M Focus on: Streets, Highways & Bridges
Cedar Rapids implements Snow Buddies program to assist residents with snow removal
By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
After receiving comments and suggestions from local residents in 2019, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, adopted the “Pedestrian Master Plan.” Thus the Snow Buddies program had its beginning.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will pilot the Snow Buddies program this winter. Through the program, it has paired volunteers, or snow heroes, with residents in need of help clearing sidewalks of snow. (Shutterstock.com)
One need stated by residents was assis- reduction — amongst other changes made tance with snow on sidewalks during the to the ordinance — was to create safer, acceswintertime. Improved abatement of snow sible routes for members of our community, on sidewalks became one of several recom- including kids walking to school, residents mendations made in the master plan. The walking to the store or bus stop and people city used its innovation program to combine with disabilities who use mobility devices.” various departments to research problems With the innovation team’s recommenand come up with creative solutions to the dations in mind, the city did a root cause problems expressed. analysis to discover any issues residents may April Wing, Cedar Rapids’ program face regarding snow removal. Staff members manager, stated, “Responding to recom- then realized that one of the greatest barrimendations in the Pedestrian Master Plan, ers to effective snow removal in town was an innovation team recommended policy residents who did not have the appropriate revisions for the city’s ordinance for clear- resources for quick and proper snow removal. ing snow and ice from sidewalks. One of As Wing mentioned, the city realized the revisions was reducing the timeframe “seniors or residents with disabilities and for property owners to clear snow from 48 low income may not be able to hire the to 24 hours. The purpose of the timeframe services they need to ensure snow removal
compliance with the updated code. Staff realized there may be an opportunity to create a volunteer program to assist these residents.” The city then formed another innovation team to come up with viable options for these residents who may need assistance with snow removal. Programs used by other cities were reviewed, and Cedar Rapids took various aspects from each of the other programs it encountered in order to create a program that would fit its community the best. Several divisions were included on the innovation team creating and implementing the Snow Buddies program. These divisions included the community development department, solid waste and recycling
18 THE MUNICIPAL | FEBRUARY 2022
