Accountability & Reporting

• Establish a process for evaluating project outcomes and policy adherence.
• Require periodic reporting on progress and impact, including performance metrics.

By incorporating these fundamental elements, municipalities can create resolutions that are actionable, enforceable, and effective in making streets safer and more accessible for all users.

Exemplary Complete Streets Policies & Resolutions

The following municipalities have adopted strong Complete Streets policies that serve as models for other communities:

1. Howard County, MD (2019) - Policy + Ordinance Link Comprehensive, equity-driven approach.

2. City of Rogersville, MO (2020) - Based on Bike Walk KC Template Emphasizes safety and network connectivity.

3. City of El Paso, TX (2022) - Policy Link A data-driven policy focusing on multimodal integration.

4. City of Joplin, MO (2022) - Policy Link Includes strong design standards and funding commitments.

5. City of Tucson, AZ (2019) - Policy Link & Ordinance Link Integrates public health initiatives with transportation planning.

6. City of New Orleans, LA (2020) - City Code, Policy Link Addresses climate resilience and stormwater management.

7. City of Sacramento, CA (2019) - Policy Link Prioritizes investments in underserved neighborhoods.

Example Council Resolution

[Municipality Name] Resolution No. [Year]-[Sequential Number]

A RESOLUTION OF THE [Governing Body Name, e.g., City Council, Town Council, Board of Supervisors] OF [Municipality Name], [State], ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE COMPLETE STREETS POLICY TO CREATE A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE, AND CONNECTED TRANSPORTATION NETWORK FOR ALL USERS.

WHEREAS, [Municipality Name] recognizes that its streets are vital public spaces that significantly impact the health, safety, economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life for all residents, businesses, and visitors; and

WHEREAS, [Municipality Name] is committed to fostering a transportation system that provides safe, equitable, and convenient mobility options for people of all ages, abilities, and modes of transportation, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, motorists, and users of assistive devices; and

WHEREAS, [Municipality Name] desires to promote active transportation, reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, improve air quality, enhance public health, and create vibrant, livable neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, [Municipality Name] acknowledges that a Complete Streets approach, which integrates the needs of all users into the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of streets, is essential to achieving these goals; and

WHEREAS, nationally recognized best practices and design guidelines, such as those published by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) provide valuable guidance for implementing Complete Streets; and

WHEREAS, [Municipality Name] has a [Vision Zero commitment, or similar safety goal, if applicable] to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, and a Complete Streets Policy will contribute significantly to achieving that goal; and

WHEREAS, [Municipality Name] recognizes the importance of engaging the community in transportation planning and decision-making to ensure that projects reflect the needs and priorities of all residents; and

WHEREAS, [Municipality Name] is committed to prioritizing investments in historically underserved communities and addressing disparities in transportation access; and

WHEREAS, it will be beneficial to economic development to create a well-connected, accessible multimodal transportation network.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE [Governing Body Name] OF [Municipality Name], [State], THAT:

Section 1: Adoption of Complete Streets Policy.

The [Governing Body Name] hereby adopts the [Municipality Name] Complete Streets Policy (the "Policy"), attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference, to guide the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all transportation projects within the [Municipality Name]'s jurisdiction.

Section 2: Purpose and Intent.

The purpose of the Policy is to:

(a) Create a safe, accessible, and connected transportation network that accommodates all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. (b) Prioritize the safety of vulnerable users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. (c) Promote active transportation, reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, and improve air quality. (d) Enhance the public realm and create vibrant, livable streets that contribute to the overall quality of life in [Municipality Name]. (e) Integrate land use and transportation planning to support compact, mixed-use development and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). (f) Ensure equitable access for all modes of transportation.

Section 3: Scope and Applicability.

(a) The Policy shall apply to all transportation projects undertaken by [Municipality Name], including new construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, restriping, and maintenance activities that impact the public right-of-way. (b) The Policy shall also apply to private development projects that impact public streets, to the extent allowed by law. (c) All [Municipality Name] departments, agencies, and commissions involved in transportation planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance shall adhere to the Policy. (d) Exceptions to complete street accommodation are as follows: 1. Accommodation is not necessary on roadways where specific users are prohibited. 2. The cost of accommodation is disproportionate to the need. 3. There is a documented absence of current and future need. 4. Where a reasonable and equivalent facility along the same corridor is already programmed to provide accommodation. (e) Any request for an exception must be submitted in writing to the [Designated Department/Official] and include a detailed justification. The [Designated Department/Official] will review the request and make a recommendation to the [Decision-Making Body, e.g., Transportation Commission, City Engineer]. The final decision on exceptions will be made by the [Decision-Making Body] and will be documented and made publicly available.

Section 4: Design Standards and Guidelines.

(a) All transportation projects shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the latest editions of the following design guidelines, as applicable: * National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Street Design Guide. * NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide. * NACTO Transit Street Design Guide. * American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guides and publications. * Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) publications. * Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. * [Municipality Name] Engineering and Design Standards (or equivalent). * [Other relevant local, state, or federal guidelines].

