Bill Peduto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Peduto
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| 60th Mayor of Pittsburgh | |
| In office January 6, 2014 – January 3, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Luke Ravenstahl |
| Succeeded by | Ed Gainey |
| Member of the Pittsburgh City Council from the 8th district |
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| In office January 7, 2002 – January 6, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Dan Cohen |
| Succeeded by | Dan Gilman |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Mark Peduto
October 30, 1964 Scott Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon University Pennsylvania State University, University Park (BA) University of Pittsburgh (MPA) |
William Mark Peduto, born on October 30, 1964, is an American politician. He served as the 60th Mayor of Pittsburgh from 2014 to 2022. Before that, he was a member of the Pittsburgh City Council as a Democrat from 2002 to 2014.
Before joining the city council, Peduto worked as a consultant. He also served as the chief of staff for Dan Cohen, who was a city councilman. Peduto was elected to the council in 2001 and served until 2014. During his time on the council, he ran for mayor three times. He became mayor in January 2014. He was reelected in 2017 without anyone running against him. In 2021, he ran for a third term but lost the primary election to Ed Gainey. Peduto's second term as mayor ended in January 2022.
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Early Life and Education
William Mark Peduto was born on October 30, 1964. He finished high school at Chartiers Valley High School in 1983. After studying at Carnegie Mellon University for a year, he moved to Pennsylvania State University. There, he studied political science and became the president of his fraternity. He left college before finishing his degree.
In 2007, Peduto went back to college to complete his studies. He earned his bachelor's degree, becoming the only member of the Pittsburgh City Council at that time with a college degree. Later, he also earned a master's degree in public policy and management from the University of Pittsburgh.
Political Career Beginnings
Peduto worked in political consulting, helping different Democratic candidates. When he was 28, he worked for the Acting Governor Mark Singel. He also spent time in Washington, D.C., as an intern for U.S. Representative George Gekas.
Before he was elected to the city council, Peduto was the chief of staff for City Councilman Dan Cohen. In 1996, Peduto managed Cohen's campaign when Cohen ran against U.S. Representative Bill Coyne.
Serving on the Pittsburgh City Council
In 2001, Peduto ran for the Pittsburgh City Council District 8 seat. This district includes neighborhoods like Bloomfield, Oakland, and Squirrel Hill. He won the election and started his four-year term in January 2002. He was reelected in 2005 and 2009.
On the city council, Peduto led the Committee on General Services, Technology and the Arts. This committee handles city contracts, purchases, and city-owned buildings. He also oversaw the city's information systems and the Art Commission. Peduto described himself as a supporter of progressivism and a "Reform Democrat." He was recognized as a rising political figure in 2003, 2004, and 2006.
First Mayoral Campaigns
Peduto first ran for mayor of Pittsburgh in 2005. He lost the primary election to Bob O'Connor, who later became mayor. After Mayor O'Connor passed away in 2006, City Council President Luke Ravenstahl became mayor.
In 2007, Peduto tried to run for mayor again in a special election. However, he decided to end his campaign before the primary election, recognizing that Ravenstahl was very popular. Peduto later became a political opponent of Ravenstahl. He disagreed with Ravenstahl on several issues, including a plan to end special financial oversight for Pittsburgh. After being reelected to the city council in 2009, Peduto decided to challenge Ravenstahl again in the 2013 Democratic primary election for mayor.
Becoming Mayor of Pittsburgh
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In December 2012, Peduto officially announced his third campaign for mayor. He said he would challenge Ravenstahl in the 2013 primary. He also announced that he would not run for reelection to the city council. In March 2013, Ravenstahl announced he would not seek another term as mayor.
After Ravenstahl's decision, the mayoral race became mainly between Peduto and former Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner. In the primary election on May 21, Peduto won with 52% of the votes. Wagner received 40%. In November 2013, Peduto won the general election with 84% of the votes against Republican candidate Joshua Wander and independent candidate Lester Ludwig. He officially became mayor on January 6, 2014.
Key Initiatives as Mayor
Early in his term, Mayor Peduto focused on making Pittsburgh's government more modern. A big change was creating the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections. Before 2014, this department had very few computers and no online system for permits. Today, Pittsburgh has a fully online system for permits.
Peduto also supported ride-sharing services in Pittsburgh. When the state government issued orders to stop these services in July 2014, Peduto asked the state to allow them to operate legally. Soon after, ride-sharing services were given temporary approval.
In July 2014, Peduto and the city stopped a lawsuit that the previous mayor had started against the UPMC. The lawsuit questioned UPMC's tax-exempt status. Peduto believed stopping the lawsuit would help the city and UPMC work together on tax issues.
In September 2014, Peduto announced that Cameron McLay would be the new Pittsburgh Chief of Police. This decision came after a long search following the resignation of the previous chief.
In December 2014, Peduto appeared on the TV show Undercover Boss. On the show, he disguised himself as a city worker to see how city employees did their jobs. He rewarded some employees with money from anonymous donors, as city ethics rules prevent using tax money for such gifts.
In 2019, Peduto proposed several new rules to the city council to control access to firearms. These rules were passed by the city council after many discussions. However, the city later decided not to enforce these new laws.
During Peduto's time as mayor, there were also big investments in Pittsburgh's parks. He helped pass a local tax to support park projects. Between 2019 and 2020, Peduto worked to improve the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. After making changes and investments, the authority reported its lowest lead levels in 25 years.
On August 18, 2020, people protesting police brutality gathered outside Peduto's home. They stayed until the next morning when police declared the gathering unlawful. Later that day, Peduto released a statement criticizing the protests, saying that protesting in his neighborhood "crosses a line." His office later announced that he would speak to the protesters at his home that evening.
Reelection Campaigns
On December 14, 2016, Peduto announced he was running for reelection in 2017. He faced two challengers in the May primary election: John Welch and city councilwoman Darlene Harris. He won the Democratic nomination. In the general election on November 7, 2017, he did not have any Republican opponents and was reelected with about 96% of the votes.
In January 2021, Peduto announced he would seek a third term as mayor. However, he lost the May Democratic primary election to Ed Gainey.
After Being Mayor
In April 2022, Carnegie Mellon University announced that Peduto would join their Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. He served as a Distinguished Executive in Residence until March 2023, giving lectures and co-teaching a course.
See also
