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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions