Our Future in Allegheny County

  • My journey as a community advocate has taught me that real change begins with listening. I’ve spent countless evenings as a mom and community member, attending school board meetings, township commissioners’ meetings, county council sessions, and health board discussions. I’ve volunteered with nonprofits like Food & Water Watch, Allegheny Cleanways and Moms Demand Action because I believe that engaging with people on the ground builds trust and collaboration.

    While local governance can go overlooked, I believe that it has the most direct impact on the people of our community. Meaningful change starts from the bottom up, and it is essential to involve the community in creating solutions that reflect their needs and aspirations. As a County Council representative, I will ensure our district’s voice is amplified in decisions that shape our future. By using tools like surveys and engaging directly with residents, I will work to create a comprehensive plan that reflects the unique needs of District 9. I am firmly and deeply committed to being a visible and accessible representative. As a lifelong Mon Valley resident, I understand both the unique challenges and the strengths of our community. Together, we will leverage the incredible assets of our region—from universities to parks to our workforce—to build a community where everyone  thrives. As your County Councilmember, I will:

    • Host regular listening sessions and town halls across the district to ensure your voices shape my priorities.

    • Provide regular and transparent updates on council activities and legislation.

    • Actively collaborate with local organizations, schools, and non-profits to address pressing community needs.

  • Growing up in the Mon Valley, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of industrial pollution on our environment and our loved one’s health. Allegheny County’s air quality ranks among the worst in the nation, and it’s our most vulnerable like children and elderly who pay the price. My family, like so many others, worked in the steel industry, and I understand the complexity of balancing the need for good-paying jobs with the responsibility to protect our health and environment. We must fight for solutions that ensure both economic security and a healthier future for all.

    I believe that everyone in Allegheny County has a right to clean air and water. We shouldn’t have to worry about our children playing outside because it’s difficult for them to breathe. Our health should not be the tradeoff for keeping industry in Allegheny County.

    A few large corporations have been contributing significantly to Allegheny County’s environmental degradation for decades. I will fight to hold polluters accountable. I support:

    • Increasing the penalties on the county’s worst polluters for sacrificing our health. 

    • Ensuring that the Allegheny County Clean Air funds obtained from these fines are utilized in a manner which aims to improve air quality.  

      • Fines collected from these violations should be reinvested directly into the affected communities, funding initiatives to improve air quality and public health. 

    • Auditing programs such as Clean and Green (Act 156) to make sure everyone who is taking this credit is eligible. 

    Water quality is another critical issue. Many of our schools still rely on outdated plumbing, forcing parents to send their children to school with bottled water. This is unacceptable. I will push for county-wide lead line replacement programs, ensuring clean drinking water is a reality for every family, regardless of their income. Additionally, these initiatives should be funded without placing the financial burden on residents. 

    As we transition to a greener future, I’m committed to creating good-paying, union-backed jobs in renewable energy. By investing in training programs at institutions like the Community College of Allegheny County and supporting renovations at technical schools, we can prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. This isn’t just about tackling climate change; it’s about building an economy that works for everyone. Additionally, I support a county-wide ban on fracking to protect our communities from the harmful environmental and health impacts associated with this practice. Our residents deserve clean air, safe water, and a sustainable future, free from the risks posed by fracking and other industrial industries.

    • Lead Line Removal: Advocate for funding to replace all lead water lines in schools and communities at no cost to residents.

    • Air Quality Accountability: Increase penalties for corporate polluters and ensure funds are used for public health initiatives like asthma treatment and paid leave during air quality emergencies. Increase permitting fees.

    Green Investments: Expand renewable energy projects, promote solar and wind job creation, and prioritize green infrastructure. Invest in training programs and renovations at our technical institutions and community colleges that prepare our workforce for the future.

  • The housing crisis in Allegheny County is an urgent challenge that demands immediate and compassionate action. Too many of our neighbors are unhoused or living in unsafe conditions. We need to address the housing crisis in the county using a housing-first approach. Unlike traditional models, which often require individuals to meet specific criteria (such as sobriety, employment, or participation in treatment programs) before receiving housing, Housing First focuses on housing as a fundamental human right and a foundational step for addressing other needs. Some of our most vulnerable community members in Allegheny County represent the majority of the unhoused. They are victims of domestic violence, veterans and children. 

    • Encampment policies need to prohibit sweeps of homeless encampments without providing alternative housing solutions. 

