Maintaining concrete sidewalks doesn’t just improve the appearance of neighborhoods, it also helps keep families, friends, neighbors, visitors, and pedestrians safe. Like many municipalities around the United States, Kansas City, KS, does not provide sidewalk maintenance, repair, or replacement services.

However, the city does understand that investing in their infrastructure is an important part of improving health, wellness, and community pride. To help residents and neighborhoods replace damaged or aging sidewalks, the Unified Government’s Public Works Department has established a cost-sharing program.

“The goal of the program is to incentivize making our city’s sidewalks safe and accessible for everyone by reducing the cost residents would normally have to pay on their own,” says Dave Reno, Public Works’ Community Engagement Officer.

Residents interested in replacing existing sidewalk may hire an independent contractor or utilize a Public Works contractor. Reimbursement rates are designed to cover approximately 50% of the average cost for sidewalk removal and replacement for one house. Reimbursement funds are limited to the extent of the annual budget and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can learn more about the Sidewalk Replacement Program and how to get started online at www.wycokck.org/PW/Programs.