Phase 1: Build Your Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

Goal: Gain a deep understanding of Complete Streets principles, assess your town’s current situation, and establish a core organizing group.

1. Educate Your Core Group on Complete Streets Principles (Week 1):

   • Action: Hold an initial meeting with your core group of organizers and advocates.
   • Action: Review the "Understand the Core Principles" section provided in the guidelines (Clear Vision, Prioritizing Underserved Modes, Comprehensive Applicability, Clear Exceptions, Interagency Coordination, Context-Sensitive Design, Performance Measures).
   • Action: Discuss each principle in detail, ensuring everyone understands what a strong Complete Streets policy entails.
   • Action: Research examples of strong Complete Streets policies from other communities to illustrate these principles in practice. The Complete Streets Policy Page provides examples from several communities.

2. Assess Your Town's Current Policies and Plans (Week 2):

   • Action: Identify and gather relevant documents:
     • Comprehensive or General Plan: This overarching plan often sets the vision for the town’s development and transportation.
     • Transportation Master Plan: A more detailed plan focused specifically on transportation infrastructure.
     • Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Outlines planned infrastructure projects and funding.
     • Zoning and/or Land Use Ordinances: Regulations that impact land use and street design. May already been included in your Comprehensive or General Plan.
     • Existing Street Design Standards/Manuals: Guidelines engineers currently use for street projects.
     • Relevant Resolutions or Ordinances: Search for any existing policies that touch on transportation, pedestrian/bicycle issues, or accessibility.
   • Action: Review these documents to answer:
     • Do they mention Complete Streets or similar concepts?
     • Is there a clear vision for a complete, connected transportation network?
     • Are safety, accessibility, and vulnerable road users mentioned?
     • Are there policies addressing transportation inequities?
     • What do the documents do well? Where are gaps in policy?

Review the Policy Audit Template to get started. {.is-info}

1. Gather Local Data & Identify Needs (Week 3):

   • Action: Collect relevant data to understand the current transportation situation in your town:
     • Crash Data: Obtain recent crash data from the local police department, town data dashboard, or state DOT, focusing on pedestrian and bicycle crashes. Analyze for high-crash areas and vulnerable user involvement.
     • Demographic Data: Gather data on demographics, including income levels, disability status, and age distribution, especially in different neighborhoods. This can help identify underserved communities especially if correlated with crash data.
     • Existing Infrastructure Inventory: Assess the current state of sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, transit stops, and accessibility features across the town. Note areas with gaps or deficiencies.
     • Public Transportation Data: Understand existing transit routes, frequency, and accessibility.
     • Community Feedback (Informal): Start gathering anecdotal evidence and stories from residents about transportation challenges they face (safety, accessibility, connectivity).

2. Conduct a Preliminary Strengths & Weaknesses Assessment (Week 4):

   • Action: Based on your document review and data gathering, assess your town’s strengths and weaknesses related to Complete Streets principles.
   • Action: Identify specific neighborhoods, streets, or other geographic areas where your town is already doing well and areas that need significant improvement.
   • Action: Pinpoint specific populations that are most impacted by transportation inequities or safety issues.
   • Action: Start thinking about the specific needs of your community and how a Complete Streets policy can address them.

3. Develop a Formal "Case for Complete Streets" (Week 11):

   • Action: Formalize your case based on your research, data, and community input. Use the Build a Case Guide and the resources mentioned (Benefits of Complete Streets Tool, crash data analysis, concise briefing).
   • Action: Prepare a compelling presentation and briefing document that includes:
     • Problem Statement: Clearly articulate the transportation challenges in your town (safety, accessibility, inequities). Use data and personal narratives.
     • Proposed Solution: Explain what a Complete Streets policy is and how it addresses the identified problems.
     • Benefits for Your Town: Highlight the specific benefits of Complete Streets for your community (safety, health, economy, environment, equity). Use the Benefits of Complete Streets Tool to quantify these benefits.
     • Call to Action: Clearly state your request for the town to adopt a Complete Streets policy.
     • Draft Policy Language (Optional but Recommended): Prepare a draft Complete Streets policy resolution or ordinance for the town to consider. This shows you are prepared and proactive. Our Policy & Resolutions Page provides draft templates which are easy to customize to your individual needs.

