‘Chicago #PlowTheSidewalks Pilot Program’ Ordinance PASSES City Council Vote 49-1!

We’re so thrilled to share GREAT news: on Wednesday, July 19th the ‘Chicago Plow the Sidewalks Pilot Program’ ordinance PASSED in City Council 49-1!

This is a monumental moment for our city, and we couldn’t have done this without your support. Thank you for canvassing, emailing your alders, sharing on social media, participating in public comment, and beyond!

For those unaware of what this ordinance accomplishes: the City will be establishing a working group of relevant City departments (ie. Department of Streets and Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities) to develop a plan for a pilot program. This working group will be appointed by Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Chair Daniel La Spata, and will consult with alders and community members no less than 3 times by May 31st. Their plan will be due to be presented before City Council by then for approval for implementation Winter 2024-25.

We’re so grateful for the tremendous leadership of Ald. Gilbert Villegas, for believing in us, and believing in this vision. We’re also so thankful for the collaboration of Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Chairman Daniel La Spata and Mayor Brandon Johnson, coming alongside us to get this ordinance over the finish line.

The work is far from over – but today we can all celebrate knowing we’re so much closer to plowing the sidewalks!

Speaking of celebrating, We would like to invite you for a casual happy hour Tuesday, July 25th at Off Color Brewing’s Mousetrap Taproom from 6-8pm! Feel free to come and go as you’re available, we’d love to connect with you and community members and celebrate this victory together! If you’d like to join us, you can rsvp here.