The Plow the Sidewalks Pilot Program will enable the City to evaluate its sidewalk plowing strategies. This pilot aims to gather comprehensive data from various snow events, focusing on mobility and accessibility, operational efficiencies such as staffing and equipment, and resident feedback in the pilot zones. This data will help the City make informed decisions about future sidewalk plowing operations.

The City of Chicago has long taken responsibility for plowing Chicago’s streets, and the responsibility of removing snow and ice from sidewalks has been up to property owners. For residents with decreased mobility, who use mobility aids, are blind or low vision, and any other impacted disabilities, senior citizens and families with young children, the challenges presented by snow- or ice-covered sidewalks are more acute. Additionally, there are many people who do not have the option of staying or working from home, paying for ride-share, or owning their own car, and for whom access to public transportation is critical.