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Council asks staff to return at budget time with options to accelerate sidewalk gap repairs
Summary
Council instructed staff to develop options — including interim connections, a sidewalk opportunity fund and a possible rebate program — and return at 2027–28 budget preparation with costed proposals to fill sidewalk gaps across the city.
KIRKLAND, Wash. — In response to a June 3 council request, staff presented an analysis June 17 of sidewalk gaps citywide and several possible approaches to accelerate repairs.
Public Works Director Chuck Deaver briefed council that staff identified about 1,640 sidewalk segments (roughly 576,000 linear feet) where sidewalks are missing in the city. Using a benchmark cost of $175 per linear foot (which varies by project complexity), staff estimated a theoretical citywide cost well in excess of $101 million to install permanent sidewalks at every gap.
Deaver presented eight options for expedited action: (1) continue and expand a sidewalk opportunity fund used to support public right‑of‑way improvements adjacent to private development; (2) require property owners to install frontage sidewalks under existing code; (3) form a local improvement district (LID) to finance clustered sidewalk projects; (4) allow developer‑funded off‑site improvements or fees in lieu; (5) increase the capital‑improvement program allocation; (6) implement interim connections (asphalt or gravel paths) to provide immediate walking links; (7) pilot a rebate program to incentivize voluntary homeowner installations; and (8) maintain current programming.
Council discussion focused on feasibility, timeline and funding options. Several councilmembers favored a combination of interim connections (6), establishing or funding a sidewalk opportunity fund (1) and exploring a rebate program (7) to leverage smaller, faster projects while larger, permanent work is scheduled in the CIP. Deputy Mayor Arnold moved — and council approved — direction for staff to return at budget time with options that emphasize the sidewalk opportunity fund, interim connections and a rebate program.
Ending: Staff will prepare costed options for those three approaches and bring them back during the 2027–28 budget process for council consideration.
