In the near future, I will introduce legislation that will modernize and stabilize the Allegheny County hotel tax by authorizing the county to leverage the tax to create a dedicated capital fund to support ongoing revitalization and development efforts.
 
When Governor Shapiro announced the historic investment of nearly $600 million to improve and revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh, he cited the need to ensure Downtown is a hub of innovation, opportunity, and culture.
 
With a portion of the county’s hotel tax authority set to expire in 2027, it is vitally important that the county retains the financial tools required to ensure the momentum that Southwestern Pennsylvania is currently experiencing continues into the future. My legislation would remove the sunset and authorize the county to increase the hotel tax by 2% to further support that momentum. 
 
The additional revenue generated will enhance the current allocations to tourism organizations in Pittsburgh and Monroeville, and will establish a new public Downtown Development Authority which will have the ability to issue bonds for investment in public improvements and transformational projects downtown including public spaces, infrastructure needs, and riverfront improvements in the public realm.
 
I hope you will consider joining me in co-sponsoring this piece of legislation.