Commission approves Housing Choice Voucher plan amid two-year waitlist

City approves 23-hour alcohol sales for upcoming World Cup

Commission approves new four-way stops on Pine Street

Downtown bird problem sparks debate over trees and falcons

Downtown Advisory Board proposes massive entry arch over Broadway

City explores upgraded lighting for downtown pedestrian safety

Fourth of July parade route reversed to ease traffic

City board revives "Downtown Connect" to address dilapidated buildings

Commission approves Housing Choice Voucher plan amid two-year waitlist

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Pittsburg City Commission approved the 2026 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan, though local housing officials warned of a growing affordability crisis. The Pittsburg Public Housing Authority reported a two-year waiting list for assistance, driven by declining federal funding and soaring local rents, which officials noted can reach up to $1,500 for a four-bedroom home. While no current residents will lose their vouchers, the lack of funds and a shortage of participating landlords mean the city is currently unable to add new applicants to the program.

City approves 23-hour alcohol sales for upcoming World Cup

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Alcohol sales in Pittsburg will be permitted 23 hours a day during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The commission unanimously approved a pair of ordinances aligning local code with recent state legislative changes, allowing both retail stores and drinking establishments to sell and serve alcohol between 6 a.m. and 5 a.m. from June 11 through July 19. The Pittsburg Police Department reviewed the temporary extensions and raised no objections to the expanded hours.

Commission approves new four-way stops on Pine Street

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Drivers navigating around The Center and elementary school zones will soon encounter new traffic patterns. The commission unanimously approved a Traffic Advisory Board request to convert the intersections of 16th and Pine streets and 18th and Pine streets into four-way stops. The change addresses increased traffic and recent bus route modifications, with city staff planning a public awareness campaign and increased police presence to educate drivers before the new school year begins.

Downtown bird problem sparks debate over trees and falcons

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A presentation by the Downtown Advisory Board sparked a debate over how to handle Pittsburg's downtown pigeon and starling populations. While the removal of street trees was suggested to eliminate bird roosts and property damage, board members argued for preserving the trees for shade and exploring alternative solutions. Proposals discussed by city officials included installing a roost for a predatory falcon to naturally thin the pigeon population, as well as researching tree varieties that are less attractive to nesting birds.

Downtown Advisory Board proposes massive entry arch over Broadway

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Downtown Advisory Board is exploring the construction of a large metal welcome arch over Broadway Street to celebrate Pittsburg's 150th anniversary. While board representatives cited the arch as a major long-term goal, they acknowledged the project faces significant financial and engineering hurdles, as it must span four lanes of highway traffic and clear semi-trucks. The board suggested potentially incorporating local art into the structure if funding and logistical challenges can be overcome in the future.

City explores upgraded lighting for downtown pedestrian safety

PITTSBURG, Kan. — In an effort to increase nighttime safety and visibility, Pittsburg is testing new pedestrian-level lighting downtown. The Downtown Advisory Board reported that the existing 74 decorative black light poles are too tall to adequately illuminate the sidewalks. The city recently installed a prototype downward-facing banner light in front of the historic Colonial Fox Theatre and is working with a manufacturer to eventually equip all downtown poles with the brighter, lower-level lighting.

Fourth of July parade route reversed to ease traffic

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Pittsburg's Fourth of July parade will run in reverse this year to avoid congesting other downtown holiday events. The Downtown Advisory Board announced the 8 a.m. parade will start at the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) building parking lot on the south end of Broadway Street and head north, ending at Seventh Street. The route change is designed to naturally direct crowds toward the nearby Saturday Farmers Market and park events rather than trapping pedestrians and vehicles at a crowded southern intersection.

City board revives "Downtown Connect" to address dilapidated buildings

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Downtown Advisory Board is reviving its "Downtown Connect" initiative to engage hesitant property owners and address dilapidated storefronts. With the city recently forced to intervene regarding a building with structural concerns, officials stressed the importance of communication to prevent further issues. The board reported a strong recent turnout at a networking event designed to build momentum and encourage voluntary property improvements, noting that the city currently lacks a dedicated facade grant program beyond basic signage funding.

Click here for local obituaries

Click here for local jail logs

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us