It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that Atlanta has an enormous backlog of broken sidewalks and that it will be expensive to fix.
What gets measured gets improved, so we're asking Atlanta officials - in person, via e-mail and by working with the media - to gather data and make it public.
How big is the backlog of broken sidewalks in the City of Atlanta?
No one knows -- and City officials have made little effort to find out. For now, the
Using data from 2008, it estimated the cost of repairing broken sidewalks and curb ramps at $152 million. It also estimated the annual cost of sidewalk and curb ramp deterioration at $20 million.
Seven years have passed, and construction costs have increased significantly.
We expect the true cost of addressing the backlog of broken sidewalks to be at least double the 2010 estimate.
How much is the City investing in eliminating the backlog?
Account.Terrific improvement, with an enormous catch. The money can be used to repair roads and bridges as well as sidewalks, and the ordinance doesn't set a minimum for allocations to sidewalk maintenance. Funds in this account can also be used to pay for new infrastructure.
A separate ordinance approved in 2015 requires Public Works to make quarterly reports on how much it spent on sidewalk repairs. That hasn't happened. And until it does, we have little confidence that the Public Improvement and Infrastructure Account is putting a dent in the sidewalk backlog.
Show us the data!
At a recent Utilities Committee meeting at City Hall, PEDS President & CEO Sally Flocks requested an updated report on the state of Atlanta's sidewalk infrastructure. She also asked for a report documenting all sidewalk repairs that have been implemented since passage of 14-O-1361 in July 2015. In response, Utilities Committee Chair Yolanda Adrean asked the Commissioner of Public Works to provide both.
You can count on us to continue demanding increased transparency. In the meantime, we need your help promoting policy and funding changes.
Your voice matters!
2017 is an election year, and the mayor's race is hotly contested. When you speak with candidates, please ask for their commitment to two changes:
Replace Atlanta's sidewalk ordinance
Include a $20 million line item dedicated to sidewalk repairs in the annual general fund budget.
Finally, remind candidates that actions speak louder than words.
Job opening: Director of Communications and Development
PEDS seeks an accomplished Director of Communications and Development, who will work closely with the CEO and others to develop and implement annual communications and fundraising plans
that raise awareness of PEDS, increase member engagement, promote walk-friendly change and increase financial support for our programs.
If you or someone you know is interested in the position, please read the description of qualifications and responsibilities. At least 3 years of experience in non-profit communications and development is required.
Please spread the word. This is a great opportunity to help make walking safe and enjoyable in communities throughout Georgia.
School's out. SLOW DOWN signs are in.
Do you have a front yard? If so, please help us kill speed and save lives.
People who represent neighborhood organizations or other civic associations can bring home up to 25 signs.
Georgia Walks Summit
A big thanks to all of you who helped make the 2017 Georgia Walks Summit a success. Fun and interesting walking tours, followed by inspiring and informative presentations.
Despite the rain, walking tours were fun and inspiring.
Over a hundred people attended, including
transportation and public health professionals, government officials and advocates from throughout Georgia.
We received terrific feedback. Just a few of the comments:
"Peter Norton's keynote was awesome!"
"Lots of opportunity for networking"
"Relevant, high level presentations"
Presentations from the Georgia Walks Summit are online. Check out the sessions you missed - or take another look at the ones you'd love to see again. Photos from the summit are available to view and download as well. Enjoy!
Last but not least: mark your calendar: The 2018 Georgia Walks Summit will be in Rome, GA on March 15- 16.
