The following statement is attributable to Darrin Kelly, President Allegheny Fayette County Central Labor Council:

“We congratulate Sam Williamson, the district leader of 32BJ SEIU, on his appointment as URA chair. Appointing a labor leader who represents low-wage workers from all over the city signals how serious the Mayor is about ensuring that Pittsburgh is a city that works for everyone. Sam Williamson has a long history of fighting for affordable housing and good jobs for Pittsburgh.

“Under his leadership, the URA will have the opportunity to lead Pittsburgh towards a progressive vision for the future where service workers thrive along with ‘eds and meds.’ Pittsburgh is already setting an example for the nation on how cities can tackle inequality through responsible development and policies that help working families. Sam Williamson has been on the front lines of those efforts and is the exact leader the URA needs in this critical moment.”