Merger Analysis Committee
Exploring the potential impacts of consolidating Wilkinsburg with the City of Pittsburgh.
Impact of a Wilkinsburg Annexation Current Studies & Analyses
The following studies, completed by independent financial and policy analysts, review the full impacts of a proposed municipal annexation of Wilkinsburg Borough to the City of Pittsburgh. We are pleased to share this detailed information with the public and welcome any questions and feedback. Please call (412) 727-7855 or email info@wilkinsburgcdc.org.
Wilkinsburg Anti-Displacement Toolkit
HR&A, 2022 – A recommended package or “toolkit” of anti-displacement policies and/or programs to prioritize for implementation as well as a high-level overview of action steps. Watch the presentation.
PFM, 2022 – This addendum is based on sections from the Wilkinsburg Borough and Wilkinsburg School District reports. This analysis has been updated to show the combined tax impact for both entities on residents and business owners. Read the analysis.
Wilkinsburg School District – Pittsburgh Public Schools Merger Analysis
PFM, 2022 – Analysis of financial information and impacts of a full school district merger between Wilkinsburg School District and Pittsburgh Public Schools and impacts both school districts and their taxpayers. Read the analysis.
Financial Impact Analysis of Wilkinsburg Borough and City of Pittsburgh Merger
PFM, 2021 – Analysis of financial information and impacts of a full merger between Wilkinsburg Borough and City of Pittsburgh local governments. Read the analysis.
Wilkinsburg-Pittsburgh Merger Analysis – Tax Impact
PFM, 2021 – Analysis focused on the tax-related impacts of a full merger for Wilkinsburg taxpayers and the City government. Read the analysis.
Wilkinsburg-Pittsburgh Merger Analysis – Expenditure Impact
PFM, 2021 – As a follow-up to the Merger Analysis – Tax Impact study, this analysis focuses on whether or not this level of revenue would fully cover the City’s cost of providing service to Wilkinsburg. Read the analysis.
Wilkinsburg Municipal Consolidation Study
HR&A, 2020 – Discussions with the City of Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg Borough look at expanding collaboration between municipalities, benefits for residents of both jurisdictions should a merger occur, and more impacts of a potential merger. Read the study.
Wilkinsburg Redevelopment Study
HR&A, 2019 – Despite elements of progress, Wilkinsburg suffers from structural and interrelated economic and fiscal challenges that are common among shrinking, postindustrial cities. HR&A reviews current conditions in Wilkinsburg and options for municipal consolidation. Read the study.
About the Committee
In the face of stagnant blight, unsustainable tax rates, and impending municipal finance challenges, the Merger Analysis Committee was formed by residents with the goal of investigating the civic, economic, and cultural impacts of Wilkinsburg consolidating with the City of Pittsburgh. Chaired by residents Derrick Tillman and Vanessa Buffry, the group is motivated in its exploration by a hope of better services and lower property taxes that will increase affordable home ownership, expand school choice, and provide greater potential for businesses to thrive.
The core Merger Analysis Committee met every other week Winter 2020 through Spring 2021. Of the 40 committee participants, 21 are people of color. Participants represent both homeowners and renters and a range of years in residence. Sub-committees focused on Frequently Asked Questions, Service Comparisons, and Diversity & Gentrification have also met regularly.
More Background Information
Learn more about Wilkinsburg and the challenges this committee hopes to address in this Focus Group Presentation or in this Redevelopment Study conducted by HR&A in 2019.
You can also read more about Wilkinsburg in this article Revisiting Two “Next Hot Neighborhoods” in Developing Pittsburgh’s Spring 2021 issue, and Pittsburgh Quarterly’s article Reset Button on rethinking local government.
What’s Next?
The Merger Analysis Committee researched and compiled information that is now available at wilkinsburgmerger.org. The committee is dedicated to helping Wilkinsburg residents understand the details of what a merger might mean, and to paint a clear picture of how we got here along with the next steps. The group worked with Wilkinsburg-based communication design specialists to organize the information gathered, and to make sure that ideas were presented in way that was as clear and accessible as possible.
Questions?
Email info@wilkinsburgcdc.org, call us at (412) 727-7855 or click the contact button below.