TAMPA, Fla. — Sidewalk Stompers, a local nonprofit, says Tampa’s sidewalk network is failing, and now they’re encouraging Tampa City Council members to adopt a resolution that they say will help make communities safer.

“As new neighborhoods came in, they did not always put in sidewalks and that’s just a part of our Tampa history,” said Emily Hinsdale, the founder of Sidewalk Stompers.

Hinsdale says while sidewalks may not have been part of Tampa’s history, they’re an important part of Tampa’s future.

“The city is constructing more sidewalks every single year, and one of the other ways we’ve looked at adding new sidewalks is when there’s new development. Like when a new house is built,” she said.

Right now, there’s an ordinance that requires builders to put in sidewalks when they build a new, single family home.

There are some exceptions, but in those cases, the builder is required to pay an “in-lieu” fee of $29 per linear foot of would-be sidewalk, that money goes into the city’s sidewalk trust fund, which Hinsdale says isn’t nearly enough.

“Right now the amount going into that fund doesn’t reflect what it costs the city to actually build," she said. "If it costs the city $220 per linear foot, and sometimes it’s a lot more, it’s going to take generations before they’re able to build up enough money from that sidewalk trust fund to be able to install more sidewalks.”

Hinsdale says there are larger risks than just not having sidewalks in some areas, and because of that, she’s encouraging all Tampa residents to reach out and let their city council members know they want more sidewalks in their city.

A city of Tampa spokesperson says most council members, and Mayor Castor, want to see more sidewalks throughout Tampa.

Several years ago, council members rejected a similar resolution after hearing strong opposition from developers.

The council will vote on this resolution at their meeting on April 17.