The commission voted unanimously to send a formal recommendation to the mayor's office asking the municipality to adopt a winter-accessibility priority program that would speed snow and ice removal on sidewalks, curb cuts and bus stops heavily used by people with disabilities.

The program recommendation, introduced by Crystal, a commission member, would identify priority pedestrian routes near transit stops, clinics, senior housing and essential services; require those routes to be cleared within 12 to 24 hours after snowfall; fund specialized crews or contracts and equipment for narrow paths; launch a public education campaign encouraging property owners to clear sidewalks; and create a winter access audit and feedback process.

"I'm proposing that the Muni establish a winter accessibility priority program," Crystal said as she outlined the draft recommendations. The commission approved a motion to forward the proposal to the mayor's office so staff there could review funding, data needs and next steps.

Commission members cited safety and mobility concerns. Chair Bridal said snow-covered sidewalks often force people into roadways, increasing risk. Jessica suggested the commission ask municipal transportation and public safety staff to analyze 12- to 24-month data on pedestrian injuries or fatalities to establish whether patterns correlate with inaccessible sidewalks or unplowed routes.

Commission discussion emphasized partnership with the mayor's office for data collection and implementation. Members recommended that the mayor's office be asked to examine incident data and to incorporate identified priority routes into municipal snow-planning so crews can be mobilized before or during the 202526#8211;26 winter season.

The commission recorded the motion and second on the record: the motion to approve the recommendation was made by Crystal and seconded by Onome. The chair called the vote and the ayes carried; the commission will transmit the recommendation to the mayor's office and follow up on data requests and implementation timelines.

The commission asked staff and the mayor's office to report back on whether existing municipal snow plans or budgets can accommodate the priority routes and to provide suggested timelines for pilot implementation and audits.

The recommendation did not include a specific funding source; members discussed options including municipal budget allocations and contracts for contracted crews, and they asked the mayor's office to identify funding pathways.

The commission will include the proposal and a request for related incident data in its transmittal to the mayor's office and expects to continue coordination ahead of the next winter season.