Cities across the country are embracing a simple performance measurement for assessing the condition of their roads. Known as the "Street Condition Index" the measure examines road conditions and road use. If used correctly, it allows for cities to target scarce resources on the streets that need the most attention.

Using this metric, San Diego conducted an assessment of its roads last year. The results put hard numbers to what most San Diegans already know from the local commute. The roads are a mess.

The benchmark San Diego should be at is to have 75% of its roads in "acceptable" condition, 20% in "fair" condition, and only 5% in "poor" condition.

According to the city's fact sheet on the study, more than 63% of the roads are in fair or poor conditions. Only 37% of the roads are deemed acceptable.

The study continues to note it would cost $279 million to bring city roads to the national standards. The City is on tap to receive $21 million in state Prop 1-B monies for street repairs; as part of a borrowing package this year, the city will allocate an additional $53 million.

Point being, there is a LONG way to go when it comes to improving city roads. By the way, to report a street in your neighborhood that needs to be repaired, the city (thankfully) has an online portal where you can request a repair. Access the portal here.