Since starting its own trash service just over a year ago, the City of Pittsburg now conducts 3,200 weekly pickups. According to McNay, the service averages 100 new customers a month, and the city purchased a third trash truck this summer to accommodate for the growth.
McNay pointed out how quickly the service was started.
“It is worth noting that the trash service was reviewed by the commission in May of 2024, and officially launched in September 2024,” she said. “Sometimes we can move at the speed of light.”
September also marked two years since Pathways to Hope, a deferred sentencing program, was launched. It was started by former city prosecutor John Mazurek, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHCSEK) and Crawford County Mental Health.
“(They) came together and launched an initiative to support individuals facing court charges due to homelessness, poverty or just a lack of a support system of any kind,” McNay explained during the Address.
Individuals are referred to the program by the city prosecutor, Kaylyn Hite, who started in the position on Sept. 22. If an individual chooses to participate, they then work with either the CHCSEK or Crawford County Mental Health, or both, to “address the barriers that prevent consistent shelter,” according to McNay.
Over two years, 73 individuals have been referred to the program and 48 have participated. 36 individuals have had their charges dismissed and more are still going through the program.
McNay spoke of one individual who was able to find an apartment and a job with the help of Pathways to Hope.
“Support staff has maintained communication and ongoing support for this individual through phone calls and transportation,” she said. “You can imagine the investment of time that is needed to move someone from the state of hopelessness to one that has hope in their future, and this program is making a difference.”
Housing was another notable part of McNay’s presentation. She talked about the City Housing Incentive Program, which went into effect in January. It was developed in collaboration with Crawford County and Pittsburg USD 250 to provide better access to low and moderate income housing. Through the program, licensed contractors can receive grant funding for single-family homes. Nine applications have been accepted so far.
The most recent housing needs assessment also revealed a demand for affordable housing for seniors and quality rentals. McNay noted that 234 living units are expected to have been created in downtown Pittsburg.
A new assessment will be presented to the City Commission this fall.
In addition to new initiatives, the city has also recently added several new positions: a night park security officer, a building inspector and a code enforcement officer. McNay called the night park security officer position “invaluable,” and said the others will play an important role in making sure all structures in Pittsburg are safe.
As the city prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year, McNay called it a “shining example of resilience.”
“It’s not just a city on a map,” she said. “It’s a testament to what’s possible when people come together with purpose and heart, putting the pieces together for a brighter future.”
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