Pittsburgh City Council Approves 20% Property Tax Increase for 2026 Budget

The measure now heads to Mayor Ed Gainey as council cites rising costs and declining revenue.

Author

Tim Pettigrew
December 22, 2025

Pittsburgh City Council Approves 20% Property Tax Increase for 2026 Budget

Pittsburgh City Council voted on Sunday to approve a 20% property tax increase as part of the city’s 2026 budget, sending the measure to Mayor Ed Gainey for review.

Council members said the increase was the result of difficult negotiations as the city faces declining revenue and rising operational costs, ultimately landing on what several described as a compromise.

What Pittsburgh City Council Approved

The approved budget includes a 20% increase in property taxes, down from an initial proposal of 30% introduced earlier this year by Councilwoman Barb Warwick (D).

“It is not easy for any elected official, for any council member, to vote to raise taxes on our residents,” Warwick said.

The measure passed despite opposition from two council members, including Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith (D).

Concerns About the Impact on Residents

While acknowledging the city’s financial needs, Kail-Smith expressed concern about how the increase could affect Pittsburgh residents.

“I feel relieved that we’ll be able to do some of the things that the city needs,” Kail-Smith said. “I feel very concerned for the taxpayers in the city of Pittsburgh.”

Kail-Smith said she had hoped for a smaller tax increase in 2026, with additional increases delayed until Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor takes office. She argued that postponing further increases would allow time to implement a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program, which could help offset the tax burden.

“I have emails and phone calls from residents that are terrified,” she said.

Although Warwick pointed to existing tax relief programs, Kail-Smith said many middle-class homeowners may not qualify for assistance.

Budget Cuts and City Programs

In addition to the tax increase, City Council approved several budget cuts. However, neither Warwick nor Kail-Smith indicated that the reductions would significantly disrupt city services.

Warwick noted that certain items — including the police mounted horse unit — were initially removed from the budget before being reinstated.

Funding for the city’s Stop the Violence initiative was reduced for 2026, though Warwick said remaining funds from the current year should prevent immediate program cuts.

“The Stop the Violence fund remains, and in 2027, we will go back up to the $10 million allotment,” Warwick said.

What Happens Next

Mayor Ed Gainey’s office has not yet issued a statement in support of the tax increase, saying the mayor plans to review how the proposal would affect businesses already facing multiple tax increases.

When asked whether City Council has enough votes to override a potential mayoral veto, Warwick said council members do.

“I know this is not an easy thing for people to hear,” Warwick said. “But with this tax increase, Mayor-elect O’Connor and his administration will be well positioned to hit the ground running.”

What This Means for Pittsburgh Homeowners

If enacted, the 20% property tax increase could affect homeowners, buyers, renters, and businesses across Pittsburgh beginning in 2026. The increase adds another factor for residents to consider when budgeting, buying, or selling property in the city.

As the proposal moves to the mayor’s desk, its final outcome — and long-term impact — remains to be seen.