October 30, 2025
PITTSBURGH, October 30, 2025 – Today County Executive Innamorato and Senator Nick Pisciottano announced the launch of Mon Valley Forward: An Economic Development Strategy. Mon Valley Forward will be funded by Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County and Allegheny County Economic Development and represents a collaborative effort with the County, Senator Pisciottano, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, RIDC, state and federal partners, Mon Valley business and community leaders, and other economic development partners.
The Mon Valley Forward: An Economic Development Strategy will serve as Allegheny County’s primary framework for attracting business investment, creating and retaining quality jobs, supporting existing business growth, and building long-term economic competitiveness in the Mon Valley region. The county is in the midst of launching its countywide comprehensive plan as well, Allegheny Forward, the Mon Valley strategy will buttress the countywide comprehensive planning framework.
The Mon Valley strategy will provide Allegheny County Economic Development with concrete tools for business attraction and retention, site marketing, workforce alignment, and investment leverage, ensuring the Mon Valley can compete effectively for private investment and state/federal economic development resources. This effort will deliver a focused, data-driven, and implementation-ready strategy that provides actionable guidance to Allegheny County Economic Development and its partners. It will emphasize near-term investment readiness, community-aligned economic goals, and a strong connection to both market realities and regional policy priorities.
“This strategy will provide a clear, data-informed roadmap for expanding existing businesses, attracting new ones, to the Mon Valley. Our Economic Development Department has invested more than $115 million in the Mon Valley over the last five years, but we want to be better equipped to make targeted, coordinated investments,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “That’s why this effort is so important. It will help us invest smarter and more strategically, identify high-impact projects, and make sure every dollar we spend moves the Valley forward and creates high-paying jobs right here in Allegheny County.”
“The Mon Valley is often discussed in terms of its past,” said Senator Pisciottano. “This plan is about building a future driven by collaboration, data, and the voices of the people who live here. Together with Allegheny County and our local partners, we are setting the stage for long-term, sustainable revitalization.”
The decline of the Mon Valley following the loss of its heavy manufacturing base is well-documented. Despite decades of investment, including nearly $115M in financing and grants over the past five years that Allegheny County has administered, many communities have struggled to regain economic momentum. Mon Valley Forward represents a new, collaborative approach that unites state, county, and local leaders with residents and businesses to deliver relevant and useful data that will help chart a clear path forward.
“The County’s comprehensive plan, Allegheny Forward, will shape how we evolve and grow as a county. It will give us a new approach to connect housing, jobs, infrastructure, and opportunity to ensure that every part of our county shares in the region’s prosperity. And the work we’re pursuing through a specific Mon Valley plan will only bolster that” said Lauren Connelly, Director of Allegheny County Economic Development. “By linking a strategy for Mon Valley to Allegheny Forward, we’re making sure the Valley is at the center of the County’s economic future, not on the sidelines.”
In addition to Senator Pisciottano, County Executive Innamorato, Allegheny County Economic Development, and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Mon Valley Forward will be developed in partnership with regional stakeholders, including municipal officials, business owners, labor representatives, and community partners including:
Allegheny Forward is a vision for the county’s future and an actionable roadmap to achieve it. It sets policies for development, redevelopment, conservation, and economic initiatives. Throughout 2025 and 2026, Allegheny County will work to develop the new comprehensive plan and conduct public engagement to identify the issues the plan should address, the ways the county can address them, and how the county can best support its partners in addressing them.
Mon Valley Forward will be executed on a faster timeline than the countywide comprehensive plan. The data, analysis, and findings from this effort will be directly integrated into and inform the countywide comprehensive plan, providing the foundation for its future work in the Mon Valley. Both efforts are being led by a shared, integrated consultant team (SmithGroup, OHM, and Pashek) to ensure this strategic coordination is seamless.
Public engagement sessions and stakeholder meetings will be scheduled in the coming months to ensure that community perspectives are at the center of the planning process for both the Mon Valley-focused and countywide planning projects.
Learn more about Mon Valley Forward.
October 30, 2025
Family shares joy and gratitude; asks for privacy as they settle in at home
West Mifflin, PA, October, 30, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and his wife, Molly Pisciottano, are delighted to announce the birth of their twins, Oliver Thomas and Gwendolyn Rose, on October 28, 2025 at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Oliver arrived at 4:11 PM, weighing 5 lb 12 oz and measuring 19.5 inches. Gwendolyn arrived at 4:13 PM, weighing 4 lb 13 oz and measuring 17 inches.
“We feel very blessed,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Molly and I are grateful to the exceptional medical team at Magee-Womens Hospital, and to our family, friends, and neighbors for the love and support we’ve felt throughout this journey.”