Phase 2: Build a Coalition (Weeks 5-8)

Goal: Expand your core group into a broader coalition and begin educating the community and key stakeholders about Complete Streets.

1. Identify and Recruit Coalition Partners (Weeks 5-6):

   • Action: Develop a one page brief about complete streets and how groups can get involved for potential partners. Provide clear next steps and call to action (e.g. join our weekly working group).
   • Action: Brainstorm and identify potential allies and organizations that would benefit from or support Complete Streets. Consider:
     • Bicycle and Pedestrian Advocacy Groups: Local cycling clubs, pedestrian advocacy organizations.
     • Neighborhood Associations: Groups representing different neighborhoods in town.
     • Disability Rights Organizations: Groups advocating for accessibility and inclusion.
     • Public Health Organizations: Groups focused on health and wellness, as Complete Streets promote active transportation.
     • Environmental Groups: Groups concerned about air quality and sustainable transportation.
     • Senior Citizen Groups: Organizations representing older adults who often rely on walking and transit.
     • Parents' Groups/PTAs: Groups concerned about safe routes to school and child pedestrian safety.
     • Business Associations: Local business groups who can benefit from increased foot traffic and accessibility.
     • Social Justice Organizations: Groups focused on equity and access for underserved communities.
   • Action: Reach out to these groups, explain your Complete Streets initiative, and invite them to join your coalition.
   • Action: Formally establish a "Complete Streets Working Group" or Coalition with representatives from these organizations.

2. Develop Key Messages & Educational Materials (Week 7):

   • Action: Based on your town assessment and coalition input, develop clear and concise messages about the benefits of Complete Streets specifically for your town. Focus on local issues and data.
   • Action: Create educational materials:
     • Fact Sheets/Brochures: Summarizing what Complete Streets are and their benefits for residents, businesses, and the town as a whole.
     • Website/Social Media Presence: Create a simple website or social media pages to share information, updates, and engage with the community online.
     • Presentation: Develop a presentation to use at community meetings and to share with stakeholders.
     • Personal Story Collection: Gather personal stories from residents about transportation challenges to make the issue relatable and emotional.

Review the Complete Streets Briefing Guide and Complete Streets Asset Templates for tips on developing messaging and pre-made templates to quickly get you going. {.is-info}

1. Community Education and Outreach (Week 8 & Ongoing):
   • Action: Organize community events to raise awareness:
     • Public Forums/Town Halls: Host public meetings to explain Complete Streets, present data, and gather community input. Check out the Advocacy Meeting Guide for tips on hosting.
     • Neighborhood Meetings: Present to neighborhood associations and community groups.
     • Walk/Bike Audits: Organize community walks or bike rides to identify street safety and accessibility issues firsthand. Check out the Rides Guide for tips on hosting rides. Additional tips may be found in the Safety Audit Guide.
     • Information Tables at Local Events: Set up information tables at farmers markets, festivals, and other community events.
   • Action: Utilize media outreach:
     • Press Releases: Issue press releases about your coalition and events to local media outlets (newspapers, radio, TV). Click here for Press Release Templates
     • Op-Eds/Letters to the Editor: Write opinion pieces and letters to the editor for local newspapers. Click here for Op Ed Templates

Phase 3: Engage with Local Government & Build Your Case (Weeks 9-12)

Goal: Engage with local government officials, present your case for Complete Streets, and begin advocating for policy adoption.

1. Identify Key Government Stakeholders (Week 9):

   • Action: Identify key individuals within local government:
     • Elected Officials: Mayor, City Council/Town Board members.
     • City/Town Manager or Administrator: Top administrative official.
     • Department Heads: Directors of Transportation, Public Works, Planning, Engineering.
     • Relevant Staff: City/Town planners, engineers, transportation staff.
   • Action: Research their positions and past actions on transportation and related issues.

2. Initial Outreach to Elected Officials & Staff (Week 10):

   • Action: Begin contacting elected officials and relevant staff. Focus on building relationships and understanding their perspectives:
     • Introductory Letters/Emails: Send introductory letters or emails from your coalition introducing yourselves, explaining your Complete Streets initiative, and requesting a meeting. View Council Letter Templates to get started.
     • Personal Meetings: Request in-person meetings with key elected officials and department heads to present your case informally and build relationships.

