Why Doesn't UPMC Pay Property Taxes?
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.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Draft Takeaways, Improving Traffic Enforcement & Punxsy Phil’s First Pitch
Pittsburgh survived the NFL Draft! Executive producer Mallory Falk, interim social media manager Laura Tsutsui, and contributor Colin Wil...

Your Guide to May 2026 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh really comes to life in the spring, so don't miss out on exploring the city this month. We're looking forward to the 59th Carn...

Pittsburgh's Biggest Villains
Pittsburghers can hold a real grudge. There are so many local personalities and entities that have drawn our ire, from a certain healthca...

Zip Lining, Alpacas, and Video Games— Your Guide to Remake Learning Days {SPONSORED}
On this bonus sponsored episode by the Grable Foundation, we're celebrating a Pittsburgh original. What if learning looked like meeting a...

What To Know About the PA Governor’s Race
May 4 is the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania's 2026 primary election. Register to vote, check your status, and find your pol...

What's Next for Downtown After the Draft?
Local leaders hustled to fix sidewalks, fill storefronts, and revamp public spaces ahead of the NFL Draft. But what's in store for the Go...

'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Pittsburgh? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love ha...

Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!
The NFL Draft is finally here! Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo and contributor Colin Williams share what we're looking forward to (...

Pittsburgh Record Shops, Bookstores & Library Adventures You Need Right Now
It's the season to celebrate great books and music! In honor of Record Store Day, Independent Bookstore Day, and National Library Week, t...

Are All Pghers Hot? Plus, Furries, Strip Club Lore & More from 'The Pitt' S2
The latest season of 'The Pitt' is a wrap! And we're still doing our best Nurse Dana, "Baby Jane Doe" impressions. City Cast's Megan Harr...

