How much would it cost for Minneapolis to shovel all the sidewalks?

Lots of snow means lots of sidewalks to shovel.

And too often, lots of sidewalks are left unshoveled, or kinda-sorta-shoveled.

This has led some in Minneapolis this week to amp up calls for the city to take over the job of clearing neighborhood sidewalks. In both Minneapolis and St. Paul, the task is currently the responsibility of property owners, with fines or fees levied against those who fail to comply.

In favor vs. skeptical

Supporters of the change say the current system isn't working, especially for those who struggle with mobility or are elderly; not only might they not be able to shovel, they also are the most vulnerable to being unable to navigate snow-filled or icy sidewalks.

"Bottom line, we feel like the ability to walk and use sidewalks should not be seasonal," said José Antonio Zayas Cabán, advocacy director for Our Streets Minneapolis, which is pushing for the change, along with several members of the Minneapolis City Council. "In a city like Minneapolis with so much snowfall, it's an unfair interruption."

Those saying not-so-fast include Mayor Jacob Frey.

What's the cost?

In addition to start-up costs of at least $4.5 million to buy about 120 sidewalk plows, the annual cost for the city to clear sidewalks would approach either $6 million or $20 million.

Those two figures — based on two different approaches — are based on a 2018 study by the city, so the cost today would likely be higher.

In addition to buying new equipment, as many as 200 seasonal workers would have to be hired to operate the plows and coordinate the work.

The cheaper plan would translate to a roughly 1.7 % increase in residential property taxes, while the more expensive one would raise property taxes about 5.7%.

How would it work?

The cheaper plan would only clear sidewalks if a snow emergency is declared. That's usually only about four or five times a year.

Advocates aren't fans of that because there are, on average, about 18 to 20 lesser snow events that can still pile up on sidewalks, and experience from some cities that have similar programs suggests that some residents tend to get out of the habit of shoveling, figuring they'll put it off and let the city clear it after the next big snow.

The more expensive plan would clear snow after all but light dustings.

Unknowns

Stay tuned

Zayas Cabán said he plans to rally public support and among the City Council for a program to be funded in the 2024 budget.

Frey said he's open to hearing more details, but it's not atop his agenda.