Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey looks to modify Office of Management and Budget

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is asking City Council to consider legislation that would modify the duties and structure of the Office of Management and Budget.

The measure would move some positions currently housed in the Mayor’s Office to the Office of Management and Budget, establish a deputy director position for the office and create two distinct divisions — a division of management and a division of budget.

Among the positions to move from the Mayor’s Office to the Office of Management and Budget is the role of chief operating and administrative officer. Gainey appointed Lisa Frank to that position.

Moving positions such as Frank’s into the Office of Management and Budget puts them “in closer collaboration and coordination with the budget team,” said Jake Pawlak, who is awaiting City Council confirmation to become director of the Office of Management and Budget. Pending approval, Pawlak also would be appointed deputy mayor.

The office was previously tasked with developing and overseeing the city’s annual operating budget, capital budget and special revenue funds and managing sustainable procurement policies.

The proposed legislation would add new responsibilities to the office, like coordinating daily functions of city government and increased collaboration with other city departments on behalf of the mayor.

“It’s a small change, but one we feel will be beneficial to implementing Mayor Gainey’s vision” of city government, Pawlak said.

The measure, introduced by City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith, was advanced Wednesday and could be ready for a final vote as early as next week.