Mayor Joelisa McDonald

05/31/2026

Today is the LAST DAY to complete the Rankin Borough Community Survey!

Your voice matters. The feedback received helps guide decisions about our community’s future, identify priorities, and ensure that residents’ concerns and ideas are heard. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just moved in, we want to hear from you.

The survey only takes a few minutes, but your input can have a lasting impact.

Complete the survey here before the end of the day.

https://forms.baseops.app/rankin-borough/community-feedback-svy1

Please also share this post with your neighbors, family, and friends who live in Rankin. The more participation we have, the stronger our community voice becomes.

You can move between steps, save a draft, and return later using your private link. Your submission is only sent to the municipality after you click Submit.

05/25/2026

Today, I was honored to join the Carnegie Library of Swissvale for the rededication of the War Memorials in observance of Memorial Day.

The ceremony served as a meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served our country. It was inspiring to see the community come together in remembrance, gratitude, and unity to honor those who gave so much for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Today also carries an even deeper meaning as the community remembers proud Swissvalian, Vietnam veteran, and husband of one of my former teachers, John “Jake” Friend, whose visitation will be held later today. Moments like these remind us that the legacy of service and sacrifice lives within our own neighborhoods and families.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize this special event and to all who attended. Ceremonies like these help ensure that the legacy and sacrifice of our veterans are never forgotten. 🇺🇸

05/19/2026

🚨 TODAY IS ELECTION DAY 🚨

It’s time to make your voice heard! Voting is taking place TODAY at the Rankin Municipal Building from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Every vote matters and every voice counts. To help find your polling place outside of Rankin please visit

Voting & Election Information

05/14/2026

UPDATE 10:14 AM Fire is under control.

Crews are currently battling a fire on 3rd Avenue. Please avoid the area if possible. Praying for everyone’s safety.

05/05/2026

Save the date for this years Juneteenth Celebration “Black to the Future” ✨ June 12th 4-8PM

Calling alll Vendors!! Please email Asata Brown to sign up!! ~[email protected] ~ or call 412-271-8313 for more info 💪🏽💪🏽Food, Sweets & so much more. Please share the day with US on June 12th!! No Vendor Feee!! Lets get this party started!!!

05/02/2026

As I’ve been learning more about my ancestry, I’ve discovered pieces of my roots that stretch across different places and histories from Africa to learning about Jewish heritage and culture.

That journey has really made me think about identity in a different way. Not just where we come from, but how much we don’t know and how much there is to learn when we stay open.

During Jewish American Heritage Month, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the history, resilience, and contributions of the Jewish community. I’m still learning, but I appreciate the connections, the shared histories, and the opportunity to grow in understanding.

Also grateful to my brother Mayor Van Johnson for opening up the beautiful city of Savannah to us, and to Combat Antisemitism Movement for organizing such an engaging and educational experience.

04/30/2026

Very proud to see continuous improvement and increase in our housing market. Especially at times like this.

MVI—Mon Valley Initiative the same nonprofit that helped me become a homeowner 13 years ago is renovating another home right here in our community!

🏡 3 Miller Ave, Rankin
• 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms
• 1,759 sq. ft. with a front porch + third-floor bonus room
• Rear parking + convenient access to public transportation and shopping
• Estimated completion: June 2026

This is a great opportunity for someone ready to take that next step into homeownership.

Income guidelines apply (80% AMI), and you’ll need a mortgage pre-approval of at least $110,000 to join the waitlist. Spots are limited and first come, first served.

If you or someone you know may be interested, check it out here:

COMING SOON!

04/22/2026

Valley Clean Air Now is distributing FREE air purifiers at the Rankin Christian Center on April 29th from 6-7pm.

You can register to receive yours by clicking the link below and entering your household information.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuidxzeHelMocAnbxB13FO7yAbjCR27gkZklT-DsviuhiZNA/viewform