“We’re soaking in every moment with these two,” said Molly Pisciottano. “Thank you for your kind wishes and prayers. We can’t wait for our twins to meet the community that already loves them.”
The Pisciottano family extends sincere thanks to the exceptional doctors, nurses, and advanced practitioners, as well as the staff at Magee-Womens Hospital who make miracles seem routine using their knowledge, skills, and compassion to help growing families.
The twins join their 4-year old son Nico, who is thrilled to welcome his new brother and sister. The couple kindly asks for privacy as they settle in at home and adjust to life as a family of 5.
Senator Nick and Molly Pisciottano welcome newborn twins, Oliver and Gwendolyn, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, October 30, 2025.
Scheduling Note: Senator Pisciottano will take parental leave to support Molly and the babies. His district and Capitol offices remain open and accessible to constituents. Find more information about the Senator’s district and satellite office locations and times here, and learn more about the services and resources his offices offer here.
October 16, 2025
McKeesport, PA, October 16, 2025 – Hundreds of local seniors gathered at the McKeesport Palisades on Thursday morning for the Senior Wellness and Safety Expo hosted by State Senator Nick Pisciottano and State Representative Dan Goughnour.
State Representative Dan Goughnour and State Senator Nick Pisciottano
The free event, held from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, featured health screenings, flu shots, safety resources, door prizes, refreshments, and live entertainment. More than 40 community organizations and service providers participated, offering information on healthcare, financial assistance, veteran support, and senior safety programs.
“This event is about ensuring our older neighbors have access to the resources they need to live healthy, independent, and secure lives,” said Senator Pisciottano. “We’re grateful to the organizations who came out today to support our seniors and to everyone who took the time to attend.”
Local seniors enjoyed live music and door prizes throughout the event while connecting with state agencies and nonprofit partners. The annual expo aims to promote wellness and provide easy access to trusted information and services for older adults in Allegheny County.
“McKeesport and the surrounding communities are filled with people who care deeply about one another,” said Representative Goughnour. “It’s encouraging to see so many residents come together to learn, connect, and take proactive steps for their health and well-being.”
The event was free and open to the public.
For more information about future events, contact Senator Pisciottano’s Director of External Affairs at Alison.Piccolino@pasenate.com.
October 15, 2025
Harrisburg, PA, October 15, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and State Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) today announced plans to introduce a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) to study Pennsylvania’s participation in the PJM Interconnection LLC, the regional transmission organization that manages the electric grid across much of the Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Midwest.
As energy demand continues to rise, Pennsylvania consumers are seeing their utility bills increase despite the Commonwealth being the second-largest energy producer in the nation. The resolution being introduced by Senators Pisciottano and Miller seeks to ensure that Pennsylvania’s ratepayers, producers, and consumers are being adequately represented and protected within PJM’s governance structure.
The move by the lawmakers comes as Governor Josh Shapiro intensifies calls for reform at PJM, waring that Pennsylvania may consider its membership if the grid operator fails to make meaningful changes to its governance structure and pricing mechanisms.
“Pennsylvania’s families and businesses are paying the price for a power grid that no longer prioritizes their needs,” said Senator Pisciottano. “We generate more energy than almost any other state, yet our residents are facing higher bills and less control. It’s time to evaluate if our participation in PJM is serving the Commonwealth’s best interests.”
For nearly a century, Pennsylvania has worked in collaboration with neighboring states to leverage the region’s energy potential, creating economic growth and affordable energy for its residents. However, Pisciottano noted that the balance has begun to shift, raising questions about oversight, a lack of accountability to protect consumers, and the long-term sustainability of the energy market.
“On behalf of every customer in Pennsylvania, we must consider all options to rein in unnecessary costs,” said Senator Miller. “Residents should see their state government working to make expenses more affordable. With this study, we’re re-focusing on regulatory, environmental, and energy perspectives to address utility costs.”
The proposed JSGC study will evaluate:
- Whether Pennsylvania’s membership in PJM adequately protects ratepayers and producers;
- How PJM’s governance structure represents the Commonwealth’s interests;
- Whether reforms would strengthen Pennsylvania’s influence, such as state representation on PJM’s board or expanded state filing rights with federal regulators; and
- What alternative models could ensure more reliable, affordable, and consumer-focused energy delivery.
“This study is about accountability,” Senator Pisciottano added. “It’s clear that the status quo isn’t working, and we cannot continue down this path without putting our interests first. We need a thorough review to determine how Pennsylvania can restore its voice in the energy decisions that directly impact our economy and our families.”
