2026 Annual Community Meeting

Our Annual Community Meeting this past September was a great success, and we could not have done it without everyone who joined us! We are deeply grateful to our featured speakers for sharing their time and insights. Thank you to the JCC for providing this space for us! Missed the meeting or want to rewatch? Click HERE to watch the recording.

City Park Ranger Supervisor Erica Allwes discussed the city’s Deer Management program, while AJ Herzog (City Department of Planning) and SHUC President Lisa Murphy shared updates on the citywide Comprehensive Plan and the Coalition’s efforts to update the Squirrel Hill Neighborhood Plan. Councilmember Barb Warwick reported on District 5 projects, 2027 budget requests, and the DPW Schenley Park maintenance facility. The City will launch an Engage PGH page for the DPW facility after a new site is found.

Councilmember Erika Strassburger’s office highlighted the Office of Community Health and Safety’s work pairing public safety with behavioral care, and City Controller Rachael Heisler spoke candidly about the city’s budget deficit while answering resident questions. 

We would also like to thank our fantastic SHUC committee chairs and members who highlighted the important work they do and shared how to get involved.

A sincere thank you as well to all the Squirrel Hill community who came out to listen, ask questions, as well as our SHUC board members who where there to represent our organization’s leadership.

Finally, we want to share a special shout-out and congratulations to SHUC’s former Executive Director Maria Cohen! Maria was presented with an official City proclamation co-sponsored by Councilmembers Barb Warwick and Erika Strassburger in honor of her 7 years of outstanding service and dedication to both the Coalition and our Squirrel Hill neighborhood. THANK YOU!

Following up on resident questions about the City budget, the Mayor’s Office provided the following updates on how residents can stay informed or how they can share feedback:

• Mayor O’Connor recently released the 2027 proposed budget that you can view by clicking HERE
• Although the city’s summer engagement sessions were the main period for public feedback on the 2027 budget, you can continue tracking updates by visiting the Engage PGH page clicking HERE. For providing feedback specific to any budget priorities or capital project requests during this fall and winter, please share them with Councilwoman Warwick or Councilwoman Strassburger.