Whenever an agency plans to develop new community assets—whether it is a road, utility, or sidewalk—they must have systems such as funding and coordination for regular maintenance in place to preserve them in the long term. Having those systems in place and a concrete plan to coordinate with local agencies can preemptively address unique challenges related to Complete Streets projects.
Even with a strong commitment to Complete Streets principles, many state agencies and their local partners lack dedicated and consistent funding streams to add the necessary elements to existing road projects. Rural infrastructure can be particularly difficult to fund, costing more per capita, so adding new elements is often seen by state and local agencies as a burden. Smart Growth America and the State Smart Transportation Initiative worked with practitioners to illustrate how their peers have found ways to overcome these obstacles.
State DOTs in Massachusetts and Washington used new tools and strong communication to make the case for Complete Streets projects.
Gaining widespread support for Complete Streets projects can be a challenge. Agencies sometimes face resistance from within or they face opposition from local businesses and community members. Smart Growth America and the State Smart Transportation Initiative worked with practitioners to identify obstacles to making the case for Complete Streets and illustrate how their peers have found ways to overcome them.
A common misconception about investments that support walking, biking, rolling, and public transit is that the demand for these initiatives is limited to urban communities. Our new video, made in partnership with AARP, tells the story of Saco, Maine and how they’ve created greater connectivity for residents of all ages in Saco. Complete Streets create … Continued
Long car trips don’t have to be a part of daily life for small towns and rural communities. Complete Streets are a vital tool for ensuring that rural residents of all ages can get where they need to go safely, efficiently, and affordably—without having to rely on a car. In our new video, created in … Continued
This case study was written as part of our Dangerous by Design Technical Assistance program. This initiative brought together champions from across the country to advance street safety efforts through data collection and storytelling. This study was written by Reese Brewer, Director of the Frontier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). 26 people died while walking in the Fort … Continued
This case study was written as part of our Dangerous by Design Technical Assistance program. This initiative brought together champions from across the country to advance street safety efforts through data collection and storytelling. This study was written by Larry Mason, Executive Director of the Huntsville Urban Bike Share Co-op. U.S. Highway 431, known as the “Highway … Continued
This case study was written as part of our Dangerous by Design Technical Assistance program. This initiative brought together champions from across the country to advance street safety efforts through data collection and storytelling. This study was written by Hannah Moulton Belec from Tempe Bicycle Action Group. On March 29, 2024, a 15-year-old high school … Continued
Last month, we spent two days with Complete Streets Champion Institute alumni and community leaders to discuss strategies for implementing Complete Streets in our communities. The event served as an opportunity to connect elected officials, allowing policymakers from across the United States to build capacity, work together, and find solutions to their shared challenges with … Continued