Informup - Pittsburgh City Council • OCTOBER 2, 2026

The Pittsburgh City Council has expressed support for a proposed 12-week paid parental leave policy, urging Allegheny County lawmakers to implement it for businesses with 15 or more employees. Concurrently, the ROOTS drop-in center for unhoused residents has closed permanently due to an expired lease, raising concerns among advocates about the loss of vital services. While some funding for ROOTS may appear in the Mayor's preliminary budget for 2027, the future of a physical location remains uncertain.

trepp • OCTOBER 2, 2026

A Trepp report published on October 2, 2026, reveals that the commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) delinquency rate rose by 17 basis points to 8.02% in September 2026, driven by significant defaults on five individual loans. Increased delinquency rates were reported across four of the five main property categories, with multifamily, lodging, and office sectors seeing notable rises, while the retail sector experienced a decline. The September 2026 Delinquency Report offers detailed data on these trends and specific readings for each property type.

AGC Construction Data • OCTOBER 2, 2026

A report from AGC Construction Data reveals that construction firms added 11,000 jobs in September 2026, marking a 1.3% increase in employment over the past year, significantly above the total nonfarm employment rise of 0.3%. The report indicates that all job gains were attributed to nonresidential contractors, while wages in the sector rose by 4.3%. Additionally, the number of jobseekers with recent construction experience decreased by 11%, highlighting ongoing workforce challenges.

AGC Construction Data • OCTOBER 1, 2026

A report from AGC Construction Data, published on October 1, 2026, indicates that construction spending rose by 0.9% in August but remains 1.7% lower than the previous year. The increase was attributed to growth in data center and power projects, while manufacturing and residential sectors showed declines. AGC raised concerns about potential challenges to future growth, including labor shortages and rising material costs, and called for Congress to pass a long-term highway bill soon after the upcoming Election Day.

AGC Construction Data • SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

A recent AGC Construction Data report reveals that construction employment increased in 177 out of 360 U.S. metro areas, or 49%, from August 2025 to August 2026. Key contributors to this growth include data centers, power projects, and advanced manufacturing.

DCED Newsroom • SEPTEMBER 28, 2026

The Shapiro Administration has initiated the development of affordable housing projects in downtown Pittsburgh, breaking ground on the Beacon Communities initiative that will introduce 327 housing units. This effort is part of the Governor's Downtown Pittsburgh Revitalization plan, aimed at improving the city's livability and accessibility. The investment aims to bolster the local economy and expand housing options for residents.

Goldman Sachs • SEPTEMBER 23, 2026

A September report from Goldman Sachs raises concerns about a potential "earnings bubble" in the S&P 500, noting a remarkable 51% year-over-year growth in earnings per share (EPS) for the second quarter, compared to a historical average of 7%. Despite the projected deceleration in earnings growth, Goldman strategists expect a rise in the S&P 500 to 8,700 within the next year, driven significantly by AI investment, with nearly half of the anticipated EPS growth for 2026 linked to this sector. The report implies that while equity valuations appear justified, uncertainties regarding AI profitability may temper future growth.

Pittsburgh City Council • SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

The Pittsburgh City Council will hold a regular meeting on September 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Council Chambers, presided over by President R. Daniel Lavelle. The agenda includes resolutions for various agreements, funding adjustments, and proclamations, and will also provide a platform for public comments and updates on existing projects.

Allegheny County Council • SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

The Allegheny County Council held a regular meeting on September 22, 2026, where various items were discussed, including the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Key agenda items included proclamations recognizing local organizations, a motion to approve an appointment to the Board of Property Assessment Appeals, and an ordinance to amend the Administrative Code regarding data center usage on county-owned property. The meeting concluded with motions related to Emergency Medical System funding and legal interventions, followed by public comments and adjournment.

DCED Newsroom • SEPTEMBER 21, 2026

Governor Shapiro has secured a $42 million investment from Tandem Foods to expand manufacturing operations in O'Hara Township, Allegheny County. The Shapiro Administration is contributing $420,000 toward this expansion, which is anticipated to create 83 new jobs in the region. This investment supports ongoing efforts to enhance local economies through significant private sector contributions.