Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is Pennsylvania’s only city of the second class (population 250,000 – 999,999), and therefore has its own state statute. The city adopted its home rule charter in 1974.

CITY COUNCIL

The mayor, who is elected, has broad administrative power. He or she can appoint and remove personnel, is responsible for preparing the annual budget, recommends measures for the consideration of council and may veto legislation which may be overridden by a two-thirds majority of the council.

The council — nine members elected by district.

The controller – elected, serves a four-year term.

POTENTIALLY USEFUL INFORMATION

Pittsburgh’s charter calls for a community advisory board system to review zoning, social and physical plans.

Council sets compensation of elected officials, but compensation annot be increased or changed during their elected term of office.

The city charter mandates a personnel system for appointment, promotion and removal of all employees based on merit and fitness.

City employees are members of retirement systems. Retirement for police and firefighters is administered separately from that of other employees.