Seattle political leadership recently announced an ambitious plan to build more sidewalks with less money.

[Updated 11/3/2015] Stephen Fesler reports on a plan announced recently by Seattle Mayor Ed Murray construct at least 250 blocks of new sidewalks over the next nine years and "to give more Seattleites more options when it comes to getting around on foot..."
Central to the proposal is a concern for lowering the cost of pedestrian facilities. According to Fesler, "[The mayor's] plan would implement more cost-effective techniques in sidewalk materials and designs. In fact, some 'sidewalks' might not even be what we consider as a traditional sidewalk. Murray is also proposing the development of new tools for and partnerships with private individuals to construct walking facilities." The mayor's proposal would aim to construct the 250 blocks of new sidewalks at the cost of 150 blocks of concrete sidewalks constructed in the traditional model.
A press release from the Mayor's Office reveals more about how and where the city would undertake the new sidewalk construction program.
The scale of the proposal also hinges on the Move Seattle, which is up for vote today. Fesler reported in August about Seattle's disconnected network of sidewalks, a legacy of the city's history of incorporation.
This post was updated from miles to blocks to represent the accurate distance measured.
FULL STORY: SEATTLE MAYOR ED MURRAY REVEALS LOW-COST SIDEWALK PROGRAM

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