A city-funded pilot program has paid for sidewalk repairs at nearly 60 residential properties in Cincinnati.
While homeowners are legally responsible for sidewalk repairs, Council member Anna Albi said the cost can be a burden for low-income residents. She introduced the $100,000 pilot program, which was funded through the city’s capital budget and launched last summer.
“Sidewalks, to me, are just so important with how we engage in our community, whether you are someone who’s just walking your dog, taking your kid down to the nearest park, waiting for the bus,” Albi told WVXU.
The city manager’s office released a report Friday detailing the program’s impact. Funding is expected to be fully used soon, with 58 properties repaired at an average cost of $1,700.
The pilot focused on seven neighborhoods where the median household income is below $50,000. Officials also selected these areas because of their proximity to each other, allowing for more efficient repairs.
Distribution of repairs by neighborhood:
East Westwood – 20 properties
Villages at Roll Hill – 0 properties
South Cummingsville – 12 properties
Millvale – 1 property
English Woods – 0 properties
North Fairmount – 17 properties
South Fairmount – 8 properties
The report said 63 homeowners applied to participate. After inspections, the city’s Department of Transportation and Engineering determined that 58 properties met eligibility requirements. Of those, 55 repairs are complete, while three are scheduled for early spring 2026.
“I’m excited about these results,” Albi said. “I really want to extend this program, and [I’m] looking forward to learning more and seeing how we can help more people.”
A recent resident survey found that only 19% of Cincinnati residents are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with sidewalk conditions citywide, compared to a 41% average in similarly sized cities. In their own neighborhoods, 22% of residents reported satisfaction.
Albi said she plans to push for continued funding in the next city budget. The council is in the early stages of that process, with a final vote required by the end of June.
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