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Residents push 'get stuff done' sidewalk plan; city details phased repairs and funding
Summary
A resident-led proposal urging a rapid, in-house "get stuff done" sidewalk program drew support from council and staff. Public Works Director Mark Russell said the city spent about $500,000 last year and has another $500,000 for 2025, with a longer-term capital plan estimating roughly $3 million a year for sidewalks.
A public comment appeal on May 6 from Larry Jezza, chair of the Olympia Council of Neighborhood Associations, urged the Olympia City Council to start a "get stuff done" initiative to accelerate sidewalk repairs across the city rather than wait for multi-year policy development.
"I am suggesting that we adopt a get stuff done initiative in the city," Jezza said, urging the city to hire a dedicated crew of city workers to repair sidewalks, post signs saying "your Olympia tax dollars at work," and show visible neighborhood progress while longer-term policy options are developed.
Councilmembers and staff responded with descriptions of current activity and funding. Public Works Director Mark Russell said the city spent about $500,000 on sidewalk repairs in 2024 and has…
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