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
Seattle's New Updated Pedestrian Master Plan Includes $22 Million for Sidewalks
The promised update for the city of Seattle's Pedestrian Master Plan was released to the public last week.
Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.
Without Sidewalks, Making Seattle Streets More Pedestrian Friendly
Over a quarter of city blocks lack sidewalk infrastructure. An advocacy project to reduce traffic speeds and increase pedestrian safety on these streets has evolved into a city-funded program.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)