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 >>
|
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.
Evaluate your policy
The National Complete Streets Coalition evaluates and scores Complete Streets policies across the country using our Policy Framework. Now, advocates and policymakers can do the same, using our free and open-source tool to evaluate existing or drafted local, MPO, or state-level Complete Streets policies.
Back to the Complete Streets Coalition home