3. Present Your Case to Government Bodies (Week 12 & Ongoing):

   • Action: Strategically present your case to different government bodies:
     • Present to Relevant Committees: Transportation Committee, Planning Committee, Public Works Committee (if applicable).
     • Present to City/Town Council/Board: Request to present during a regular council meeting, ideally during a workshop or work session.
     • Public Comment at Meetings: Ensure coalition members and community supporters attend public meetings and speak during public comment periods in support of Complete Streets.
   • Action: Be prepared to answer questions, address concerns, and engage in constructive dialogue.

Phase 4: Policy Adoption & Implementation Planning (Months 4-6)

Goal: Secure adoption of a Complete Streets policy and begin working with the town on implementation planning.

1. Advocate for Policy Adoption (Ongoing):

   • Action: Maintain consistent communication with elected officials and staff.
   • Action: Continue public education and mobilization to show community support for Complete Streets.
   • Action: Track the progress of the policy adoption process and be prepared to respond to any delays or roadblocks.
   • Action: Organize public actions if needed to put pressure on decision-makers (rallies, petition drives, etc.).

2. Review and Refine Draft Policy Language (During Adoption Process):

   • Action: Closely review any draft Complete Streets policy language proposed by town staff or elected officials.
   • Action: Ensure the policy includes all the core principles outlined in Phase 1 and the guidelines (Clear Vision, Prioritization, Applicability, Exceptions, Coordination, Design, Performance Measures).
   • Action: Advocate for strong policy language and resist weakening amendments.

3. Celebrate Policy Adoption! (Once Adopted):

   • Action: Publicly celebrate the adoption of the Complete Streets policy to recognize the achievement and build momentum for implementation.
   • Action: Thank elected officials and staff who supported the policy.

4. Advocate for an Implementation Plan & Committee (Post-Adoption):

   • Action: Immediately begin advocating for the development of a detailed implementation plan.
   • Action: Push for the creation of a Complete Streets Implementation Committee or Task Force, including community representatives, to oversee implementation.
   • Action: Advocate for the implementation plan to include:
     • Updated Design Guidelines & Standards: Ensure the town's engineering standards are revised to reflect Complete Streets principles.
     • Training Programs: Demand training for engineers, planners, and public works staff on Complete Streets design.
     • Prioritization of Projects: Work to ensure Complete Streets principles are integrated into the project prioritization process and capital improvement planning.
     • Performance Measures & Data Collection: Establish clear metrics and a system for collecting data to track the policy's effectiveness (as outlined in the guidelines).
     • Timeline & Action Plan: Request a specific timeline and action plan with milestones for implementation.
     • Budget Allocation: Advocate for dedicated funding for Complete Streets projects in the town budget.

Phase 5: Implementation, Monitoring, and Continuous Improvement (Ongoing)

Goal: Ensure the Complete Streets policy is effectively implemented, monitor its impact, and advocate for continuous improvement.

1. Participate in Implementation Committee/Task Force (Ongoing):

   • Action: Actively participate in the Implementation Committee if one is established.
   • Action: Advocate for community representation and a strong voice for Complete Streets principles within the committee.

2. Monitor Project Implementation (Ongoing):

   • Action: Track upcoming transportation projects in your town.
   • Action: Attend public meetings related to projects and ensure Complete Streets principles are being applied in design and implementation.
   • Action: Hold the town accountable for implementing the policy in all projects.

3. Track Performance Measures & Data (Ongoing):

   • Action: Regularly request data on the performance measures outlined in the policy (safety, mode share, equity).
   • Action: Analyze the data to assess the policy's impact and identify areas for improvement.

4. Advocate for Policy Updates & Improvements (Ongoing):

   • Action: Based on data and community feedback, advocate for updates and improvements to the Complete Streets policy and implementation plan as needed.
   • Action: Ensure the policy remains relevant and effective over time.

5. Celebrate Successes & Maintain Momentum (Ongoing):

   • Action: Celebrate successes as Complete Streets projects are implemented and positive impacts are seen.
   • Action: Continue to educate the community and elected officials about the ongoing benefits of Complete Streets.
   • Action: Maintain your coalition and continue to advocate for a truly complete and connected transportation network for all users in your town.