Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today told Pittsburghers they've "gotta believe" during an inauguration speech tonight that was more pep talk than vision statement.

He said a young George Washington saw the confluence of three rivers as "an ideal place to build a fort, to make a stand," and said that's what it is today.

"I want you to know how deeply honored I am to be the mayor of this great city," he said. "I will leave it all on the field. You will get all I have to give. I will listen to, and genuinely care for, the people of Pittsburgh. I will be accessible, thoughtful and open-minded. I will not be the mayor, I will be your mayor."

He touted the achievements of his nearly 16 months in office that have followed the Sept. 1, 2006, death of Mayor Bob O'Connor.

Tops on the list was the deal under which the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center would donate $100 million over 10 years to underwrite the Pittsburgh Promise of college money for all public school graduates. That arrangement, which depends in part on matching funds from other sources, has become controversial following the revelation Monday that UPMC wants a guarantee protecting it from paying both the Promise and the city and school district should its tax-exempt status be altered.

He claimed "enormous strides to ensure that our citizens and their property are safe" and called 2007 was "the safest year for our citizens in more than 40 years." The statistical basis for that claim wasn't immediately available. Homicides are up from 59 last year to 63 so far this year.

He said the administration has "managed our financial house," noting a nearly $100 million bank balance and credit rating upgrades. He stopped short of pledging to get the city out of state fiscal oversight during his two-year term.

He said that African-American police and fire chiefs, plus the appointments of women and minorities to boards, makes his team "the most diverse leadership in our city's history."

And he tallied $3 billion in property development ongoing citywide.

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"I will continue to work with any and all governments, counties, cities, boroughs and townships to drive down costs and deliver a less expensive, more efficient and effective government," he said. More arrangements like a 2006 pact to collect trash for Wilkinsburg Borough are "a formula for success," he said.

He did not address the thorny issue of whether city government should be merged into Allegheny County. A committee studying that issue is expected to issue its report in March. Mr. Ravenstahl has been skeptical about the benefits of a full merger.

He said he'll try to combine city development and planning units and give each neighborhood "the tools to protect its heritage and welcome new residents."

He closed with a series of "you've gottas," including this one: "You've gotta believe that when some in our community look for bad, even in things that are good, that we are a people of ancestors who fought against negativity to make great things happen, that we have a Pittsburgh Pride that keeps us working each and every day for a brighter future."

Pirates broadcaster Lanny Frattare served as master of ceremonies. The Rev. Terrence O'Connor, son of the late mayor, conducted the benediction. Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, a long-time friend of the Ravenstahl family, also spoke.

Mr. Ravenstahl's mother, Cynthia, and his brothers Adam and Brad presented the Certificate of Election, and his father, District Judge Robert P. Ravenstahl Jr., administered the oath of office.

Mr. Ravenstahl, a Democrat, won a Nov. 6 special election against Republican Mark DeSantis and will serve out the last two years of the term won by Mr. O'Connor in 2005.