Massive Tax Hike Proposed For Pittsburgh Residents

PITTSBURGH, PA — A Pittsburgh City Council member on Monday announced she will propose a 30 percent property tax increase for 2026.

Barbara Warwick, a Democrat representing the city's East End, wants to increase the city real estate tax millage rate from 8.08 mills to 10.48 mills. That’s around $20 more a month, per $100,000 of property value.

Warwick's proposal comes despite the fact that outgoing Mayor Ed Gainey has proposed a $678 million operating budget that does not include a tax increase. Warwick has been an ally of Gainey, who gives way to Mayor-elect Corey O'Connor next month.

“This is something no elected official wants to do, but it is the responsible thing to do,” Warwick said in a statement.

“Times are tough for everyone right now, but after 11 years without a tax increase, the city needs additional revenue in order to keep providing the core services that our residents deserve and depend on. “It is our responsibility to fill these budgetary gaps without cutting the things that make Pittsburgh such a special place to live."

It's unclear how much support Warwick will receive for her proposal, but City Controller Rachael Heisler has called Gainey's budget proposal unrealistic.