Bill Peduto

While Bill Peduto departed office this week, many of his staffers have been in new positions since as early as last summer.

A state appeals court has upheld the City of Pittsburgh’s campaign-finance reporting law, despite a challenge by former city councilwoman Darlene Harris.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Mayor Bill Peduto reflects on his two terms as leader of the City of Pittsburgh, what he still hopes to accomplish and what’s next; and a look back at the fire at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, which took place three years ago this week.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ current owners are reportedly nearing a deal to sell the team to Fenway Sports Group. But according to Mayor Bill Peduto, a sale wouldn’t change the Penguins’ legal commitments to the Hill District community as the team redevelops the site of the former Civic Arena.

In his final budget address to Pittsburgh City Council this week, Mayor Bill Peduto sketched out what he sees as the legacy of his administration — and of his own political career.

Mayor Bill Peduto joined other leaders at the United Nations climate talks in Scotland this week to discuss Pittsburgh’s progress towards the city’s goals. By 2030, officials have pledged to reduce citywide emissions and energy and water use by 50%.Officials say a number of projects, such as transitioning city streetlights to LED and using renewable electricity in City facilities will help Pittsburgh meet its goals.

The city does not have a vaccine mandate for current workers, but Peduto says that could change if COVID strikes "on a scale where the health of the employees was being directly affected.”

On today’s program: A member of the city’s Community Task Force on Police Reform explains how Pittsburgh policing has changed since the death of George Floyd, and what improvements they’re still hoping for; Mayor Bill Peduto talks about his future plans, after losing a third term in the primary election; and as vaccinations slow throughout Pennsylvania, two red counties are taking different approaches to encourage residents to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

Bill Peduto always said he wanted to serve three terms as Pittsburgh’s mayor. But now, with state Rep. Ed Gainey all but certain to become the city’s next leader, Peduto says he has his sights set beyond Pittsburgh.

On today’s program: Ed Gainey got more votes than Democratic incumbent Mayor Bill Peduto during Tuesday’s primary election; how the Pittsburgh Promise is trying to help students succeed after an unpredictable year; and a look at the impact of U.S. Steel’s decision not to make upgrades at the Mon Valley Works plant.