10 Elements of a Complete Streets Policy
What does a strong Complete Streets policy look like?
The Complete Streets Policy Framework requires accountability to ensure that a policy produces tangible changes and prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable users. The 10 elements of a strong policy are summarized here, but click the button below to download the full policy framework with more details on each element, including the scoring.
Download a detailed version (pdf) of the Complete Streets Policy Framework Learn more about why we overhauled and updated these elements in 2018These ten elements below serve as a national model of best practices to create a policy that can be implemented at any level of governance, in any type of place. For communities considering passing a new Complete Streets policy or updating an existing Complete Streets policy, an ideal Complete Streets policy does the following, each of which provide a range of points in the grading process:
1) Establishes commitment and visionHow and why does the community want to complete its streets? This specifies a clear statement of intent to create a complete, connected network and consider the needs of all users. Read more >> |
2) Prioritizes underinvested and underserved communitiesRequires jurisdictions to define who are their most underinvested and underserved communities and prioritize them throughout. Read more >> |
3) Applies to all projects and phasesInstead of a limited set of projects, the policy applies to all new projects, retrofit or reconstruction projects, maintenance projects, and ongoing operations. Read more >> |
4) Allows only clear exceptionsAny exceptions must be specific, with a clear procedure that requires high-level approval and public notice prior to exceptions being granted. Read more >> |
5) Mandates coordinationRequires private developers to comply, and interagency coordination between government departments and partner agencies. Read more >> |
6) Adopts excellent design guidanceDirects agencies to use the latest and best design criteria and guidelines, and sets a time frame for implementing this guidance. Read more >> |
7) Requires proactive land-use planningConsiders every project’s greater context, as well as the surrounding community’s current and expected land-use and transportation needs. Read more >> |
8) Measures progressEstablishes specific performance measures that match the goals of the broader vision, incorporate equity considerations, and are regularly reported to the public. Read more >>
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9) Sets criteria for choosing projectsCreates or updates the criteria for choosing transportation projects so that Complete Streets projects are prioritized. Read more >> |
10) Creates a plan for implementationA formal commitment to the Complete Streets approach is only the beginning. It must include specific steps for implementing the policy in ways that will make a measurable impact on what gets built and where. Read more >> |
Are you interested in passing or updating a policy?
Start with this short introductory guide to adopting and then putting a policy into practice:
Adopt and implement a Complete Streets policy
And then download and use the full guide to The 10 Elements of a Complete Streets Policy. In this detailed guide, we unpack each of the ten elements above in greater detail, including scoring totals for each element so that communities interested in passing a strong policy can get actionable details to help them craft the best possible policy that will make a difference in what gets built and where.
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