Denver to Shift Sidewalk Repair Work to City, Funded by Property Owners

The city is shifting from a piecemeal approach to sidewalk repairs that charged property owners with doing the work to a more streamlined, city-led process.

1 minute read

October 2, 2024, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Row of light red brick condominium buildings along quiet street with concrete sidewalk in Denver, Colorado.

Residential buildings in the River North Arts District in Denver, Colorado. | Jen Lobo / Adobe Stock

The city of Denver is taking a new approach to funding sidewalk repairs, using a fee levied on property owners to fund repairs managed by the city. According to a Marketplace report by Rebecca Tauber, voters approved the measure in 2022. In the past, property owners were also responsible for making the repairs, leading to a piecemeal approach.

“In Denver, most property owners will pay $150 annually starting in January. That should bring in about $40 million per year. With that kind of money, the goal is that the city can build and fix all sidewalks in a decade.” The program includes discounts for low-income property owners.

Having safe and effective sidewalk networks provides multiple benefits beyond safety and accessibility and ensures that all people can move around the city safely.

Friday, September 27, 2024 in Marketplace

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