O'Connor calls on Pittsburgh to "redd up" for 2026
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Corey O'Connor gave his first speech as mayor of Pittsburgh on Monday. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
Corey O'Connor became the 62nd mayor of Pittsburgh on Monday in front of a large crowd of supporters and allies, including Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Why it matters: The city is transitioning to new leadership as it prepares for a momentous 2026, when it will host the NFL draft and other large events against the backdrop of a budget crunch and a recent property tax increase.
What they're saying: O'Connor said at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland he would focus on revitalizing the city's recreation centers, place an emphasis on public safety and make it easier for businesses to acquire permits and build more housing so families would choose Pittsburgh over faster-growing suburbs.
- "I want Pittsburgh to be every family's first choice," he said.
- Most importantly, he said Pittsburgh needs to "redd up" — a Pittsburghese word meaning clean up — so it can have its best foot forward ahead of the NFL draft and the 50 million people that will tune in to see Pittsburgh.
Context: He said the push to redd up is in honor of his late father Bob O'Connor, who served as the 58th mayor of Pittsburgh before his death in the fall of 2006.
- Bob O'Connor started a "Redd Up Pittsburgh" initiative in 2006 during his brief tenure.
State of play: The last four Pittsburgh mayors were in attendance — including former Mayor Ed Gainey, whom O'Connor defeated in the primary — indicating a smooth transition between administrations.
Between the lines: A video played before the speeches which highlighted the city's need to take care of its current residents and attract new Pittsburghers.
- The video also highlighted O'Connor's embrace of AI and its role in growing the city population.
Emcee and WDVE radio host Bill Crawford, O'Connor's longtime friend, joked about Pittsburghers' predilection to complaining and how O'Connor might run into problems he can't fix.
- "What happens when the Penguins don't make the playoffs and they see you in the grocery store and blame you because they think you are [Penguins general manager] Kyle Dubas."
The bottom line: O'Connor mixed a few jokes into his speech as well, but he largely focused on wanting to see the city exude more optimism.
- "We want you to be proud to be Pittsburghers. There is no doubt that our best days are ahead."