The Allegheny County Board of Commissioners formed the seat of county administrative authority after its formation in 1788. Commissioner boards, which originated as fiscal managers within the county system prior to American independence, eventually incorporated greater legislative power. The traditionally three-member Allegheny County Board of Commissioners acted as the superintending body of county legislative and executive affairs until its replacement by the County Council in 2000. The Home Rule Charter of Allegheny County, which passed in 1998 and was enacted in 2000, abolished the board of commissioners in favor of the County Council, a body of fifteen elected district representatives. The charter also conferred executive powers to a County Executive, stipulated limitations on taxes and Council expenses, and imposed a regular timetable of departmental reviews. The County Council retains many former commissioner responsibilities, including those to approve and amend legislation, adopt an annual county budget, and authorize or refer matters related to county programs, property, projects and personnel. Notable past commissioners include John J. Kane (1937-1960); Tom Foerster (1967-1999) who initiated plans for home rule in Allegheny County; and former mayor and United States Deputy Attorney General Pete Flaherty (1984-1996)., Transfer from Allegheny County., Processed MSS 1062 7/2015 C. Lough, Finding aid available.
| Types | Organization, Government Body |
| Start date | 1862 |
| End date | 1999 |