Despite tight margins in Pittsburgh’s 2026 budget and unresolved issues with declining property tax rates, officials said they feel the city is still in a strong financial position.

Mayor Ed Gainey’s administration has long maintained that the city’s finances are in good shape, despite pushback from city council members, the city controller and continued concerns that spending is outpacing revenue.

In Mr. Gainey’s proposed 2026 budget — the last his administration will present — officials anticipate bringing in only $500,000 more than they spend, five-year forecasts showing real estate tax revenue shrinking and taking the rainy-day fund with it.

But Director of the Office of Management and Budget Jake Pawlak believes the “financial picture moving into the future looks strong.”

The 2026

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