new business survey of nearly 400 Allegheny County organizations reveals overwhelming concern regarding the potential local economic impacts of a proposed paid parental leave mandate. Conducted by research firm CorCom Inc. and highlighted by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, the survey shows that 83 percent of respondents expect a negative financial impact from the ordinance, which would require employers with 15 or more workers to provide 12 weeks of paid leave.

Business leaders warn that the mandate could hinder regional competitiveness, drive up consumer prices, and weaken job growth. According to the findings, over half of surveyed businesses (55 percent) expect to raise prices to offset costs, while 40 percent anticipate cutting back on new full-time hires. Furthermore, roughly a third of respondents indicated the policy would make them more likely to shift future investments or existing operations outside of Allegheny County entirely, underscoring ongoing regional anxieties over balancing worker benefits with business retention and economic growth.

“Allegheny County competes for investment, talent, and job creation within a highly regional and national marketplace,” Stefani Pashman, CEO of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, said. “Policies like this that materially increase employer cost structures — particularly when not matched by neighboring jurisdictions with whom we are competing — will raise hurdles for our ability to both attract businesses as well as persuade companies to stay and expand. The feedback in the survey reflects just that point.”