City Controller Rachael Heisler

09/11/2026

There’s a lot to say as we mark 25 years since September 11, 2001, but no words can appropriately capture the heavy emotion we’re all carrying as the names and faces of the victims flood our minds. There were 411 first responders who died that day: firefighters, police officers, paramedics. Hundreds have died in the years since of 9/11-related illnesses, cancers, and traumas. On behalf of those men and women, the countless good Samaritans who similarly sacrificed themselves, and all the innocent people they were helping, make an intentional point to thank someone you see in uniform today and acknowledge the risk they take every day when they run toward danger to serve the public.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day!

“The American Labor Movement has consistently demonstrated its devotion to the public interest. It is, and has been, good for all America.” – John F. Kennedy

09/04/2026

It is encouraging to see this investment in our fleet coming through so quickly with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's support. Now we need to end the monopoly on the fire truck industry, so Pittsburgh and other cities can get these vehicles when we really need them.

Pittsburgh is ordering 13 new fire trucks, using funds donated by Highmark Health. Mayor Corey O’Connor on Thursday announced the purchases, which will modernize an aging fire truck fleet that is prone to breakdowns and pricy maintenance needs. The union representing city firefighters has push...

09/03/2026

I am grateful to see the administration treating this problem with the honesty and urgency it demands. I look forward to working with the Mayor and Council to ensure we put the City in position to get through these tough years and come out stronger.

The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is the best tool we have to see what it costs to run the City each year. You can read the 2025 ACFR here:https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/controller/documents/annual-comprehensive-financial-report/city-of-pittsburgh-acfr-final-2025-3.pdf

Ten months ago, former Mayor Ed Gainey stood inside City Council chambers to deliver his final budget address — and to defend his financial stewardship...

09/02/2026

As part of our Parks Trust Fund report, we also created a new online tool that allows residents to track every project and see how Parks Tax investments are being distributed throughout the City: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/51ba23d5ca904cfeb7ac62583afb6290

09/02/2026

Today we released a special report looking at the Parks Trust Fund five years after its creation. There have been successes, but there's a lot more we need to do to make the most of this funding for the benefit of all City residents. Full report here:https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/controller/documents/co-special-report-parks-trust-fund-follow-up-final_1.pdf

08/28/2026

Starting in the summer of 2024, our office has been testing water fountains all over the City. This year we saw continued progress in ensuring access to water in the increasingly hot summer months, finding that 77% of fountains we tested were functioning. We know everyone loves some Pittsburgh Water!

I hope this report will help show where progress has been made, what facilities still lack working fountains, and where fountains may need to be repaired or replaced. You can read our full findings here: https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/controller/documents/co-special-report-2026-update-on-city-water-fountains.pdf

08/20/2026

The search for the Polish Hill Strangler continues…

I joined our real-life river EMS/Rescue/Law Enforcement unit on a recent Friday night. Each River Rescue unit has two highly trained paramedic rescue divers and a river patrol police officer, with the station staffed 24/7 to respond to emergencies. Thank you, River Rescue! Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS

08/17/2026

My statement on today's court order requiring Allegheny County to conduct regular property assessments:

08/12/2026

Today we released our third audit of the American Rescue Plan Trust Fund, covering 2023 and 2024. You can read the full report here:https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/controller/documents/american-rescue-plan-trust-fund-arptf-scope-2023-2024.pdf