Committee weighs changes to Walkability Improvement Grant as rising costs blunt $5,000 reimbursement

Staff summarized the Walkability Improvement Grant, saying applicants "can get up to $5,000. It's $50.50 match up to $5,000 for sidewalk repairs," and highlighted two main problems: the grant’s purchasing power has declined and corner (double-frontage) properties face disproportionate costs. Committee members urged revisiting the program’s design, including whether the city should administer pooled contracts to reduce per-project mobilization costs or front municipal funds to avoid reimbursement barriers for homeowners.

Members also suggested distinguishing downtown from outlying areas for standards and match levels, adding clearer material standards for brick work, and exploring ways to pay contractors directly rather than reimbursing owners. The committee asked staff to schedule a dedicated workshop to explore options and to return with more detailed cost and staffing implications.