EPISODE · Feb 5, 2026 · 30 MIN
Why Doesn't UPMC Pay Property Taxes?
from City Cast Pittsburgh · host City Cast
It's tax season… but not for our city's largest nonprofits, aka the Big Five. Mayor Corey O'Connor got some big wins with a pair of one-time donations from UPMC and PNC Bank’s foundation last week, but what happens now? Our health care giants and major universities — UPMC, Highmark Health, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University — collectively own about one-eighth of all the land in Pittsburgh. But because PA law considers them "purely public charities," they don't have to pay property taxes like the rest of us. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are talking about the rage people feel about that, how the courts created this mess, and various local efforts over the years to get these big nonprofits to "pay their fair share." Have any special insight into negotiations with the nonprofits before the 2000s? Call or text our HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsor of this February 5th episode: P3R - Use code CITYCAST15 to save 15% off any event registration Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
What this episode covers
It's tax season… but not for our city's largest nonprofits, aka the Big Five. Mayor Corey O'Connor got some big wins with a pair of one-time donations from UPMC and PNC Bank’s foundation last week, but what happens now? Our health care giants and major universities — UPMC, Highmark Health, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University — collectively own about one-eighth of all the land in Pittsburgh. But because PA law considers them "purely public charities," they don't have to pay property taxes like the rest of us. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are talking about the rage people feel about that, how the courts created this mess, and various local efforts over the years to get these big nonprofits to "pay their fair share." Have any special insight into negotiations with the nonprofits before the 2000s? Call or text our HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsor of this February 5th episode: P3R - Use code CITYCAST15 to save 15% off any event registration Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
NOW PLAYING
Why Doesn't UPMC Pay Property Taxes?
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.