Congratulations, Mayor Corey O’Connor

The AI Strike Team congratulates Mayor Corey O’Connor on his inauguration as Pittsburgh’s 62nd mayor.

At last Monday evening’s ceremony, Mayor O’Connor shared a powerful video message on his vision for Pittsburgh. The video highlighted scenes from AI Horizons and the leaders shaping Pittsburgh’s role in the AI economy — including AI Strike Team Board Member Andrew Moore. It was a meaningful signal that our work to ensure we are a leader in this new AI economy is not only recognized, but embraced at the highest levels of city leadership. Check out the short video here:

1. Attracting families by building a future-forward city
Mayor O’Connor is focused on making Pittsburgh every family’s first choice—and he understands that requires leaning into this technological revolution. Scaling AI literacy from classrooms to neighborhoods ensures students, workers, seniors, and small businesses can participate in the AI economy. That’s why the inaugural after-party was held at the Children’s Museum, where First Lady Katy O’Connor delivered an impromptu reflection on Pittsburghers’ DNA as givers, builders, and doers—reminding us that we must honor our past as we build our future.

The setting said it all: once the nation’s first free Carnegie library, the Children’s Museum is now a hands-on tech and AI maker space, symbolizing Pittsburgh’s continuous reinvention.

ICMYI: Travel & Leisure just named Pittsburgh as the “Best US City for Young Adults to Move”.

2. Open for business—and ready to compete
Growth is the priority. The Mayor’s inaugural speech emphasized public safety as more than a statistic, but a “feeling”, the importance of “redding up” the city daily, and backed it up with action. On his first official day in office, he issued an executive order to speed up permitting. With the NFL Draft bringing global attention, Pittsburgh, with a Mayor ready to “sell”, is positioning itself to pitch—clearly and confidently—why companies should plant their flag in a city that’s building the future and welcoming to new investment.

3. Top AI leaders came to the party
From the head of BNY’s Global AI Hub to longtime tech leader and philanthropist Sunil Wadhwani, the inauguration drew a cross-section of leaders from across the full AI stack. The room included university presidents, labor leaders, energy executives, and AI operators—an early signal that Pittsburgh’s next phase of growth is being shaped by a broad, aligned coalition.

What’s next: The tone is set. The pushing continues. More to come.

The AI Strike Team advances strategic initiatives and cross-sector partnerships that catalyze AI-driven investment, innovation, and adoption — positioning Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania for sustained growth and leadership in the New AI Economy.