Description

Outlook, Opportunities, and Challenges

Hear from program presenter Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor as he updates us on the current economic and development challenges facing our region, and how we can address the critical issues and meet the needs and challenges as we move ahead into 2025.

Corey O'Connor Allegheny County Controller

Corey O’Connor was sworn in as Allegheny County Controller on July 10, 2022 after being nominated for the office by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and unanimously approved by the Pennsylvania State Senate. He was elected to his first full term in November 2023, securing the most votes of any County-wide candidate in that election.

Corey is committed to fostering accessible and transparent government that brings forthright solutions to our toughest challenges. Since becoming Controller, he has committed to taking the office off of Grant Street and has introduced new platforms for public access to government data. As Allegheny County’s fiscal watchdog and taxpayer advocate, he has audited major county departments, including the County Jail, Department of Economic Development, Department of Human Services, and the Department of Health. He has also proposed measurable benchmarks for County environmental and climate efforts, advocated health and safety reforms for individuals incarcerated in the Allegheny County Jail, and enacted ethics reform measures on the Allegheny County Retirement Board, among other initiatives.

He serves on Allegheny County’s Retirement Board, Investment Board, Depository Board, and Jail Oversight Board.

Previously, Corey represented Pittsburgh City Council District 5 from 2012 until assuming the Controller’s office. His accomplishments included authoring legislation to require annual audits of the Tax Abatement and Tax Increment Financing Programs, crafting the City of Pittsburgh’s Paid Sick Days Act, and creating the Joint Task Force on Construction Industry Fraud to increase accountability and prevent malpractice throughout the construction industry.

He began his career in public service as a Community Development Representative for U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle. A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Corey is a former varsity golf coach for the Vikings, and led the team to multiple State Team Championships and WPIAL Team Championships. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Duquesne University.

Corey is the youngest of three children of Pittsburgh’s late Mayor Bob O’Connor and Judy O’Connor. He resides in Point Breeze with his wife, Katie, and their children, Molly and Emmet