Kim Salinetro is a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh’s District 2, deeply rooted in service, community, and resilience. Raised by a mother who was an orphan, she learned the importance of strength and kindness—values she later passed down to her own children. That strength carried her through one of the most challenging moments of her life—her father’s funeral falling on the same day as her graduation from Langley High School. Despite hardships, she remained committed to her community, a dedication that has defined her life’s work.
As a mother of twin daughters, Kim has always been an advocate for children and families. She coached her daughters’ high school cheerleading squad, fostering their love for the sport while leading fundraising efforts to ensure every girl—regardless of financial circumstances—could participate. Her daughters later graduated from Langley, continuing the family’s legacy. Volunteering has long been a shared passion for Kim and her husband, Bob. His deep involvement includes coaching for the Elliott West End Athletic Association (EWEAA) and volunteering with The Open Door, while Kim spent years volunteering with the Westwood Oakwood Athletic Association (WOAA).
In the 1980s, Kim volunteered with the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, ensuring dignified services for those impacted by the crisis. She has also served as President of Mothers of Multiples, Secretary of the Sheraden Community Council, and currently, President of the Banksville Civic Association. For the past 16 years, she has been Chief of Staff to City Councilwoman Theresa Kail Smith, using her government experience to address neighborhood concerns and deliver real solutions for residents.
As Chief of Staff, Kim worked behind the scenes to support the councilwoman’s vision while developing her own expertise in community-driven projects, neighborhood stabilization, and housing affordability initiatives. She played a key role in the Cedarwood Homes project, ensuring it included 40 years of affordability for seniors. As a board member of Goodwill Housing and the Advisory Committee for Community-Based Organizations (ACC-BO), she contributed to affordable housing and community development.
Beyond policy, Kim ensured that resident concerns—such as potholes, water service disruptions, and neighborhood improvements—were addressed efficiently. She worked closely with city agencies to repurpose closed Pittsburgh Public School buildings and played a hands-on role in community projects like the Chartiers City Spray Park. While assisting in drafting legislation, she helped translate ideas into policies that strengthened the district. Through these efforts, she built strong relationships with residents, organizations, and city officials, always keeping the councilwoman’s office responsive and effective.
Kim is also passionate about protecting Pittsburgh’s environment. She and Bob have paddled through the city’s rivers as part of Paddle Without Pollution, removing litter and debris to help preserve the region’s waterways. She believes strong communities require not just safe streets and thriving businesses, but also a clean, healthy environment for future generations.
Through decades of service, Kim has remained a steadfast advocate for her neighbors, embodying leadership, empathy, and dedication. She understands both the needs of residents and the realities of making change happen. She sees challenges from the ground up while also knowing what’s possible on Grant Street—making her the right leader to fight for District 2.
