What Pittsburgh’s mayoral candidates think about tech, housing, jobs and startup growth

Who should help shape Pittsburgh’s future as an innovation hub? This spring’s primary election could decide.

Pittsburgh voters head to the polls on May 20 to choose nominees for the 2025 mayoral race. Selections from each party will face off in November’s general election, with the winner set to lead the city through the end of the decade. In the primary, two candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination, and two are seeking the Republican nod.

Given that a Democrat has held the mayor’s office since 1934, the winner of the Democratic primary is often considered the presumptive favorite. Mayor Ed Gainey, who took office back in 2022, is seeking a second term. He faces a challenge from Corey O’Connor, a former City Council member and former Allegheny County controller. 

On the Republican side, retired police officer Tony Moreno is making another run for the office, this time facing business owner Thomas West. 

To help voters who care about innovation make a more informed decision, Technical.ly asked each of the candidates to weigh in on issues critical to Pittsburgh’s future, with questions developed in collaboration with local technologists and entrepreneurs. 

Their responses cover topics like expanding access to tech jobs, preserving housing affordability and supporting local startups. 

While incumbent Gainey lays out the programs, partnerships and investments he’s made during his time as mayor and emphasizes building on these efforts, Dem challenger O’Connor critiques the city’s current approach as too passive and calls for more proactive leadership, such as creating a dedicated support unit for new businesses within the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.

On the other hand, Republican candidate Moreno says issues across Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem can be addressed through building community-centered infrastructure tied to responsible AI and data technologies, arguing that growth in these sectors will naturally drive employment, training and services in underserved areas. West did not respond to multiple requests to participate in the questionnaire.

Read on to see how the candidates plan to address these challenges and opportunities.

Each candidate was asked to keep their responses to 150 words or fewer — and they mostly complied. Answers below have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

EQUITABLE ACCESS

How do you plan to increase equitable access to high-paying tech jobs in Pittsburgh? 

Gainey: As mayor, I launched Pathways to Prosperity to build real pathways from Pittsburgh classrooms into high-paying, 21st century careers. We’re partnering with Pittsburgh Public Schools, local companies, and labor unions to offer paid co-ops for high school seniors and hands-on training that keeps our young people rooted in the city. We’re also expanding youth employment programs like Learn & Earn and working closely with Partner4Work and regional employers to connect more students to real opportunities. And through our Pittsburgh Good Jobs Principles and equitable development agreements, we’re holding companies accountable to hiring locally, investing in training and creating family-sustaining jobs for all Pittsburghers.

O’Connor: To expand equitable access to high-paying tech jobs, the city must build a real partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools. That means identifying gaps in technical education and working together to create afterschool programs, mentorships and job-shadowing opportunities that expose students to careers in tech. We haven’t rethought how we use our recreation centers in a generation and need to make them into better places for both programming and educational opportunities. We also need to invest in non-degree pathways like apprenticeships, bootcamps and community college programs that connect residents to jobs without requiring a four-year degree. Equity has to be at the center of this work. That includes making sure students in under-resourced schools and residents from historically excluded neighborhoods have the skills, resources, support and connections they need to succeed in the innovation economy.

Moreno: When I build responsible AI data centers I will adjoin them to public technology centers that not only provide training opportunities, it will be community driven and provide access to services otherwise ignored. This will be followed with additional training centers sponsored by our local nonprofits targeting the results of the explosion of growth in data storage, data mining and AI research technology. These will be structured to serve the areas that do not traditionally have access to these job opportunities and cultivate a successful future.

West: Did not respond.

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Tech workers often say they’re drawn to Pittsburgh for its affordability. As innovative companies continue to grow in the city, what policies or programs will you advocate for to ensure that housing remains affordable for residents? 

Gainey: I’ve prioritized affordable housing in my first term and we’ve made tremendous progress, delivering 1600+ units with 1200+ in the pipeline. We secured the first ever $30 million affordable housing bond for Pittsburgh, and helped 150+ renters become first time homeowners through OwnPGH. We have successfully sold 150+ properties from the Land Bank since 2023 by reforming the processes and procedures that prevented the sale of properties. I have proposed the Keep Pittsburgh Home plan that mandates new developments over 20 units include 10% affordable housing, and reduces many of the impediments to new housing being constructed, including lot size requirements, parking minimums and height restrictions. My vision is affordable housing in every neighborhood, with dense, transit-oriented development that supports newcomers and longtime residents alike. 

O’Connor: Pittsburgh’s relative affordability is an advantage, but rising costs are putting pressure on residents. It’s necessary to both welcome new residents and also ensure that our long-time residents can stay in their communities. We need to get serious about producing more housing and permitting greater density in our communities. I’ll focus on building more housing near jobs and transit, making it easier and faster to develop new units. That includes clearing sites, reforming our zoning code, cutting red tape and expediting permitting for deeply affordable housing. We need real production, not delays and mandates that slow projects down. I’ll also work to protect tenants and keep long-term residents in their communities. Pittsburgh must remain an affordable and accessible city for both longtime residents and newcomers alike. Anyone who wants to be in Pittsburgh should be able to find a place to call home.

Moreno: The mentioned training centers are aimed at technology, specifically responsible AI. Building trades will be included to promote rebuilding existing buildings and start being a part of new housing projects. This includes small businesses involved in construction, sales, maintenance the secondary businesses growing from Responsible AI Technology. This is aimed at saturating areas of need for housing for the working poor or new residents coming into Pittsburgh starting to plant new roots. Not everyone is eligible for assistance or does not make enough to live conveniently. These employment opportunities and near transportation outlets.

West: Did not respond.

