Over the next two weeks, in a series called #GOVote, we will explore the many reasons BikeWalkKC endorses KCMO Questions 1, 2, 3 on the April 4th ballot. Follow along as we detail the myriad benefits these measures bring to walking and biking in KCMO.
GO Bond Question 1 would establish a $150m fund for neighborhood sidewalks – the first ever dedicated funding source in the KCMO’s recent history. Passage of the measure would also end the City’s detested policy of assessing homeowners for the cost of their sidewalks.
By voting “YES” on Questions 1, 2, and 3 you will vote to:
- Require the City to create a strategic plan for sidewalk investment
- Prioritize neighborhood livability and safety by building new sidewalks
- Provide an additional $7.5 million per year for sidewalks
- Systematically improve walkability
- Build safe routes to schools
- Improve access to public transportation
Back in December, we made the case for the inclusion of sidewalks in the GO Bond:
The G.O. Bond is an opportunity to begin pecking away at the estimated $1billion backlog of sidewalk repairs and infill. The city has thousands of miles of existing sidewalks many of which are in disrepair. And still thousands of additional miles of streets have no sidewalks. A performance audit conducted by the city auditor’s office in 2006 concluded that the city’s sidewalk program was fundamentally flawed. Ten years later the city still has not addressed the findings from that report.
A significant infusion of funding into a sidewalk program from the bond should launch a systematic approach to sidewalk maintenance, the 2006 audit’s primary criticism. But perhaps even more important, the financial burden of sidewalk upkeep should be taken off of the backs of homeowners.
The mayor and the council heard this message. Mayor James even produced printed copies of the petition signatures you submitted on the BikeWalkKC website as a way to persuade other council members at the final joint committee hearing on the bond.
.@MayorSlyJames just handed signatures of people asking for sidewalks to 3rd and 5th district council members.
— Eric Bunch (@EricWBunch) January 19, 2017
Later that day, council passed a resolution that called for the adoption of nearly all of our recommendations if voters approve Question 1 at the ballot box on April 4th.
Now it is time for you to do your part and vote “YES” for Questions 1, 2, 3 on April 4th.
Visit http://bikewalkkc.org/vote123 to learn more about the April 4th election and the details about how it will improve walking and biking.
Next up in the #GOVote series: A YES Vote on Questions 1, 2, 3 is a Vote for Accessibility.
Get Involved and Learn More
Join us as a supporter of the Healthy, Sustainable Neighborhoods Coalition
Sidewalks Town Hall with BikeWalkKC on March 23rd
Volunteer for voter postcard writing on March 27th
Neighborhood Meetings
Visit http://bikewalkkc.org/vote123 to find an upcoming local meeting in your own neighborhood.
We need your support to keep fighting for better walking and biking
BikeWalkKC’s advocacy work relies on the support of our members and individual donors. Please make a donation today. Investing in BikeWalkKC will help us get voters to the polls on April 4th to support investing in a better quality of life for all of Kansas City.