    • We need to prioritize providing housing for all individuals, including those with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and  criminal records. 

    • Providing wraparound services that pair housing initiatives with access to mental health care, substance use treatment, and job training programs will help residents maintain stability.

    • Anti-Homelessness initiatives could be achieved through additional funding for shelters by nonprofit partnerships and utilizing federal and state grants. We need to maximize the use of funds from HUD, ARPA, and the local Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to invest in affordable housing projects. 

      • These resources can be leveraged not only to revitalize commercial properties and stimulate local businesses but also to develop mixed-income housing. 

      • Establishing and allocating these funds to a county Housing Opportunity Fund would significantly increase the availability of low-income, affordable housing for residents. 

    • The Tri-COG Land Bank could be utilized for converting commercial space to livable spaces with more beds to help offset the lack of beds throughout the county. 

      • Tri-COG Land Bank is a multi-municipal organization created to address property blight in Allegheny County. 

      • It works in collaboration with local municipalities, school districts, and Allegheny County itself to acquire, manage, and repurpose vacant properties.

    The Housing First approach is widely regarded as an effective and humane solution to ending homelessness, particularly for individuals facing chronic homelessness, mental illness, or substance use challenges. By addressing housing as the first step, it provides a stable foundation for individuals to address other life challenges and empowers them to rebuild their lives. As a county council person I will advocate for these changes that are essential to improving the lives of our unhoused populations. 

  • Food insecurity is a personal issue for me. Working at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, I’ve seen how hunger affects so many of our neighbors. But I’ve also seen the power of community-driven solutions .As a county councilperson I will work with The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, food recovery organizations, local food processors and farmers to help distribute food into the community. County council needs to assure food equity for all county residents. 

    We need to:

    • Help eliminate food deserts in low income and low access communities by encouraging grocery stores and markets to move into and stay in these communities through financial incentives like tax breaks, grants, or low-interest loans. 

    • Increase the number of stores that accept WIC payments. We need to continue to support collaborations like the Health department is currently doing with the Hillman Foundation to increase the number of stores that accept WIC payments. Businesses can apply for $5,000 grants that will cover the costs of becoming WIC authorized, which includes purchasing a point-of-sales system that accepts WIC cards.This would enable the corner stores to carry the nutritious foods required for the program, including fresh fresh fruits and vegetables.

    • Develop and support community shared and owned gardening as a firsthand resource for fresh food options.This could be done through funding Initiatives for urban farming programs and community gardens in low-access neighborhoods. Also, utilizing public-private partnerships and collaborations with organizations like Grow Pittsburgh to expand urban agriculture efforts. Furthermore, by increasing land access by identifying and repurposing vacant lots or county-owned land for food production.

    • Invest in local data collection to identify gaps in federal support and assess the unique needs of the county’s population. Use this data to inform local and state advocacy.

    Economic realities often compound food insecurity. While a county council cannot directly change federal SNAP or WIC policies, it can play a critical role in addressing food insecurity by advocating for reforms and ensuring equitable access to resources at the local level. I will advocate  for reforms by passing resolutions urging federal and state legislators to adjust SNAP and WIC benefits to reflect inflation and rising costs of childcare and housing. By using a lens of equity when building social welfare programs, we can ensure that our social safety net truly supports those who need it most.

  • I’ve personally seen how gun violence tears apart communities and robs our youth of their future. As a mom I worry about my son’s safety not only when he is out in the community but also when he leaves for school every day. I understand the urgent need for common-sense measures to address this crisis which is why I became a volunteer with Moms Demand Action. Although Pennsylvania’s preemption law limits the county’s ability to enact its own gun safety regulations, we can take impactful actions by:

    • Supporting and expanding local violence interruption programs. These coalitions are already making strides in reducing conflict. 

      • Securing consistent funding for them in the county’s annual budget will ensure their sustainability and effectiveness.

    True public safety begins with tackling the deeper causes of crime: untreated mental health conditions, addiction, and financial instability. For too long, punitive approaches have failed to address these challenges, leaving communities more vulnerable. By prioritizing preventive measures, we can break cycles of harm and create stronger, safer neighborhoods. This involves:

    • Increasing access to mental health services, offering treatment for substance use disorders, and investing in job training programs to lift families out of poverty. 

    • Reentry programs can support individuals transitioning out of incarceration, helping them reintegrate successfully into society and reduce recidivism. 

    • Listen to the voices of those most impacted. 

