Mayor Barbara Lee announced on Thursday that the city of Oakland will take significant steps to make streets and sidewalks more accessible to people with mobility issues, thanks to a recently inked settlement agreement.
She said the city has agreed to significantly improve its infrastructure over the next 25 years. The deal must still be approved by a judge, and a hearing is scheduled for early December.
The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed against the city in May 2023 by Michael Curran and Nicole Brown-Booker, both Oakland residents who use wheelchairs to get around. The plaintiffs accused Oakland of failing to maintain accessible pedestrian rights of way, including sidewalks and curb ramps, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The city has participated in mediation over the past two years to reach a potential settlement that would lead to long-term improvements in the city’s accessibility…