SAFE STEPS LIGHTING PROGRAM
Help Make Our Sidewalks Safer After Dark
Many sidewalks in our neighborhoods are poorly lit. Most existing streetlights are designed to illuminate roadways—not the places where people actually walk. As a result, light is often aimed away from sidewalks or blocked by trees and buildings, creating dark spots and deep shadows along residential routes.
To help address this issue, the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership has established a small reimbursement program to encourage property owners to install pedestrian-friendly lighting on their property, with a focus on improving visibility along public sidewalks and walkways.
If you are a renter, you can ask your landlord and/or property management company if you can install lighting on their property.
Any property owner (or any approved renter) may apply for up to $250 in reimbursement for new lighting installations that help reduce dark spots adjacent to sidewalks.
We strongly encourage the use of string lighting, which is affordable, energy-efficient, and well-suited for pedestrian areas. String lights provide even, shadow-free illumination without harsh glare or excessive light spill. For example, a 48-foot string of lights uses just 24 watts of electricity while providing sufficient light for the sidewalk along a typical urban lot.
Lighting can be installed with dusk-to-dawn timers or motion sensors, ensuring it is used only when needed. These simple improvements can make walking after dark more comfortable, support neighborhood safety, and help everyone—residents, visitors, and transit riders—move through the neighborhood with greater confidence.
Apply for up to $250 in reimbursements to improve lighting near where you live.
Please reach out to EBNP Executive Director, Chris Lautenschlager, with any questions about this program: chris@eastbankmpls.org.