Pisciottano and Miller emphasized that this effort is nonpartisan and rooted in a shared goal of ensuring fair treatment for Pennsylvania’s ratepayers. The study is the first step toward restoring trust, improving transparency, and putting consumers back at the center of Pennsylvania’s energy policy.
October 7, 2025
During this episode of “Nick in Your Neighborhood,” I visit Firewhistle Brewing in the heart of Elizabeth Borough, a brewery and taproom that’s quickly making a name for itself across Pennsylvania. Founded by volunteer firefighter and beer enthusiast, Jason Berman, Firewhistle Brewing blends community, craftsmanship, and character into every pour.
What began as a passion project in a former jewelry store has grown into a neighborhood hub, featuring a full bar with handcrafted cocktails and a lineup of traditional beers brewed with care and respect for time-honored methods. When the town’s fire siren sounds from the station above, Jason answers the call while the Firewhistle family keeps the taps flowing.
With its vibrant atmosphere, community events, and growing statewide reach, Firewhistle Brewing is sounding the alarm for local pride and connection one pint at a time.
September 25, 2025
McKeesport, PA, September 25, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today welcomed constituents, local officials, and community leaders to his newly renovated McKeesport District Office during an open house event that highlighted the services available to constituents.
The event, held on Thursday, September 25 from 3 to 6 PM at the Public Safety Building on Lysle Boulevard, drew dozens of visitors who toured the updated office, met district staff, and learned about the range of services the office provides.
“I was proud to showcase the work we’ve done to make the McKeesport District Office more accessible and welcoming,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Our office exists to serve the people of this community, whether it’s helping with PennDOT paperwork, property tax and rent rebates, unemployment claims, or veterans’ benefits. I want everyone to know that we are here to help.”
The renovations at the McKeesport office focused on improving accessibility, creating more space for constituent meetings, and updating technology to better assist residents. During the open house, staff shared information on how the office can assist constituents, including free senior bus passes, unclaimed property, property tax and rent rebates, unemployment compensation, and more.
Local leaders and community members who attended expressed appreciation for the Senator’s accessibility and commitment.
The McKeesport District Office is located in the Public Safety Building at 201 Lysle Boulevard, Suite 100, McKeesport, PA 15132. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday, and constituents may walk in, call 412-664-5200, email PASenatorNick@pasenate.com, or visit PASenatorNick.com for assistance.
September 20, 2025
Harrisburg, PA − September 20, 2025 − Following Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meetings last week, Pennsylvania State Senators Maria Collett (D-Montgomery), Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) release the following statement:
“Like many of our constituents, we have been appalled by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s anti-vaccine bias and alarmed by politically motivated changes to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The nation has watched as this administration attempts to restrict or eliminate the use of life-saving immunizations without scientific justification.
“When vaccines are politicized and public health experts are demonized, public health suffers.
“Here in Pennsylvania, we are doing everything we can to ensure residents can access the lifesaving care they need. We’re introducing legislation that would require insurance coverage for vaccines approved by the FDA and recommended by professional medical societies – independent of ACIP’s determinations. Because national politics and unnecessary cost barriers should never stop Pennsylvanians from protecting their health and their families.”
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September 16, 2025
McKees Rocks − September 16, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine housing affordability and seeking solutions to a growing issue across Pennsylvania.
“Housing affordability continues to be a major issue across Pennsylvania,” said Senator Miller. “I understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the housing crisis impacting our region and beyond. However, as a Commonwealth, we have the opportunity to lead the conversation and showcase our dedication to accessible and independent housing for our community members, allowing individuals to stay in their homes and enjoy the freedom to live comfortably.”
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“Every family who calls Pennsylvania home deserves a safe, affordable place to live and make memories,” said Senate Democratic Leader Costa. “Senate Democrats have been laser-focused on delivering on this core value, working across the aisle to provide working families with the tools, funding, and protections they need to secure a safe home they can afford. I am always delighted to convene leaders in the housing space to discuss strategies for creating more affordable housing, and I look forward to working alongside them as we work to achieve homes for every Pennsylvanian.”
“Too many Pennsylvanians are forced to choose between paying rent and meeting other basic needs,” said Senator Pisciottano. “This lack of affordable housing is holding back families, workers, and employers across our Commonwealth, and we must advance real solutions to ensure our communities, and our economy can thrive.”
“I’m grateful to today’s testifiers for highlighting the need for more paths to affordable homeownership,” said Senator Williams. “Corporate greed has made this path harder for so many Pennsylvanians, as out-of-state landlords buy up properties in what were once affordable neighborhoods. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home to live in and I look forward to working with my colleagues on policy that will make homeownership more attainable.”
