City Controller Rachael Heisler

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

Did you know our technical rescue unit with Pittsburgh EMS receive dozens of hours of additional training each year to be ready to serve city residents in an emergency? I was glad to stop by rope rescue training this week to see the work they do to prepare for a worst case scenario.

10/15/2026

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! We translated our PAFR into Spanish to help ensure all of our neighbors know how their City operates and how their tax dollars are spent: https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/controller/documents/popular-annual-financial-reports/26010-pafr-for-2025-pafr.city-spanish.pdf.

Immigration is the key to the City’s growth – and to overcoming our financial challenges. Making public information more accessible is part of what helps ensure more immigrants come here to work, start new businesses, and add to our tax base. Pittsburgh has always been a city of immigrants, and everything we can do to attract and welcome new residents is a critical investment in our city’s economic future.

10/13/2026

The Controller’s office has long highlighted our concerns about certain cooperative purchasing contracts – or “piggyback” contracts. In 2024, we published a special report examining the City’s cooperative contract for roofing services with the Garland Company (https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/controller/documents/24802_special_report_-_the_garland_company_inc.pdf), and we found that the company’s price increases during the term of the contract had exceeded average price increases across the industry. Cooperative contracts can lead to overspending, reduce transparency, and limit oversight by City Council. I'm glad City Council is reviewing this and considering changing this policy.

A series of bills introduced Tuesday to Pittsburgh City Council would mandate regular public meetings discussing city finances, give council more supervision of so-called piggyback contracts and create a dashboard tracking how city credit cards are used. The bills are part of a broader push council....

10/07/2026

Today marks three years since the horrifying terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7. My heart breaks for the families who lost loved ones and for everyone who carries the profound physical and emotional trauma of that day. I stand firmly with the Jewish community in remembrance and grief, and in resolute support against the frightening wave of antisemitism that has gripped our world since that devastating date. I stand with you today and always.
עם ישראל חי

10/06/2026

I joined City Council members and Mayor O’Connor today to support Councilwoman Strassburger's legislative package for financial reforms, which will provide Council and the Controller’s office with real-time information so we can see problems sooner and fix them faster.

Read more here: https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-budget-crisis-prompts-reform-package-proposal/

10/02/2026

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department’s own Rev. Cornell Jones who was honored last night at Trade Institute of Pittsburgh’s annual program last night. TIP offers an 11-week tuition-free training program in masonry and carpentry, life skills courses, and holistic supports.

09/30/2026

My statement on Mayor O'Connor's preliminary 2027 budget proposal:

09/23/2026

🚨🚨Wonderful neighbor alert!!🚨 🚨 The Mount Washington Community Development Corporation (MWCDC) worked with the Pittsburgh Land Bank to acquire a property in Mt Washington to serve vulnerable neighbors via the Washington Heights Ecumenical Food Bank. Thank you to Kevin, Linda, and everyone involved! You can learn more about the WHEFB here: https://mtwashingtonfoodbank.org/. See you at the Chili Cookoff on October 10!

09/22/2026

I joined members of the The Economic Club of Pittsburgh today to talk about the state of city finances and how we can overcome our challenges and stay focused on growth in the years ahead. Thank you for having me and for all your thoughtful questions about our city's economic future.