Pittsburgh Mayoral Race Centers on Affordable Housing Data Dispute

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has faced criticism from his Democratic primary opponent, Corey O’Connor, over claims that his administration has 'delivered' 1,600 affordable housing units during his tenure. While Gainey touts this figure as evidence of significant progress, only about 500 of these units have actually been completed, with the rest either under construction or having secured financing. The remaining units also include projects where the city has preserved existing affordable housing from conversion to market-rate or closure. O’Connor accuses Gainey of misleading the public by conflating completed, in-progress, and preserved units in his total. This debate over housing numbers has become a focal point in the mayoral primary, highlighting the importance of transparency and accuracy regarding affordable housing development in Pittsburgh.