Following up on a recent LA Times editorial arguing for a "citizens sidewalk brigade" to document the state of every one of the city's sidewalks, rather than a proposed $10 million three-year survey, columnist Steve Lopez registers his approval.
L.A.'s sidewalks are a disgrace; that's something every City Council member, Bureau of Street Services official, and pedestrian in the city can agree. But, as a prelude to drafting a proposed sidewalk repair bond measure, what is the best way to catalog the estimated 5,000 miles of cracked and crumbling sidewalks throughout the city?
The city's Bureau of Street Services has proposed a painstaking three-year
survey of every sidewalk in the city, at a cost of $10
million. According to the Los Angeles Times, some City Council members have suggested that such a survey, "could be done faster and
cheaper with residents, community activists and nonprofit groups doing
the work of counting and cataloging the damaged sidewalks."
However, as Lopez notes, "A Department of Public Works representative told me that using
volunteers could get complicated for many reasons, including lack of
expertise on the part of volunteers and the challenge of evaluating the
information they submit. But the department hasn't ruled out some form
of public participation."
Whatever pathway is finally chosen, it's clear that Lopez, and the public, are clamoring to get the job started.
"You pay your taxes and that
seems to be the most elementary thing you would want taken care of, that
they keep the sidewalk clear and safe. It seems like a basic government
function," said Marina del Rey resident Jason Sharman.
FULL STORY: Red tape a stubborn obstacle to sidewalk repair

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie