(UPDATE) Upland's Sidewalk Crisis: A $31 Million Problem We Cannot Ignore

Residents and Neighbors,

When residents ask why the City of Upland cannot repair more sidewalks, the answer becomes much clearer when we look at the numbers. During the September 28, 2026, City Council meeting, staff presented an update to the City's Sidewalk Master Plan, revealing the seriousness of an infrastructure problem that has developed over decades.

Upland currently faces a $31 MILLION backlog in sidewalk repairs alone, yet the City budgets just $300,000 annually to address these problems. According to the City's independent consultant, Upland needs to invest approximately $2 million annually over ten years to implement its recommended sidewalk improvement plan. That means we are funding just 15% of the recommended annual amount, leaving a $1.7 million funding gap every year. Even more concerning, that $2 million estimate does not include the existing $31 million backlog, inflation, or future increases in construction costs.

The condition of our sidewalks tells the same story. Upland maintains approximately 342 miles of sidewalks, covering 8.7 million square feet. According to the assessment, nearly 40% of our sidewalk network is classified as poor or very poor, while only 13.8% is considered good. Our overall Sidewalk Condition Index is just 55 out of 100, compared with 65 in Corona and 62 in Morgan Hill. These are not simply cosmetic problems. Broken and uneven sidewalks create safety hazards, restrict accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and diminish the appearance and quality of our neighborhoods.

Perhaps even more alarming is how much more expensive these repairs have become. Between 2010 and 2023, sidewalk reconstruction costs increased from $4.42 to $18.32 per square foot, while curb ramp reconstruction costs climbed from $2,943 to $10,117 per ramp. Delaying repairs does not make the problem disappear. It makes addressing the problem significantly more expensive.

There is also a financial consequence beyond construction costs. Between fiscal years 2016 and 2026, Upland received 88 sidewalk-related liability claims and spent approximately $3.2 million in claims and legal defense costs. That is money that could otherwise support essential municipal services and infrastructure improvements.

How did we get here? The presentation identified several contributing factors, including the absence of a proactive sidewalk maintenance plan before 2024, leadership turnover, limited staffing and funding, construction costs increasing faster than City revenues, and problems associated with improperly placed or maintained trees. The City has since completed a comprehensive sidewalk assessment and is developing better methods to prioritize and coordinate repairs. However, improved planning alone cannot overcome a substantial funding shortage.

This is the larger financial reality facing Upland. Our sidewalks represent just one portion of our infrastructure responsibilities. We must also maintain streets, parks, public facilities, water systems, and other essential services. Every one of these responsibilities competes for limited financial resources, and postponing maintenance today often means paying considerably more tomorrow.

As a City Councilmember, I believe fiscal responsibility means confronting these problems with facts, realistic priorities, and long-term financial planning. Residents should absolutely question government spending, demand accountability, and expect their tax dollars to be used efficiently. But accountability also requires acknowledging the actual cost of maintaining our community.

The bottom line is simple: Upland cannot reasonably expect its infrastructure to improve while funding only a fraction of what is needed to maintain it. A $31 million backlog, a $1.7 million annual funding shortfall, and millions already spent on sidewalk-related liability claims should make the seriousness of this situation clear.

These problems did not develop overnight, and they will not be solved overnight. But continuing to postpone necessary investments will not make them cheaper or easier to address.

The cost of doing nothing is not zero. The longer we wait, the more expensive the consequences may become.

I encourage every resident to review the presentation, understand the numbers, and consider the difficult financial decisions necessary to protect Upland's infrastructure and financial future.

Facts matter. Fiscal responsibility matters. And informed decisions today will determine the condition of our city tomorrow.

Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.

James Breitling

(909) 342-2523

info@theuplandupdate.com

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