Lake Oswego presents 2024 ADA progress; requests sustained funding for curb ramps and accessibility work
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Summary
ADA Coordinator Kelly Byrd reported on 2024 accomplishments including staff training, 20 curb‑ramp upgrades, a library bookmobile purchase and outreach events; she urged the council consider dedicated funding (suggested an illustrative 1% of budget) to accelerate the ADA transition plan and highlighted a 2025 priority to build 19 curb ramps.
Kelly Byrd, Lake Oswego’s ADA coordinator, presented the 2024 Americans with Disabilities Act annual report, highlighted cross‑departmental accessibility upgrades, and urged sustained funding to implement the city’s ADA transition plan.
Byrd said her office handled more than 100 public accessibility inquiries in 2024, processed eight formal accommodation requests, provided staff training on Title II obligations, and supported an AllAbility employee resource group. The library purchased an ADA‑accessible bookmobile (delivery expected in about 18 months), hired a full‑time outreach coordinator, and hosted hybrid events with ASL interpreters and live streaming.
Engineering completed upgrades to 20 curb ramps and built more than 1,000 linear feet of ADA‑compliant sidewalk in capital projects; Parks increased accessible parking at several parks and delivery of inclusion support program hours; Fire updated ADA parking and signage at three stations; Police issued 1,153 total parking citations in 2024, of which 13 involved ADA violations.
Byrd listed 2025 priorities: advancing the ADA transition plan, opening the accessible aquatic center, and constructing 19 curb ramps across the city. She told council estimated needs remain large and recommended considering dedicated funding (she cited an example from a conference suggesting a 1% budget target to make headway over a 15‑year plan).
Councilors thanked Byrd and emphasized the importance of continuing the work across departments. Byrd and council members agreed staff would seek available grants and consider ways to summarize ADA reporting publicly where legally appropriate.
Next steps: staff will continue implementing the ADA transition plan, pursue funding opportunities, and return with project schedules and reports for council consideration.
