Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: October 21, 2026
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Joseph C. Kunkel, P.E., Director, Public Works Department
CONTACT: Humberto Castillero, P.E., PTOE, Manager
PHONE: (407) 836-7891
DIVISION: Traffic Engineering Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of 2025/2026 Orange County Sidewalk Assessment Study and Prioritization Criteria to establish a Master Sidewalk Priority List. All Districts. (Traffic Engineering Division)
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE:
Orange County is requesting Board approval of the countywide Sidewalk Assessment Study titled "Orange County Sidewalk Assessment" prepared by HDR in 2025/26. The Study was conducted throughout unincorporated Orange County to evaluate existing sidewalk infrastructure, identify gaps in the pedestrian network, and establish a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) sidewalk inventory. The Study supports implementation of Administrative Policy 11.05.07, Sidewalk Policy, adopted on November 19, 2024, by developing a Master Sidewalk Priority List to guide future sidewalk planning, design, and construction.
Although the County has invested in pedestrian infrastructure through various programs, the absence of a comprehensive sidewalk inventory has limited its ability to systematically identify network gaps and prioritize improvements. The Sidewalk Assessment addresses this need by creating a GIS-based sidewalk database which will be updated regularly, and by applying objective prioritization criteria and project bundling strategies to establish a transparent, data-driven framework for delivering sidewalk projects under the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and to identify replacement projects for the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program (ATSP). This approach will improve pedestrian connectivity, enhance safety and accessibility, maximize funding opportunities, and support more efficient implementation of future sidewalk improvements.
Staff recommend approval of the Sidewalk Assessment Study and the Sidewalk Gap Prioritization Criteria noted in the Study. Approval will establish a long-term framework for proactive sidewalk planning and enable the County to efficiently allocate resources, and advance County goals related to pedestrian safety, mobility, accessibility, sustainability, community development, and the Vision Zero initiative.
BUDGET: N/A