The City completed an implementation plan where the priority sidewalks were reviewed and scheduled.

When scheduling the sidewalk plan, the City considered the following for each sidewalk location and completed the Pedestrian Improvements Prioritization Matrix:

• Opportunities to bundle with other City projects
• Redevelopment potential
• Grant funding opportunities
• Project costs and simplicity of construction
• Priority scores from the original 2018 Sidewalk Prioritization Plan 

Learn more by watching the 2018 Voter-Approved Sidewalk Projects introduction video (YouTube).

Funding

In November 2018, the voters approved a 0.2% increase of the Sales and Use Tax for the construction of new sidewalk with a portion to fund repair for sidewalks. The tax was effective April 1, 2019. As part of the ballot measure, twelve specific locations were identified for new sidewalks. Staff estimates these projects to be constructed by 2029.

Completed 2018 Voter-Approved Sidewalk Projects

• 1st Avenue NE (NE 193rd Street to NE 195th Street), 2022
• 5th Avenue NE (NE 175th Street to NE 182nd Court), 2023

Left: 1st Avenue NE before new sidewalks were constructed between NE 193rd Street and NE 195th Street.

Right: After new sidewalks were constructed on 1st Avenue NE between NE 193rd Street and NE 195th Street.

The sidewalk rehabilitation program provides for repair and replacement of existing pedestrian facilities located in the public right-of-way. Sidewalk rehabilitation projects are prioritized based on the City's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, which developed priorities for sidewalk repair and replacement based on a combination of the severity of sidewalk damage and the need for accessibility in that location.

Funding

In June 2018, the City Council approved a $20 annual Vehicle License Fee (VLF) for sidewalk maintenance and repair. The approved Ordinance 822 increased the total annual VLF to $40. The additional fee allows the City to increase sidewalk maintenance funds from approximately $152,000 per year to $730,000 per year.

The City has been very successful in procuring grant funding for sidewalks and will continue to pursue grants for sidewalk projects, including the Safe Routes to School program. New funding sources in addition to grant funded capital projects will move the City further along in the development of our sidewalk network.

The City Council has indicated a desire to continue to provide some General Fund support for Sidewalk Projects in the Roads Capital Fund. Council will re-evaluate the demand for this support with each biennial budget process.

Recent and current studies help to better define priorities for completing and maintaining this network. There are many City plans and policies that help inform when and where sidewalk projects will be constructed or improved.

Sidewalk Prioritization Plan

In June 2018, the Shoreline City Council adopted a Sidewalk Prioritization Plan for new sidewalks. This was the result of a year-long process working with a Sidewalk Advisory Committee and the community to develop a method of prioritizing new sidewalk projects and to identify possible funding sources.

ADA Transition Plan

The City has evaluated existing sidewalks, curb ramps, and pedestrian crossing facilities as part of its required ADA Transition Plan to make existing sidewalks safe and accessible for all users. Prioritizing existing sidewalk improvements is a part of this plan.

Transportation Master Plan (TMP)

The TMP is the City’s long-range blueprint for travel and mobility describing a vision for all modes of transportation including walking, bicycling, transit, and automobile. Adopted in 2011, the TMP is scheduled to be updated and adopted in 2024 to better align the City’s transportation goals, objectives, and policies with the current opportunities and challenges the City faces today and in the near future.