During a recent government meeting, the Community Mobilization Committee (CMC) discussed the ongoing Project Sidewalk initiative, aimed at improving sidewalk accessibility in St. Louis. The project allows residents to participate in auditing sidewalks using an online tool, which is accessible to anyone with internet access. While training sessions have been offered, participation does not require prior training, as users can learn through a self-guided tutorial.

The CMC acknowledged the limitations of Project Sidewalk, noting that while it can identify height differences in sidewalks, it cannot measure slopes to determine compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, the tool relies on Google Street View images, which may be outdated or obstructed by vehicles, potentially affecting the accuracy of the data collected.

The committee reported that audits have been completed in Ward 3, with Wards 7 and 12 now open for auditing. The goal is to have the entire city audited by the end of the year, with a focus on collecting usable data rather than random data points. The CMC emphasized the importance of community involvement in expediting the audit process.

Data collected from Project Sidewalk is intended to inform funding decisions and prioritize sidewalk improvements, particularly in areas that lack ADA compliance. The committee discussed the potential for this data to influence city infrastructure evaluations and funding allocations, drawing on examples from other cities like Chicago, where similar initiatives have successfully directed resources to areas in need.

As the meeting concluded, committee members expressed enthusiasm for the project and its potential impact on improving accessibility in St. Louis. The CMC remains committed to engaging with community organizations to facilitate further training and participation in the project.