The Borough of Jefferson Hills welcomed a new Borough Council on Monday, January 5, 2026. Newly elected and reelected Council members, along with the Mayor, were sworn in by District Judge Michael Thatcher. Melissa Steffey was re-elected as Council President, Kevin Polick was elected Council Vice President, and Diva Mares was elected Pro Tempore.
At the start of the year, Council members shared insights into their priorities for the term ahead, the challenges they are ready to take on, and what they value most / find most rewarding about serving the Jefferson Hills community.
West Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
MELISSA STEFFEY
38 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
Focus: With every term I have served, both past and present, I remain focused on ensuring responsible planning and infrastructure decisions that serve both current residents and future generations ahead.
Priority for this Term: I will continue working with the Economic Development Committee to help plan and pursue a business district within our community.
Challenge I am Eager to Take On: One challenge I am eager to take on is balancing growth and development with maintaining the character, safety, and quality of life that our residents value.
What I Appreciate About Our Community / Most Rewarding: What I appreciate most about our community is the strong sense of connection and pride residents have in the borough. It’ s been incredibly rewarding to work with engaged neighbors who care deeply about where they live and aren’ t afraid to get involved.
KEVIN POLICK
Focus: As a Council Member, my main focus is to strike a thoughtful balance between advancing our borough’ s future and safeguarding its historic legacy, ensuring progress without losing the essence of our community.
Priority for this Term: I’ m committed to challenging outdated thinking and identifying innovative, workable paths to implement our Comprehensive Plan for our parks and recreation.
Challenge I am Eager to Take On: The future. The choices we make today should strengthen Jefferson Hills’ competitive edge tomorrow, making our community the clear choice for future homebuyers.
What I Appreciate About Our Community / Most Rewarding: The residents. Jefferson Hills brings together lifelong residents and new homeowners, historic homes and farms alongside new development. People care deeply about this community, and balancing those perspectives is both a challenge and a privilege of serving on council
DIVA MARES
Focus: My main focus takes shape to what the current concerns are of the residents. If my focus doesn’ t align with the needs of our growing community, then my time here is misused.
Priority for this Term: My priority this term is to give the residents something tangible to see & experience. So much time & effort goes into behind the scenes to make progress of any kind. We have been granted funds to beautify our parks & that’ s what I’ m most looking forward to seeing come to fruition.
Challenge I am Eager to Take On: A challenge I’ m eager to continue is simply working with others with open & honest communication regardless of different ideas or views. Communication is key for anything to develop productively.
What I Appreciate About Our Community / Most Rewarding: One thing I appreciate about this community is the grace of others. Being a first-time council member comes with a lot to learn. Often those first couple years are spent navigating the job through trial & error. The feedback I most often hear from others is that of gratitude for my time. Comments like“ I couldn’ t or wouldn’ t want that responsibility” are what inspire me to keep going. It’ s a reminder that this work isn’ t for the faint of heart. While we can’ t please everyone, it’ s the appreciation & grace from the majority that speaks loudest for me.
DAVID BENTZ
Focus: I will continue focusing on my commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring the effective use of resources, while prioritizing and actively addressing the needs of the community.
Priority for this Term: My priority is to assist with finalizing the 10-year comprehensive plan and begin its implementation.
Challenge I am Eager to Take On: I am eager to help local businesses find success in the current economic climate.
What I Appreciate About Our Community / Most Rewarding: I appreciate the strong support neighbors show for one another, along with the dedication of our public servants and volunteers.