Who Should Pay to Fix the Sidewalk?

Sidewalks are easy to overlook—until they’re missing, crumbling, or impassable. In cities like Denver, where walking is essential for many residents, neglected sidewalks aren’t just an inconvenience; they’re a barrier to mobility, safety, and equity. That’s why Denver is making a bold move, taking full responsibility for its sidewalk network and funding repairs through a new property fee. It’s a first-of-its-kind effort on this scale in the U.S., and if successful, it could challenge the way cities nationwide approach pedestrian infrastructure.