Advocates of the Plow the Sidewalks program were asking for $1 million to start a pilot program in four areas of the city.
The Chicago City Council passed a budget that includes funding for a ‘Plow the Sidewalks’ pilot project, reports Quinn Myers in Block Club Chicago.
The $500,000 allocated to the project is roughly half of what advocates were asking for. Alderperson Daniel La Spata, who has been a strong supporter of the program, said the pilot will launch in December 2025 “and that the city will seek grants and philanthropic funding to supplement the $500,000.”
Earlier this month, disability rights advocates decried the mayor’s decision to omit the program from the proposed 2025 budget altogether. A May working group report recommended four test zones for the sidewalk-clearing program, which supporters say is essential to the mobility of residents with disabilities, people pushing strollers, and all pedestrians.
FULL STORY: City Council Passes 2025 Budget That Avoids Property Tax Hike
Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program
Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.
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.
Chicago Approves Sidewalk Clearing Pilot
The new program will develop plans for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice to improve accessibility.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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