Pittsburgh Council creates LGBTQ commission, passes bill to address racial inequities

Pittsburgh City Council Tuesday unanimously approved legislation designed to help erase Pittsburgh’s racial imbalances and make the city more welcoming to LGBTQIA+ people.

Members passed the separate bills unanimously and without discussion.

Councilmen Ricky Burgess and R. Daniel Lavelle pushed legislation that includes a five-point platform for improving conditions for Black residents. It calls for the city to provide violence prevention, social service, workforce and entrepreneurial development programs, low-income housing and economic development opportunities for residents.

It also calls on the city to support national Black Lives Matter and Black Communities Matter movements.

Burgess previously said Pittsburgh must provide funding to rebuild business districts in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Mayor Bill Peduto proposed the creation of an 11-member LGBTQIA+ commission, saying it would help make Pittsburgh a welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors.

The legislation calls on the commission to hold monthly public meetings, conduct studies, seek out best practices and develop advocacy programs to help make Pittsburgh more inclusive and equitable. It’s also designed to serve as liaison between the city and residents, create cultural competency training for city employees and produce annual reports for City Council.