SUPPORT FOR STARTUPS 

How do you plan to support Pittsburgh’s business community, especially startups and small businesses? Please share specific strategies, such as public-private partnerships, tax incentives or other economic development efforts. 

Gainey: I see the city’s role in supporting startups and small businesses as twofold. First, we have to build the kind of city people want to live and grow in — by investing in affordable housing, reliable transit, great schools, and vibrant public spaces. That’s why I worked with Governor Shapiro to secure $600 million to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh, creating over 1,000 new housing units and transforming areas like Market Square and Point State Park into the heart of a 24/7, mixed-use community. Second, we’re making direct investments in our innovation economy. We’ve reformed city procurement to make it easier for small and local businesses to win contracts, and expanded programs like PGH Lab to help startups pilot new ideas that solve real problems for our residents. Pittsburgh’s future depends on the success of its entrepreneurs, and we’re building the foundation to help them thrive.

O’Connor: Startups and small businesses are essential to Pittsburgh’s economy. I’ll support them by making city processes more accessible and predictable, expanding access to flexible capital and helping new businesses find affordable space. I plan to create a dedicated unit in the city’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections to serve as an ombudsman-like resource for new businesses just starting out. This will help them navigate the initial permitting regime they need to go through for things like operating as a business, finding a storefront, and more. I’ll work with foundations and universities to connect entrepreneurs with resources and mentorship, especially in neighborhoods outside the East End and Strip District. Technical assistance can help small businesses grow without being pushed out. The city should be a partner, not a barrier, to business creation.

Moreno: Target the areas of struggling employment. Utilize community organizations to promote the available opportunities and give development opportunities to help find where future employment opportunities are compatible for the residents. Stop the smothering of growth by providing the housing market to grow without the criminal fraud of wasting and misappropriating over $100 million through the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) that is preventing the growth of our city. Make these public dollars , business space and training for small businesses readily available. It is impossible to find the resources when we are told there are millions of dollars available.

West: Did not respond.

INNOVATION GROWTH 

What concrete steps will you take to foster Pittsburgh’s growth as an innovation hub, and how will you promote the city to investors, founders and tech talent? 

Gainey: I’m committed to making Pittsburgh a national leader in innovation — and that starts with strong coordination between the city, county, state, our universities, partners like the Allegheny Conference and our founders. We’ve expanded programs like PGH Lab to help startups pilot cutting-edge solutions inside city government, while supporting the growth of Hazelwood Green and the commercialization of university research into real-world businesses. Pittsburgh’s competitive advantages — from our low burn rate and high quality of life to our climate resilience — make us uniquely positioned to attract founders, investors, and top-tier tech talent. But we know innovation won’t thrive unless the city is livable. That’s why we’re focused not just on business growth to position Pittsburgh as a leader in innovation, but also on investments in housing, youth and families, training and education to retain our homegrown talent from local universities.

O’Connor: The city should take a more active role in making Pittsburgh a vibrant hub of innovation. We should be meeting regularly with local companies to identify gaps in infrastructure, workforce, and services, then using that information to guide investment and outreach. Right now, our approach is too passive and we’re missing opportunities to support the tech sector and promote growth. I’ll work with foundations, universities and business leaders to tell Pittsburgh’s story to national investors and founders. We can’t be afraid of welcoming new businesses and new neighbors to our city. At the same time, I’ll focus on the basics: faster permitting, better infrastructure and smarter use of public space to support innovation corridors across Pittsburgh. Successfully delivering core services so that our city is more livable and our neighborhoods are successful would go a long way toward supporting business and talent attraction. Growth should be intentional and inclusive.

Moreno: The renaissance of Responsible AI and data storage/mining requires power, water, data transportation and land. Pittsburgh is particularly prepared to immediately take advantage of these opportunities. The only thing stopping this is government. I will streamline the licensing and permitting process keeping people, communities and the environment safe while growing manufacturing in Pittsburgh and providing for jobs that we have not been able to take part of until now. Followed by medical equipment and pharmaceutical companies to be based here in this city. 

West: Did not respond.

DIGITAL EQUITY 

How will you address digital equity in Pittsburgh, including broadband access and digital literacy in underserved communities?

Gainey: Broadband access and digital literacy are both essential, and they’ve not been equally distributed in Pittsburgh and Southwest PA. That’s why I helped launch Pittsburgh’s Digital Equity Coalition, which is working to ensure every resident has affordable access to high-speed broadband, devices and the digital literacy skills needed to succeed. We’ve added digital equity staff in the city, upgraded rec centers with tech hubs, and partnered with libraries so residents can check out laptops and get online. Our Community Strategic Plan with the county identified the deep disparities in access across neighborhoods, and in my second term, I’m prepared to close those gaps, starting by partnering with local universities to extend high-speed infrastructure beyond their campuses and into every community.

O’Connor: Digital access and literacy are essential to full participation in modern life. I’ll prioritize expanding broadband and digital training in underserved communities. This is an area where our major nonprofits can step up. As part of a new PILOT agreement, I’ll work to direct financial contributions toward digital equity efforts, especially in schools, senior and recreation centers and community hubs. Everyone should have access to affordable internet, digital tools and the skills to use them. Closing the digital divide is about inclusion, education, and economic opportunity. These are key parts of developing a comprehensive opportunity agenda for Pittsburgh.

Moreno: Access to digital necessities and access to these services will come naturally with the explosion of growth in responsible AI and data storage. Target growing community centers to jobs access and training opportunities. Show the advantages to these job trainings and opportunities the secondary business necessity are going to be needed. Include child care training, available buildings and small business training on running and maintaining child care centers locally with local residents for the employees.

West: Did not respond.