Snow Angels program adds one‑click activations and live tracking; council encouraged volunteers

City staff updated the mayor and City Council on Snow Angels, the volunteer program that helps older adults and people with disabilities clear sidewalks and ADA ramps during winter storms.

Program staff said the initiative now uses an automated system that allows a one‑click activation and provides a live status for addresses (incomplete, in progress, complete). “We just really worked to create a more efficient program … it allows for a 1‑click activation,” the program lead said, adding that volunteers can now see address status in near real time after the system improvement reduced update lag to roughly 30 seconds.

Program data shared with council members showed 156 houses requesting assistance and 107 volunteers signed up so far this season. Staff also summarized last season’s results: 241 houses requested assistance, 177 volunteers signed up, three activations were launched and 167 houses were served; staff estimated those activations prevented about $25,000 in potential sidewalk fines.

The program lead said volunteers are screened to keep the service contactless and free, and staff emphasized safety reminders that residents should not be asked for money. She said the program has drawn interest from other cities seeking to adopt the model and encouraged council members to promote the program in their districts and through council communications.

Councilmembers thanked the Snow Angels team and encouraged continued outreach to recruit volunteers and ensure that residents who need help know how to request assistance.

The meeting concluded after the Snow Angels update.