    By engaging residents, forming stronger community partnerships, and fostering collaboration between government and advocacy groups, we can create data-driven, people-centered, forward-thinking policies that build safer, healthier communities for all of our neighbors.

  • Allegheny County Council can address property tax reform by creating policies that ensure fairness, equity, and transparency in the property assessment and taxation system. The county needs to conduct regular property reassessments to maintain fair and consistent valuations. By implementing regular countywide property reassessments it will ensure that property taxes are based on current market values, eliminating the inequities caused by outdated assessments.The current Allegheny County property tax assessment system is broken and inequitable. The last countywide reassessment was in 2012 when it was court mandated. All but 12 states require regular assessments of all property.    

    The reassessment does nothing more than make the distribution of taxes more fair and just. However, before I would support moving forward with a reassessment, I would need to be sure certain protections are in place for our most vulnerable homeowners by: 

    • Advocating for similar legislation to the Pennsylvania Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP). A tax-exemption program which freezes property taxes for homeowners who own and live in their homes for a designated period of time (typically if they have lived in the property for at least 10 years) in addition to other qualifiers. 

    • Supporting the expansion of the Allegheny County Senior Citizen Tax Relief program (Act 77). It is imperative that our seniors have the ability to grow old and remain in their homes with respect and dignity regardless of reduced or fixed incomes.

    Additionally, we need to Make "Nonprofits" Pay Their Fair Share. UPMC, Highmark, and other wealthy “nonprofits” don’t pay taxes while raking in billions of dollars each year. County Council must:

    • Ensure that the parcel review program is staffed and operating to put non-qualifying parcels back on the tax rolls. Not only will it pay for itself, it will demonstrate that Allegheny County is unafraid to call out these organizations and threaten their tax-exempt status in order to make sure our residents aren’t forced to pay for their profits. 

    • Negotiate Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements. Governments depend on property taxes for funding public services, and large amounts of tax-exempt property can strain their budgets. PILOT agreements help offset these losses. Large nonprofits like hospitals and universities often consume significant public resources (e.g., fire protection, road maintenance) but don’t pay property taxes, creating a view of inequity. PILOT agreements promote cooperation between local governments and nonprofits by ensuring these entities contribute to the community without losing their tax-exempt status.

    While a county wide reassessment would allow us to make better informed decisions based on accurate data, It would not solve our financial issues. Finding new revenue streams outside of taxation and diversifying our portfolio is paramount. We need to reduce our overreliance on property taxes by identifying and implementing alternative sources of county revenue, such as environmental impact fees, tourism taxes, or economic development levies.

  • Attracting companies that provide excellent pay, superior benefits, and a safe workplace is first and foremost. As the demand for renewable green energy increases, we have the potential to move away from a reliance on fossil fuels in District 9 and throughout Allegheny County. This will create the need for more quality, union jobs in Allegheny County. Not only will we need the workforce to build out the infrastructure, but we will also need a skilled workforce to fill the positions created by this new renewable green energy industry. Having a skilled workforce will encourage businesses to set up operations here.

    The millions in funding for renovations to Steel Center for Career and Technical Education is a step in that direction. This funding is helping Steel Center upgrade its facilities, broaden the programs offered, and provide their students with the newest technologies and skills needed to launch their careers. The same must also be done at the county level. Investing in our people strengthens our economy. We need to:

    • Continue to adequately fund the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) to meet our statutory obligation in funding. 

    • Make similar types of investments in CCAC as those being done at Steel Center. 

    • Ensure economic growth must be inclusive and sustainable. 

    I believe in fostering an economy that uplifts working families and creates opportunities for all. Allegheny County has immense potential to attract businesses that provide good-paying, union-backed jobs. By prioritizing sustainable development and ensuring that economic growth benefits everyone, we can build a thriving district that supports families and strengthens our community.

  • When the Supreme Court gained a 6-3 conservative majority, we began to see our civil rights being decimated. Allegheny County Council can play a crucial role in safeguarding civil rights by implementing policies, advocating for legislative changes, and ensuring that local government is proactive in protecting the rights of all residents. As a county councilperson I will work with my colleagues and the county executive to:

    • Broaden reproductive healthcare access across our county. 

    • Support efforts to protect abortion access, same sex marriage as well as the right to receive gender affirming healthcare, and work with the LGBTQAI+ community to make sure that access to reproductive healthcare is equitable and inclusive of all. 

