Councilwoman Deb Gross is a champion for workers rights, safe, affordable, publicly controlled water, sustainable and equitable local food systems, the environment, and community-driven development. Deb works daily with neighborhood and community groups to address Pittsburgh’s growing affordable housing crisis. 

In a time when so many elected officials are afraid to challenge growing corporate power, Deb always fights for people over profits. She is exactly the kind of strong, brave leader Pittsburghers need. 

Councilwoman Gross knows that water is a public good and human right; not a commodity.  She was the first to demand that PWSA replace all lead lines, and called for water filters for all households with children. Thanks in large part to Deb’s work, PWSA has replaced thousands of lead lines, developed a Customer Assistance Program, fixed their billing system, taken steps to reduce lead in the water, and instituted a winter moratorium on water shutoffs. We now have safer water, and more equitable rates for everyone, from a public water authority that is more accountable to the public than ever. 

When City Council was asked to allow UPMC expansion plans that left workers, the community, and patients behind, Deb stood up and said no. 

Councilwoman Gross believes that every city resident deserves a place to call home. From young families to senior citizens and veterans, we all deserve the chance to benefit from Pittsburgh’s burgeoning prosperity and growth. Deb works to ensure that the most economically vulnerable residents of Pittsburgh have access to safe, secure, affordable housing. She has worked with City Council, affordable housing advocates, and residents to introduce the City’s first inclusionary zoning law to force big developers to build affordable units.

Deb’s connection to residents and her passion for putting community voices first is unlike any other on City Council.  Pittsburgh needs Councilwoman Gross because Pittsburgh needs neighborhood-driven change, equitable development, and investment in our city’s working families. 

Deb’s district includes Polish Hill, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, Friendship, Stanton Heights, Morningside, and her home neighborhood of Highland Park.