DCED Newsroom • JULY 17, 2026

Governor Shapiro has invested over $26 million in 17 community and economic development projects in North Central and Northwest Pennsylvania, as reported by the DCED Newsroom. The funding is provided through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and aims to enhance economic development, public safety, and infrastructure, among other initiatives. Projects include improvements to public facilities and workforce training programs designed to strengthen local economies and improve quality of life.

Federal Reserve • JULY 15, 2026

The Federal Reserve's Beige Book, published on July 15, 2026, reports modest economic growth across eleven of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts, with one district experiencing no change. Highlights include rising consumer spending, stable auto sales, and modest growth in various sectors, alongside challenges such as increased labor costs and fluctuating agricultural conditions. The report notes moderate price increases and mixed expectations for future inflation, based on insights from contacts outside the Federal Reserve System.

ABC • JULY 14, 2026

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported a decrease in its Construction Backlog Indicator to 8.8 months in June, down 0.3 months from May but up 0.1 months from June 2025. While the Middle States region showed growth, the Northeast experienced a notable contraction. Despite the decline in backlog, the Construction Confidence Index remains positive, with all components exceeding the growth threshold of 50.

Allegheny County Council • JULY 14, 2026

The Allegheny County Council held a regular meeting on July 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM, led by Vice President Palmiere. The meeting included presentations on civic recognitions, public comments on agenda items, and the adoption of several resolutions and ordinances, including amendments to the Grants and Special Accounts Budget for 2026 and a resolution supporting nurses at Magee-Womens Hospital. The meeting concluded with the approval of a motion to adjourn.

Informup - Allegheny County Council • JULY 13, 2026

The Allegheny County Council is set to vote on July 14 to accept a $2.15 million grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, intended to support alternatives to incarceration. Additionally, the council will appoint an interim jail warden following the resignation of current warden Trevor Wingard after 18 months in the position. The proposed "Allegheny One" platform aims to enhance access to county services and is supported by the council’s IT and process improvement committee.

AGC • JULY 10, 2026

The July 10, 2026 report from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) indicates that construction employment increased to 8.33 million in June, with notable gains in nonresidential sectors. In contrast, residential construction employment declined, and overall construction spending showed mixed results, with a slight month-over-month increase but a year-over-year decrease. The report also highlights rising labor costs and varying performance across different construction segments.

Federal Reserve • JULY 8, 2026

The Federal Reserve has released the minutes from the June 2026 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, held on June 16-17, 2026. The FOMC discussed economic conditions, noting inflation at 3.8 percent and stable labor market conditions, while unanimously deciding to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.5 to 3.75 percent. The next FOMC meeting is scheduled for July 28-29, 2026.

Allegheny County Council • JULY 7, 2026

The Allegheny County Council meeting on July 7, 2026, will convene at 5:00 PM in the Gold Room, beginning with standard proceedings. The agenda includes proclamations recognizing local entities and events, public comments, approval of previous meeting minutes, and the appointment of Kendra Whitlock Ingram, Senator Devlin Robinson, and Jim Spencer to the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Additionally, proposed ordinances concerning trail renaming, land acceptance adjacent to county parks, and budget amendments will be discussed before concluding with further public comments.

trepp • JULY 6, 2026

A report published on July 6, 2026, by Trepp outlines key economic indicators influencing the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) decisions following a lackluster June jobs report. The FOMC minutes from the June 16-17 meeting will be released, potentially highlighting a shift towards an interest rate hike. Additionally, the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index for June and data on consumer credit from May will be published, offering insights into supply chain conditions and household borrowing trends.

Informup - Allegheny County Council • JULY 6, 2026

On June 23, 2026, the Allegheny County Council conducted a meeting addressing key issues including a $1.4 billion pension gap and a proposed 18-week paid parental leave policy. The council approved a referendum to remove the budget cap, which will appear on the November ballot, following a 9-6 vote. A resolution supporting nearly 900 newly unionized nurses at Magee-Womens Hospital was also passed, urging UPMC to negotiate a fair contract with the staff.