title
Resolution amending and supplementing Resolution entitled, “Resolution establishing a Task Force on Sustainable Funding for the Pittsburgh Land Bank to develop recommendations for long-term financial stability,” by establishing a Steering Committee to serve as the core body of the Task Force.
body
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Land Bank was established pursuant to Act 153 of 2012 and City of Pittsburgh Ordinance Chapter 174A as a separate public entity to acquire, manage, and dispose of vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, the Land Bank received $10 million in operating budget funding from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars in the City of Pittsburgh budget, which was subsequently reduced to $7 million in the 2023 budget and further reduced to $3.5 million in the 2024 budget; and
WHEREAS, the Land Bank serves as a critical tool to support equitable development, neighborhood stabilization, affordable housing, and public reuse of land across the City of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Land Bank Board of Directors has strengthened its operational leadership and governance structure in alignment with its enabling legislation; and
WHEREAS, despite these efforts, the Land Bank lacks a guaranteed source of recurring revenue and faces a projected funding shortfall beyond fiscal year 2026; and
WHEREAS, the long-term success of the Land Bank requires strategic investments and sustainable funding mechanisms, which may include public appropriations, dedicated revenue sources, philanthropic support, and land-based income models; and
WHEREAS, City Council is committed to ensuring that the Land Bank can fulfill its mission in coordination with city departments and partner agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Sustainable Funding for the Pittsburgh Land Bank Task Force.
A. The Sustainable Funding for the Pittsburgh Land Bank Task Force is hereby established to:
1. Evaluate and recommend long-term funding strategies that will support the Land Bank’s operations and mission.
B. The Task Force shall be comprised of up to 9 persons and shall include the following:
1. The Chair of the Pittsburgh Land Bank Board, who shall serve as Chair of the Sustainable Funding for the Pittsburgh Land Bank Task Force
2. The Acting Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Land Bank
3. The Chair of City Council’s Committee on Finance and Law
4. A representative from the Mayor’s Office, to be designated by the Mayor
5. A representative from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), to be designated by the Executive Director of the URA
6. A representative from the Department of City Planning, to be designated by the Director of City Planning
7. City Council Budget Director
8. A representative from the Office of Management and Budget, to be designated by the Director of Management and Budget
9. The Finance Chair of the Pittsburgh Land Bank
C. A Steering Committee of the Task Force is hereby established to serve as the core coordinating body. The Steering Committee shall include the following:
1. The Chair of the Pittsburgh Land Bank
2. The Chair of City Council’s Committee on Finance and Law
3. A representative from the Mayor’s Office, to be designated by the Mayor
4. A representative from the Office of Management and Budget, to be designated by the Director of Management and Budget
D. The Steering Committee shall:
1. Meet regularly to advance the objectives of the Task Force;
2. Coordinate the efforts of the broader Task Force, convening the full membership or specific members as appropriate; and
3. Report back to the full Task Force to ensure transparency and alignment.
Section 2. Purpose.
A. The Sustainable Funding for the Pittsburgh Land Bank Task Force shall be charged with:
1. Reviewing the current and projected financial position of the Pittsburgh Land Bank;
2. Exploring models used by other land banks nationally;
3. Identifying potential public, private, and hybrid funding sources; and
4. Recommending actionable strategies for recurring support, including legislative or budgetary options.
Section 3. Reporting.
A. The Sustainable Funding for the Pittsburgh Land Bank Task Force shall deliver a written set of recommendations to City Council and the Land Bank Board no later than six (6) months from the date of its first meeting.
Section 4. Support.
A. The Chair of the Task Force shall work with City Council to provide administrative and logistical support as needed.
Section 5. Effective Date.
A. This resolution shall take effect immediately.