Next Steps on Improving #LASidewalks For All

Last week, the City of Los Angeles approved their comprehensive sidewalk repair plan. The plan would begin tasking city departments like the city’s Bureau of Street Services and Bureau of Engineering to start leveraging over $1 billion to repair miles of sidewalks in disrepair.

Approved today! Starting tomorrow, report #LAsidewalks repairs on LACity’s new “Safe Sidewalks L.A.” website https://t.co/bud2kWMSuS

— StreetsblogLA (@StreetsblogLA) November 30, 2016

But, our questions still remain: will the repairs happen in communities that need them the most? And how will vulnerable populations like individuals with disabilities and older adults understand how to ask for an improvement to their sidewalks?

On the day of the vote, we gathered over 45 advocates, community members, and city officials to hit the road running and start answering these questions — this group is a continuation of our sidewalks work group, now called the Completing Streets in the City of Los Angeles work group.

A spirited discussion with LA Mayor’s office Ted Bardacke about #LASidewalks repair program. Thanks everyone for joining us! pic.twitter.com/zPfKh9moPZ

— Investing in Place (@InvestinPlace) November 30, 2016

Ted Bardacke (Director of Infrastructure for LA Mayor Garcetti’s Office) and Steve Chen (Engineering Manager for LA City’s Bureau of Engineering) presented key points on the sidewalk repair program:

• The 3 types of requests are: Access requests (Requests by and for people with disabilities), Rebate program (Property owners willing to pay for their sidewalk), and General Repairs.
• The City will map every sidewalk, street tree, curb ramps, and street trees.
• The City will integrate “Low Impact Development” principles in sidewalk and street planning.
• And, the City is looking for recommendations for a stakeholder committee.

Coming soon w/ #LASidewalks: mapping of every sidewalk, street tree, and curb ramps ?? this will help with access requests pic.twitter.com/4uZrFDvi7R

— Investing in Place (@InvestinPlace) November 30, 2016

Woot woot ! City of LA is working to create a sidewalk repair advisory committee !! #LASidewalks pic.twitter.com/dxyxm36LbV

— Jessica Meaney (@jessica_meaney) November 30, 2016

Moving forward, we’re thrilled to watch the sidewalk repair policy unfold. Our spirited group came up with a few next steps that is worth a read for our friends and colleagues:

If you’re interested in getting updates or joining our group, please sign up here.