versus an estimated $600,000 if performed under contract, and that contracting costs across similar work this year could total about $1,000,000. He described those figures as ballpark estimates and said finding dedicated workspace for in‑house crews and equipment storage is an early operational priority.
Councilwoman Kim Salanetro praised Scalikin's grant work and called the department's recent run of funding successes "impressive." Another councilmember identified in the record as Charlene also voiced support, noting the long‑term savings from preventive maintenance such as painting and coating.
No formal vote took place at the pre‑agenda interview. The meeting chair asked the clerk to place Scalikin's confirmation on the council agenda for formal consideration at the next meeting. The pre‑agenda interview concluded with the chair adjourning the session.
The council's formal agenda packet or subsequent meeting minutes will record any motion, vote and final outcome on Bill 231 when action is taken.
