Invest in ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Vision Zero, with a priority given to projects that connect everyday destinations, such as schools, businesses, community centers, housing, government services, and especially transit stops, via safe and accessible sidewalks, intersections, and crosswalks. These types of improvements will allow all users to safely access the amenities that connect us and strengthen our community.

Investments should be made to continue the successful Critical Sidewalk Gaps and Sidewalk Repair Assistance Programs, and also to maintain our city steps that provide vital connections for many neighborhoods.

Funding should be provided in the 2026 Operating Budget to hire City staff dedicated to the strategic coordination, design, and construction of pedestrian-related projects and initiatives across the City that will help achieve the goals laid out in the 2020 Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. An “in-house” sidewalk construction crew would enable the City to accomplish more projects without the need to contract out, and would make it easier to fill smaller critical sidewalk gaps more quickly and at lower cost.

• We also support the pedestrian-related recommendations submitted for consideration in the 2025 Capital Budget by the Complete Streets Advisory Group, including:

• Increased funding for DOMI staffing so that priority projects can be completed sooner;

• establishment of a dedicated funding source for ADA ramps and transit pads in a way that does not impact asphalt resurfacing projects;

• funding for a sidewalk inventory;

• funding the purchase of equipment for snow and debris removal from sidewalks and bike lanes; and

• establishing dedicated funding to support additional staff to review and inspect projects to find and address noncompliance with permits (including sidewalk closures that impact wheelchair users, people pushing strollers, and vision-impaired pedestrians; traffic permit reviews, development reviews, and utility reviews).