“Increasing the availability of affordable housing is key to Western Pennsylvania’s growth and competitiveness moving forward,” said Senator Fontana. “We have several tools at our disposal to address housing affordability in our region and today’s hearing illustrated the importance of all levels of government working with our community-based partners to effectively utilize them.”
Jason Tigano, Founder and CEO of LEVEL: Equity Building (LEVEL), explained the long-term solutions he has identified with his organization.
“As you know, quality affordable homeownership is one of our nation’s greatest challenges. Strong communities begin with stable residents who are invested in their neighborhoods,” said Tigano. “LEVEL is the long-term solution to creating a pathway for hardworking Pennsylvanians to attain the American Dream of owning their own home.”
Tigano stated in his testimony, “LEVEL prepares communities, homeowners, and homes together. We make affordable homeownership attainable to ensure generational stability and prosperity for neighborhoods and those who live in them.”
Rich Stephenson, Executive Director of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, provided insights into the affordable housing landscape and ongoing initiatives within Allegheny County. In addition, Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy for the Office of the Allegheny County Executive, discussed the “500 in 500” initiative, which was launched in June 2024. This initiative aims to assist individuals experiencing homelessness by creating 500 affordable housing units within a span of 500 days in Allegheny County.
Further testimony emphasized the several tools Pennsylvania has to its disposal to address housing affordability and the recommendations from testifiers to help with growing issue in Pennsylvania.
Testimony
- Rich Stephenson, Executive Director – Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy – Office of Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
- James Eash, Real Estate Director – Action Housing
- Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., President & CEO – Greater Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity
- Jason Tigano, CEO – LEVEL: Equity Building
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his tenth as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to providing access to affordable and health housing at www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
Download Agenda
Allegheny County’s Outlook and Efforts
- Rich Stephenson, Executive Director – Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy – Office of Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
Community Based Solutions and Actions
James Eash, Real Estate Director – Action Housing
September 15, 2025
Allegheny County, PA, September 15, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today presented a $25,000 state grant to the Allegheny County Police Mounted Unit to purchase large animal rescue equipment, including specialized tools designed to safely lift or move a downed horse and to rescue a person pinned beneath a large animal.
“This investment ensures that the Mounted Unit has the right tools to respond quickly and safely in the event of an emergency,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Whether it’s protecting the wellbeing of their horses or rescuing a someone in distress, this equipment will give officers the ability to handle complex, high-risk situations with confidence and care.”
The Allegheny County Police Mounted Unit, established in 1932, is one of the longest continuously operating mounted units in Pennsylvania. Today, the unit consists of seven horses stabled in South Park’s Historic Round Barn near the fairgrounds. The Mounted Unit serves multiple roles: patrolling county parks, engaging in community outreach, participating in ceremonies and parades, and providing crowd management during large-scale events.
Earlier this year, members of the Mounted Unit attended specialized training in large animal rescue and identified a critical need for equipment that could save both animals and people during emergencies.
“We’re grateful to Senator Pisciottano for his efforts in helping us secure this vital equipment,” said Sgt. Jason Donaldson of the Allegheny County Police Department. “These resources will provide an additional layer of protection for our Mounted Unit and can also be utilized throughout our community when emergencies arise.”
Senator Pisciottano emphasized the importance of the Mounted Unit as a vital law enforcement resource and a longstanding community presence.
“Generations of residents have connected with these horses,” Senator Pisciottano added. “This grant ensures their safety while also enhancing the unit’s ability to serve our community.”
September 12, 2025
Allegheny County, PA, September 12, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) announced that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has approved $5,556,390 in grant funding in Allegheny County through programs designed to support victims, strengthen public safety, and prevent violence.
“I am happy to support these awards to organizations in Allegheny County working to help survivors,” said Senator Pisciottano. “These grants are intended to protect our communities and support victims of crime.”
The following organizations serving Allegheny County were awarded funding:
- Center for Victims – $1,318,088 in Federal Victims of Crime (VOCA) Funds
- Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh – $1,204,669 in Federal VOCA Funds
- Pittsburgh Action Against Rape – $1,033,593 in Federal VOCA Funds for sexual assault and trafficked victims
- Neighborhood Legal Services Association – $613,516 in Federal VOCA Funds for Legal Aid for domestic violence survivors & crime victims
- Alle-Kiski Area Hope Center – $507,208 in Federal VOCA Funds
- Crisis Center North – $488,981 in Federal VOCA Funds for core and mobile counseling services
- Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer – $217,498 in Federal VOCA Funds
- A Child’s Place PA – $167,104 in Federal VOCA Funds
- CASA of Allegheny County – $5,733 in Federal VOCA Funds for Training of CASA Volunteers
More information about the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the grants it awards can be found here.
