Well, February certainly went faster than January, but I don’t know that it was much better. Our neighbors in Allegheny County are being snatched off the street by ICE, the elites of our country continue to escape accountability, and the Trump administration has launched another regime change war in the Middle East. Locally, it’s crucial that we do everything in our power to resist these actions to build resiliency in our community. Feel free to send this newsletter to anyone else you think would benefit from it, and click "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the page if you were subscribed by mistake.
County Council Highlights
Long-term Owner Occupancy Program (LOOP) (13812-26) - My Long-term Owner Occupancy Program (LOOP) bill was approved by County Council and was signed into law! This program limits the tax increase that eligible homeowners (lived in your home for at least 10 years and household income up to 125% of AMI) can be hit with following a Countywide reassessment to 35%. Make no mistake, a Countywide reassessment is inevitable, and sorely needed. However, we also need to contend with the broken reassessment system that we've inherited and protect people from being taxed out of their homes following a reassessment. Thank you to my colleagues and County Executive Innamorato for collaborating with me on this legislation.
ICE & CBP Cooperation Limitation (13809-26) - This bill continues to move along through the legislative process, passing out of the Committee on Public Safety by a vote of 4-3. The next step for the bill is to come in front of the full council for a final vote during our Tuesday, March 10th meeting. I appreciate all of you who have reached out to me regarding this bill, I have heard the overwhelming support for it, and will be voting in favor of it on Tuesday.
Tax Abatement Information Improvements (13815-26) - This motion updated the rules of Council. Included in those changes is the requirement for Council to receive more information about financial need when considering tax abatements for commercial development. I believe this change will serve to limit the unnecessary tax breaks Council has previously given out which have only enhanced developer profits.
I was proud to join County Executive Innamorato for the signing of my LOOP bill into law! I look forward to seeing this legislation alleviate the burden on our seniors with fixed incomes and better allow them to age in place with dignity.
County Council Meeting Summaries
Around District 5
Allegheny County is developing Allegheny Forward, its comprehensive plan update to the 2008 Allegheny Places plan. It will be a blueprint to guide growth, investment, and policy decisions for the next 25 years. The plan will help shape our communities, economy, transportation systems, housing, and environment.
Public participation is at the heart of this effort. You can make sure your voice is heard by heading to the plan’s website today! The website is currently collecting input through several online activities, or you can view the engagement calendar to find an upcoming meeting near you.
Learn more, explore resources, and share your input here.
It was a pleasure to join the Bethel Park Historical Society for an art unveiling in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. I spoke of the importance that the current generation continues to put in the labor necessary to preserve community resources like our wonderful schoolhouse building.
Thank you to the Lebo Coalition for putting together an excellent celebration of Black History Month at St. Paul’s! It was great to see State Representative-Elect there supporting the event as well!
If you’d like to help out as I continue updating you on the work I’m doing to bring responsible leadership and real solutions to Allegheny County, please consider making a donation below.
Paid for by Friends of Dan Grzybek