CURBS
Frequently Asked Questions

What is CURBS?

CURBS (Community United to Repair our Broken Sidewalks) is a volunteer group of Eugene residents advocating for improved sidewalk repair and maintenance that has been meeting since early 2024.

CURBS is supported by Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation (BEST).

Why do CURBS members and others care about sidewalk repair and maintenance?

Sidewalks are part of our public transportation system: an estimated 30% of city residents do not drive. All of us have a right to travel safely in Eugene. We focus on four key issues:

Safety: Damaged sidewalks increase the risk of trips and falls. While anyone can be affected, children, older adults, and people with disabilities are especially vulnerable.
Equity: Poor sidewalk conditions can limit access to important destinations and to recreational opportunities and disproportionately affect people with disabilities, older adults, and residents of historically under-served neighborhoods. Many property owners cannot afford the cost to repair adjacent sidewalks. Eugene’s current approach is largely reactive and inconsistent rather than proactive and equitable.
Quality of Life: Safe sidewalks support walking and rolling, which benefit physical and mental health; help connect people to neighbors, nature, and local services; and may reduce some car trips.
Effectiveness: The current system is not keeping up—sidewalk conditions are deteriorating and the problem is growing.

What about sidewalk infill?

Some Eugene neighborhoods lack sidewalks, and addressing these gaps is important. CURBS focuses on repair and maintenance because this has been long neglected. A complete approach includes fixing existing sidewalks, building missing connections, and maintaining the system so it lasts.

Who is responsible for sidewalk repairs in Eugene?

According to the City of Eugene, property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing sidewalks adjacent to their property (Eugene City Code 7.375). Property owners may be held liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions. The City can require repairs, and property owners are responsible for the cost.

How do damaged sidewalks get reported and fixed?

Damaged sidewalks can be reported to the City of Eugene through its reporting system (online or by phone). After inspection, the City may notify the adjacent property owner to complete repairs within a specified timeframe, or offer a City-managed repair option.

How much does it cost a property owner to repair a damaged sidewalk?

Costs vary depending on the extent of damage and who completes the work. For example, repairing three to five sidewalk panels may cost about $1,600 through a City program, while a private contractor may charge closer to $4,000.

Why are our sidewalks deteriorating?

Sidewalks have a limited lifespan, and many in Eugene are aging. In addition, some trees have outgrown their planting spaces and have damaged sidewalks with their roots. Without a proactive maintenance and repair system, deterioration continues to outpace repairs.

What about street trees? Do they need to be removed?

We love our street trees, too! When tree roots damage sidewalks, a City arborist evaluates options to preserve the tree when possible, such as root pruning or adjusting the sidewalk path. In some cases, removal is necessary if the tree is not suitable for its location.

The City of Eugene now follows a “right tree, right place” approach and maintains a list of approved trees for planting strips.

Can we learn from other Cities?

Yes. Some cities use long-term, systematic approaches to sidewalk maintenance. For example:

Monthly funding models: A small monthly fee shared by property owners or utility customers helps fund ongoing maintenance (e.g., Corvallis charges all utility customers about $2.40 per month).
Proactive repair programs: Cities like Corvallis and Denver inspect and repair sidewalks by area on a regular schedule rather than waiting for complaints.

Has there been progress?

Yes, CURBS has met with City Councilors, the mayor, and City staff, who generally agree that our system of sidewalk repair and maintenance is in need of improvement.

Senior City planners and staff have engaged with the City Council, the Eugene Active Transportation Committee, the Eugene Sustainability Commission, as well as CURBS, to explore solutions. City staff has researched other city models, launched pilot projects and developed possible short- and long-term strategies.

What can I do to help?

Share the Sidewalk Survey: The more responses we gather, the stronger the case for a fair, citywide sidewalk maintenance solution. Please share the survey with friends, neighbors, and community groups.
Sign up for updates: CURBS is building a growing coalition of residents calling for real change. To sign up for sidewalk updates, reply to this email with “Yes!”
Report sidewalks in need of repair: Maintenance Service Request | Eugene, OR Website
Learn more and take action:
- Community United to Repair our Broken Sidewalks (CURBS): CURBS/Cycle of Change
- Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation (BEST): BEST Cycle of Change Interest

CURBSFrequently Asked Questions