Mayor Tom Maglicco Highlights EarlyProgress in First Two Months in Office

In just two months since taking office, Mayor Tom Maglicco has moved quickly to advance key priorities centered on infrastructure, economic development, and neighborhood preservation. A lifelong resident of McKeesport, Maglicco has paired hands-on community engagement with strategic planning, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term growth.

Infrastructure: Modern Tools and Strategic Investment

Infrastructure has been one of the administration’s earliest focal points. Among the most notable initiatives is a comprehensive sewer mapping effort using advanced camera technology. In partnership with Homestead-based Edge AI, the city hosted a live demonstration showcasing how in-pipe camera systems can inspect underground sewer lines in real time. The technology allows officials to pinpoint blockages, structural weaknesses, and areas in need of repair without costly exploratory digging.

“This is about working smarter,” Maglicco said during the demonstration. “When we understand exactly what’s beneath our streets, we can prioritize repairs responsibly and protect our neighborhoods.”

The city also secured a Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Grant to expand storm sewer mapping efforts. The grant will help create a clearer, datadriven understanding of McKeesport’s stormwater infrastructure, positioning the city for future improvements and funding opportunities.

In addition, the administration has advanced paving plans through Community Development Block Grant funding, developing targeted CDBG paving lists designed to address some of the city’s most pressing roadway needs. Public works operations have been evaluated to maximize resources, improve efficiency, and ensure that crews have the tools necessary to respond to daily maintenance demands.

Maglicco has also emphasized investment in parks and playgrounds, recognizing public green spaces as vital community assets. Assessments are underway to identify upgrades and repairs that will enhance safety and usability for families across the city.

Economic Development: Laying Groundwork for Growth

Economic development efforts have centered on both recruitment and retention. The mayor has actively engaged with prospective business owners while strengthening relationships with those already operating in McKeesport.

“Our existing businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” Maglicco noted. “Supporting them while attracting new investment is essential to sustainable growth.”

The administration has begun refining city planning strategies, with particular attention to downtown and surrounding retail and entertainment corridors. Discussions are underway to reimagine key districts as vibrant, mixed-use spaces that encourage foot traffic, entrepreneurship, and community gathering.

By aligning planning efforts with infrastructure improvements, the administration aims to create an environment that is both business-friendly and reflective of McKeesport’s character.

Neighborhood Preservation: Removing Blight and Building Forward

Addressing blight has been another cornerstone of the mayor’s early agenda. Efforts are focused on identifying unsafe or abandoned properties for removal while evaluating structures that can be rehabilitated.

“We are committed to preserving what can be saved and clearing what cannot,” Maglicco said. “Every property matters because every block matters.”

Blight removal initiatives are being coordinated with long-term redevelopment strategies, ensuring that cleared lots present opportunities for future housing or community use rather than remaining vacant indefinitely. At the same time, the administration is exploring pathways for new residential construction to strengthen neighborhoods and encourage homeownership.

Supporting Community Needs: Strengthening the Social Fabric

Beyond bricks and pavement, the administration has placed strong emphasis on supporting the everyday needs of residents. Recognizing the ongoing challenges of food insecurity, the mayor’s office has been working alongside local food banks, faith-based organizations, and nonprofit partners to promote access to distribution events and meal programs. Efforts are underway to improve communication about available resources so that families can more easily connect with assistance.

Youth programming has also been a priority. The administration is collaborating with schools, community organizations, and recreation providers to expand opportunities for young people, from after-school enrichment to summer activities. By strengthening structured programming, city leaders hope to provide safe, engaging outlets that support both academic success and personal growth.

Recreation for residents of all ages is equally central to the mayor’s vision. Investments in parks and playgrounds are being paired with broader efforts to promote community events, senior programming, and inclusive recreational opportunities that encourage residents to stay active and connected.

The mayor’s office has also worked to increase visibility of key local services, including housing assistance programs, workforce development resources, health initiatives, and family support services. By improving access to information and building stronger partnerships among agencies, the administration aims to ensure residents can navigate available services more effectively.

“We are not just building roads and repairing pipes,” Maglicco said. “We are strengthening the fabric of our community. That means making sure families have food, our youth have opportunity, and every resident knows where to turn for help.”

Looking Ahead

Throughout his first two months, Maglicco has frequently echoed the themes outlined in his inaugural message to residents. In that letter, he wrote that strong neighborhoods, responsible economic development, and infrastructure improvements would guide his administration.

“Good leadership begins not behind a desk, but out in the neighborhoods,” he stated in his remarks to constituents. That philosophy has translated into regular community engagement and a visible presence across the city.

While acknowledging that meaningful change takes time, Maglicco has expressed optimism about the city’s direction. “McKeesport has resilience in its roots and determination in its spirit,” he said. “Together, we can build on that strength and move our city forward.”

The administration’s early initiatives reflect a deliberate effort to combine modern tools, strategic investment, and community input as the foundation for long-term progress in McKeesport.