Pittsburgh will pay $1 million to support the 2026 NFL Draft, which the city will host.
City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to spend the money despite initial criticism from some members that Mayor Ed Gainey committed taxpayer dollars without first seeking their approval.
The vote also commits the city to providing unspecified in-kind services, which will likely include public works and public safety personnel.
Officials have been unable to estimate the value of those services over the three-day event.
The legislation will give the money to Visit Pittsburgh, the tourism agency coordinating plans for the draft.
Visit Pittsburgh is anticipating an additional $3 million from Allegheny County — though county officials have not yet allocated that cash — and $5 million from city businesses. The tourism agency itself is ponying up $2 million.
The draft is projected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Pittsburgh and bolster local businesses, hotels and restaurants.
Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, D-West End said the city’s outlay is worthwhile in light of support the Steelers have given the city, its charities and schools.
“This is something positive,” she said during Tuesday’s council meeting. “Our residents want it. The Steelers, who have been so good to Pittsburgh, want it.”
Earlier, Councilmen Bob Charland, D-South Side, and Anthony Coghill, D-Beechview, questioned spending so much money amid declining city revenues.
They also criticized the Gainey administration for not coming to council earlier. Council must approve spending.
Julia Burdelski is a TribLive reporter covering Pittsburgh City Hall and other news in and around Pittsburgh. A La Roche University graduate, she joined the Trib in 2020. She can be reached at jburdelski@triblive.com.