Report Finds Holes in City’s Street Repair Priorities

What? Problems with street repair? Here, in San Diego? We’re shocked, just shocked.

SignOnSanDiego reports that the city auditor’s office has submitted a report to the mayor and city council detailing failures in the city’s prioritization of streets that need resurfacing and repair. Among the problems, a database that is not accurately updated, leading to redundant projects and neglecting streets that have worsened between surveys, particularly residential streets. Says the report:

The condition of streets is an integral component to the quality of life within the City of San Diego. Due to the scale and diversity of the streets maintained by the City, effective management of City streets requires significant and consistent dedication of public resources. Street conditions within the City are considered to be in less than acceptable condition.

So, in other words, throwing some temporary soft money at the issue doesn’t actually solve the larger endemic problems within the system. This is the first of three reports that will be submitted by the auditor’s office on this subject, and they do provide some recommendations for reforming the system. Perhaps something will come of it. Also, there are some colorful graphs.

Read the full document, “Performance Audit of the City’s Street Maintenance Functions” hosted at SignOnSanDiego.