    • Encourage the Department of Health to continue assessing how accessible healthcare is in each neighborhood of the county and develop short and long term solutions for service in low access communities.

    Ensuring that civil rights are safeguarded also means strengthening protections against discrimination by: 

    • Expanding and enforcing county-wide protections against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and socioeconomic status must be prioritized.

    • Requiring ongoing diversity and anti-discrimination training for county employees and contractors and ensuring county hiring practices prioritize equity and inclusivity.  

    We also need to strengthen legal resources for our residents through:

    • Increased funding for the Public Defender’s Office to ensure low-income residents have access to fair legal representation. 

    • Expanding legal aid programs by nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost legal assistance for civil rights cases, including housing, employment, and healthcare access.

  • The conditions in the Allegheny County Jail are inhumane and unacceptable. More than three-quarters of the people incarcerated there are awaiting trial, yet they endure substandard living conditions that violate basic human dignity.  Allegheny County Council can address the issues at the county jail by:

    • Implementing reforms that prioritize safety, accountability, and humane treatment of incarcerated individuals.

    • Ensuring that all individuals have access to adequate food, clothing, hygiene products, and blankets. This includes eliminating the need for incarcerated persons to purchase essentials like hygiene items from the commissary. 

    • Adding additional medical staff to address the chronic lack of healthcare services. 

    Addressing overcrowding and length of stay is also necessary. An alternatives to detention would be to expand diversion programs for non-violent offenders. Strategies to expand diversion programs could include:

    • Implementing problem-solving courts by establishing specialized courts, such as drug and mental health courts, that focus on rehabilitation through mandatory treatment programs. 

      • These courts have been effective in reducing reoffending rates by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.

    • Looking at adopting evidence-based models by looking at successful diversion frameworks from other regions. 

      • The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, which assigns nonviolent drug offenders to case managers who connect them to necessary resources, thereby breaking the cycle of reoffending. 

    • Expanding and enhancing diversion programs, Allegheny County can continue to promote rehabilitation over incarceration. Resulting in improved outcomes for individuals and the community at large while simultaneously reducing the population.. 

    • Advocating for bail reform would reduce reliance on cash bail, which disproportionately impacts low-income individuals and contributes to overcrowding. 

      • Expanding probation-based diversion allows offenders to serve their sentences under probation supervision with conditions like regular check-ins, drug tests, or community-based programs.

    • Strengthening the authority of the Jail Oversight Board to investigate complaints, enforce transparency, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards would increase accountability. 

    As a County Council, I will advocate for reforms that prioritize rehabilitation and ensure inmates receive adequate healthcare, nutrition, and legal support.

  • The City of Pittsburgh has taken bold steps toward decriminalizing marijuana and protecting medical marijuana users in the workplace. I believe Allegheny County should explore steps it can take to follow the City of Pittsburgh’s lead in decriminalizing marijuana. Though the county does not have the authority to legalize and regulate marijuana, it should examine options to adapt and modify legislation passed by Pittsburgh’s City Council so that we’re not arresting people who pose no threat to the community and eliminating arrests for nonviolent offenses. 

    Since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, employers navigated the murky waters of drug testing applicants and employees who hold medical marijuana cards amid a lack of clarity in the law regarding these issues. On September 24, 2024, a new law went into effect in the City of Pittsburgh that provides a guiding beacon for employers in this area. The law protects individuals holding medical marijuana cards from employment discrimination in the workplace based on their cannabis use for medically approved purposes. In other words, the law makes medical marijuana cardholders a protected class under local law.

    The law includes sweeping protections, covering any employer with five or more employees, employment agencies, and labor organizations. In addition to generally prohibiting discrimination against applicants and employees based on their status as medical marijuana patients, the law specifically bars most employers in the city from requiring pre-employment drug testing for marijuana as a condition of employment if an applicant holds a medical marijuana card. Similarly, the law also limits an employer’s right to conduct ongoing marijuana tests for existing employees holding medical marijuana cards as a condition of continued employment, absent a suspicion of impairment or a workplace accident. 

    There are built-in exceptions to the law for certain jobs deemed high-risk or regulated on a state federal level, as well as applicants whose prospective employer is a party to a valid collective bargaining agreement that specifically addresses pre-employment drug testing for applicants who are not protected by the law. Importantly, the law does not mandate that companies allow the use of medical marijuana on their premises, and employers have the right to prohibit workers from being under the influence at work.