Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.
Disability rights advocates in Chicago are decrying the city’s omission of funding for a “Plow the Sidewalks” pilot program that was recommended in 2023.
As Quinn Myers explains in Block Club Chicago, a proposed pilot program to clear sidewalks of snow using city funds was unfunded in the 2025 budget.
“Currently, Chicago landlords can be fined up to $500 per day for not shoveling or plowing the sidewalk in front of their buildings. But sporadic reporting and enforcement often leads to stretches of sidewalk covered in snow and ice for days or longer,” Myers explains.
The proposed pilot program would have city crews clear sidewalks when more than 2 inches of snow accumulate in a 24-hour period. “The city would also plow sidewalks in front of vacant lots under the targeted approach, according to the report, and could use a combination of in-house services and contractors to clear snow and ice on sidewalks.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed continued support for the program, saying conversations around funding it are “ongoing.”
FULL STORY: ‘Plow The Sidewalks’ Pilot Left Out Of City Budget, Angering Disability Rights Advocates
Chicago Allocates $500K to Sidewalk Clearing Pilot
Advocates of the Plow the Sidewalks program were asking for $1 million to start a pilot program in four areas of the city.
Chicago Approves Sidewalk Clearing Pilot
The new program will develop plans for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice to improve accessibility.
Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility
The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie