VOLUNTARY CITYWIDE SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM

Motion - For over half a century, the City of Los Angeles required property owners to make repairs to sidewalks abutting their property, as authorized by the State of California Improvement Act of 1911. In 1973, the City obtained federal funds to repair sidewalks at no cost to the property owners. To make use of these funds, the City changed its policy and exempted homeowners from the responsibility for sidewalk repairs caused by tree root growth, placing responsibility for these repairs with the City. With no subsequent federal funding however, the City exhausted its funds for sidewalk repair in 1976 and was unable to fund a sidewalk repair program again until 2000. Over the past 4 years, 324 miles of sidewalks have been repaired at a cost of $64.8 million but a backlog of 4,276 miles remains. It would take nearly 83 years at a cost of over $1 billion to complete these repairs. In September 2004, Council District Two launched a 90 day "50/50 Sidewalk Repair Pilot Program" to increase the amount of sidewalks repaired in the District utilizing 50% of their allocated General Fund repair monies matched with residents' contributions. As a result of this program, 20% more sidewalks were repaired in Council District Two this year than in previous years. To ensure that residents of all income levels were able to have their sidewalks repaired, Council District Two specifically set aside funds for sidewalk repairs in low-income neighborhoods. Sidewalk repair is a top priority for our communities. To ensure that our sidewalks are well-maintained and the quality of life in our neighborhoods is preserved, the City must look at creative solutions to increase the number of sidewalk miles repaired every year. The success of the Council District Two pilot program should be considered as a potential model for the entire City. THEREFORE MOVE that the Bureau of Street Services work with City Administrative Officer and report back on the feasibility of using a portion of the City's sidewalk repair funds to establish a voluntary citywide sidewalk repair program modeled after Council District Two's "50/50 Sidewalk Repair Pilot Program" in the fiscal year 2005-2006 budget. REFER TO COUNCIL FILE 04-0973