The City of L.A. is undertaking a record $31 million annual investment to repair City sidewalks so they are no longer hazardous to children, older Angelenos, and people with disabilities.
To target resources where they are needed most, Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City Council launched Safe Sidewalks LA in December 2016. The program, which is managed by the Bureau of Engineering, prioritizes requests by Angelenos with mobility-related disabilities, and takes into account proximity to transportation corridors and transit stops. The Mayor showcased a recently repaired sidewalk in Sherman Oaks today, along with Councilmember David Ryu, Councilmember Paul Krekorian, City leaders, and residents.
“We made a historic commitment to make these repairs, because safe sidewalks that are easy to traverse are at the heart of getting back to basics,” said Mayor Garcetti. “I’m encouraging Angelenos to take advantage of these programs so that everyone, regardless of their ability, can move around in their neighborhoods. When we repair our sidewalks, we improve the safety and quality of life in our communities, raise property values, and boost our sense of neighborhood pride.”
In 2015, the City made a $1.4 billion commitment to repair the city’s sidewalks over the next 30 years. To date, more than 33 miles of sidewalk have been fixed.
"Safe Sidewalks LA is the culmination of many hard years of work and public input," said City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. "We now have an operational program that allows Angelenos to get their sidewalks fixed outside their homes and businesses. This is already changing the pedestrian experience in our great city and improving safety in our neighborhoods."
The City has repaired sidewalks at 71 locations since the launch of Safe Sidewalks LA. For every one street tree removed to repair a damaged sidewalk, two trees are planted in its place.
“Safe sidewalks are critical for the preservation of our neighborhoods. However, for nearly four decades, the City has been stuck with a broken policy for sidewalk repairs. The Safe Sidewalk LA program tackles this long-standing issue by addressing it with common sense solutions,” said Councilmember David Ryu. "This is an exciting step forward in our City's work toward enhancing the quality of life for all Angelenos."
Angelenos with mobility-related disabilities can submit an Access Request, which is then reviewed by the Department on Disability.
“The Access Request Program, which prioritizes repair requests from people with mobility disabilities and our seniors, makes the City more livable and equitable by providing safe, navigable public sidewalks and walkways that are accessible for everyone,” said Stephen David Simon, Executive Director of the Department on Disability.
Residents can also take advantage of a cost-share option and rebates offered to property owners who initiate and pay for their own repairs. Through the rebate program, residential property owners are eligible for a one-time rebate of up to $2,000, and commercial or industrial property owners are eligible for a one-time rebate of up to $4,000.
Angelenos can learn more about these programs, or report a sidewalk problem, by visiting www.sidewalks.lacity.org or by calling 3-1-1.