Last year, Chicago put aside $500,000 to try something new: The city would use snowplows to clear some sidewalks after winter storms.

That pilot program hasn’t started yet. After months waiting for action from the City Council, advocates told the Tribune they were worried the program had been put on ice — despite the fact that funds are already earmarked for it in the mayor’s budget that council members approved last year.

A key committee meeting that could help move the pilot program forward is expected to take place soon, though it’s not clear if supporters have the votes they need to get the legislation over the finish line.

An alderman pushing the initiative, Daniel La Spata, 1st, said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson could green-light the pilot on his own now, without waiting for Coun

See Full Page