Denver’s Neighborhood Sidewalk Repair Program is decades behind schedule and was not designed for ADA compliance, according to a new audit from Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA.

“Public spaces like sidewalks should be accessible for everyone,” Auditor O’Brien said.

The program does not ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. City officials also severely underestimated how many sidewalks in Denver would need repairs and how much burden would rest with homeowners, according to the audit team’s findings.

Program managers set an initial goal of completing one of the 11 regions each year. However, the first region remains less than 25% complete and city administrators estimate it will take more than 50 years to complete the program.

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