50 Leaders Give Their Rx for Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor, Pt. V

Eitor’s Note: We asked Pittsburgh leaders to give their prescriptions for Mayor Corey O’Connor on how to build a bright future for Pittsburgh. Their answers follow.

Previously in this series: 50 Leaders Give Their Rx for Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor, Pt. IV

Jerad Bacher, President & CEO, VisitPITTSBURGH
Now is the time to intentionally forge what’s next for Pittsburgh. Defined by grit, authenticity, and reinvention, we must continue creating the next chapter — aligning our community around a shared vision. There is a powerful opportunity to champion Pittsburgh as a globally relevant destination that never stops forging forward.

Incredible investments are being made, with bold plans coming from leadership on all levels. Tourism continues to grow, and the depth of our city is unmatched. The work ahead remains critical. Key priorities include increasing the economic benefit of tourism, attracting and retaining talent, elevating our neighborhoods, and providing seamless access for residents and visitors. And because it all starts with a visit, we must invest in our tourism workforce—those who bring Pittsburgh’s first-class experiences to life.

Together, we can position Pittsburgh to exceed expectations, bridging a storied past with a vibrant future that fuels economic growth and civic pride.

Audrey Russo, President & CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council
Mayor O’Connor, I came to Pittsburgh for an Alcoa job with no family, no friends here—just opportunity. This small big city wrapped itself around me like a blanket, and I chose to stay, to lead, to invest everything I have in its future.

At your first in-office meeting, we began a partnership I am deeply committed to. Your instinct is exactly right—you are Pittsburgh’s chief champion, already making calls to businesses asking “what can I do for you?” That is the leadership this moment demands.

I represent 1,000 technology companies and 37,580 workers ready to help you craft the narrative: Why now? Why Pittsburgh? Because we are the region with the diversity of building stuff that lasts.

Let’s partner on what works: clean streets, vibrant neighborhoods which represent the best of yesterday at the same time, focus on tomorrow; developing a burgeoning downtown, permitting that moves, and entry-level pathways through programs like Apprenti. Use city offices to create measurable opportunities for companies and challenging development deals to deliver careers, not just headlines. Compel the rest of us to rise tides and use our own civic muscle to support this.

Put us on the global map by mastering the fundamentals—the infrastructure that positions Pittsburgh for the greatness we actually are. Be the voice that not only knits us together but also forges us ahead for the next iteration of our best selves.

Gregg Perelman and Todd Reidbord, Walnut Capital/Bakery Square
We have a new Mayor to lead, not only our City, but the entire Pittsburgh region. Corey O’Connor is unquestionably the right person to take on the challenges and opportunities to advance Pittsburgh as the center for educating the world on how AI can be utilized to improve productivity and results for everyone. Whether through traditional legacy manufacturing companies, to assistive technology for people with disabilities, to physical AI and robotics, Pittsburgh is positioned to lead in innovation and results. Mayor O’Connor needs to develop and implement a specific strategy and brand for Pittsburgh to take nationwide and worldwide. We need to attract the best and the brightest from all over the world, to improve our economy and make Pittsburgh a better place for everyone. He needs to call on the thought leaders in our region to assist him. Everyone we know wants to help, believes in Pittsburgh and is ready to roll up their sleeves. The challenge for the Mayor, and all of us, is to act now.

Chris Brussalis, President, Point Park University
Downtown Pittsburgh is the living pulse of our city, a place of possibility, creativity, and renewal. As the only university located at its core, Point Park experiences both the momentum and the promise of this vibrant neighborhood every day. The future of Pittsburgh depends on how boldly we imagine Downtown’s next chapter, one where learning, innovation, and community thrive together. Point Park is committed to being one of the most dynamic urban universities in America, serving as a catalyst for Pittsburgh’s Renaissance III — a new era of transformation that redefines what a great urban center can be. Through initiatives such as our new Center for Civic and Community Engagement, we are building collaborations that spark vitality across the region. By uniting vision with action, we can ensure that Downtown remains a hub of opportunity, ambition, and pride for generations to come.

Jim Newell, Chairman & CEO, Buchanan
Buchanan is 100 percent committed to Mayor O’Connor’s mission to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh. Our 175 years here, and our move a few years ago to the historic Union Trust Building, reflect our deep roots in the city and our strong commitment to its future. A challenge is to convince people across the region to think in terms of what’s in the best interests of the city and surrounding communities to permit it to thrive, economically and culturally. The mayor should strive to remove existing barriers to economic development and open doors to advance new technologies, including those needed for energy-intense AI data centers and related infrastructure across the region. Collaboration with business leaders will be a key to creating the city we all want to live and work in, one that keeps our children and grandchildren here and attracts new talent and companies.

Bobbi Watt Geer, President & CEO, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania
At United Way, we see that conditions are increasingly challenging for people who live in our region and the nonprofits providing assistance. According to United Way’s latest ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) report, 38 percent of families in our five-county region do not earn enough to meet their basic needs. We’ve set an aspirational goal at United Way to lift 6,600 households above the ALICE threshold and into financial stability.

We can do this if leaders across all sectors collaborate with us around such critical issues as safe and affordable housing, access to affordable and quality child care, and educational and career training options that put family-sustaining wages in reach for everyone. We welcome the mayor’s focus and partnership on these core quality-of-life issues and encourage all elected officials to rely on the data from United Way’s 211 contact center to understand community needs and mobilize with us.

Donald C. Bluedorn II, Managing Shareholder, Babst Calland
We’re excited about Mayor O’Connor’s election and see four key priorities for the first 18 months.

Public safety: The city must be welcoming and safe for residents, city workers and visitors. An appropriately staffed and trained Bureau of Police is key, and we are happy to see that the mayor already has recruited Jason Lando to serve as the bureau’s acting police chief.

Development and permitting: The city must streamline and shorten its approval processes, and create a clear, predictable framework for growth and economic development across key business and industry sectors. Energy, advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and data center development present significant opportunities for job creation and regional competitiveness.

City finances: As the former county controller, Mayor O’Connor is uniquely qualified and positioned to address this.
Government accessibility: Meaningful engagement with businesses, labor, community leaders, and residents will help align economic growth with sustainability, and we are pleased to see that Mayor O’Connor started this engagement on day one of his term.