(b) Street designs shall be context-sensitive, taking into account the surrounding land use, neighborhood character, and the needs of all users. (c) Projects shall incorporate, as appropriate, design elements that enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users, including, but not limited to: * Sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, and refuge islands. * Bicycle lanes, buffered bike lanes, cycle tracks, and shared-use paths. * Transit stops, bus shelters, and dedicated transit lanes. * Traffic calming measures. * Street trees, landscaping, and green infrastructure. * Street lighting. * Street furniture. * Universal design principles.

Section 5: Implementation.

(a) The [Designated Department, e.g., Department of Public Works, Transportation Department] shall be responsible for the overall implementation of the Policy. (b) A Complete Streets Committee, comprised of representatives from [list relevant departments/agencies, community stakeholders, and advocacy groups – be generic here, e.g., "relevant municipal departments," "community stakeholders representing diverse interests," "advocacy groups for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users"], shall be established to provide guidance and oversight on the implementation of the Policy. (c) [Municipality Name] shall develop a Complete Streets Implementation Plan within [ timeframe, e.g., one year] of the adoption of this resolution. The Implementation Plan shall include: * Specific actions and timelines for implementing the Policy. * A project prioritization process that considers safety, equity, connectivity, and community needs. * A process for integrating Complete Streets principles into relevant [Municipality Name] plans, policies, and procedures. * A community engagement strategy to ensure meaningful public input on Complete Streets projects. * Training and resources for [Municipality Name] staff and contractors on Complete Streets principles and design guidelines.

Section 6: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting.

(a) The [Designated Department] shall monitor the implementation of the Policy and track progress using performance metrics, including, but not limited to: * Miles of new sidewalks and bike lanes installed. * Number of curb ramps installed or upgraded. * Number of transit stops with improved accessibility. * Number and rate of traffic crashes (by mode and severity). * Mode share (percentage of trips by walking, biking, transit, and driving). * Vehicle miles traveled (VMT). * Distribution of Complete Streets investments across different neighborhoods. * Number of community outreach and engagement events held.

(b) The [Designated Department] shall prepare an annual report on the implementation of the Policy, including progress on performance metrics, project highlights, challenges encountered, and recommendations for future actions. The report shall be made publicly available on the [Municipality Name]'s website and presented to the [Governing Body Name]. (c) The [Designated Department] will maintain a publicly searchable database detailing projects, compliance, deviations, justifications, and community feedback.

Section 7: Community Engagement.

[Municipality Name] is committed to engaging the community in the planning and design of Complete Streets projects. The [Municipality Name] will:

(a) Provide opportunities for public input on all transportation projects, including public meetings, workshops, online surveys, and other engagement methods. (b) Actively seek input from diverse communities, including historically underserved populations, people with disabilities, and representatives of different modes of transportation. (c) Ensure that project information is accessible and understandable to all members of the public. (d) Consider community feedback in project decision-making.

Section 8: Publication and Accessibility. The [Municipality] shall publish this policy, as well as its supporting documents and annual reports, on the [Municipality] website and make hard copies available at [Municipality] Hall.

Section 9: Severability.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Resolution is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.

Section 10: Effective Date.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the [Governing Body Name] of [Municipality Name], [State], on this [Day] day of [Month], [Year].

[Mayor's/Chair's Name], [Mayor/Chair]

ATTEST:

[Clerk's Name], [Clerk Title]

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

[Attorney's Name], [Attorney Title]

Exhibit A: [Municipality Name] Complete Streets Policy (This would be the full policy document, an example of which may be found in the next section)

Policy Template

4. Scope & Applicability

4.1. Project Scope:

This Complete Streets Policy applies to all transportation projects within [Municipality Name]'s jurisdiction, including:

• New construction of streets, roads, and bridges.
• Reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, and restriping of existing streets.
• Streetscape improvements, including sidewalks, bike lanes, transit stops, and landscaping.
• Traffic signal upgrades and installations.
• Maintenance activities that impact the right-of-way.
• Private development projects that impact public rights-of-way.

4.2. Applicability:

This policy applies to all departments, agencies, and commissions within [Municipality Name] that are responsible for transportation planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance, including:

• [Department of Public Works]
• [Department of Transportation]
• [Planning and Zoning Department]
• [Parks and Recreation Department]
• [Transit Agency (if applicable)]
• [Other relevant departments/agencies]

This policy also applies to any private development that affects public streets.

4.3. Exceptions

Transportation infrastructure may be excluded from Complete Streets requirements upon approval of [Governing Body] where documentation clearly indicates that one or more of the following conditions exist:

• Specific users are legally prohibited from using the transportation facility.
• Cost of accommodation is excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use (exceeding [X]% of total project cost).
• A reasonable and equivalent project along the same corridor is already programmed to provide the accommodations.
• Documented absence of current and future need based on factors including current and projected user volumes, population density, and land use patterns.

4.3.1. Exceptions Process

To request an exception, the project sponsor must:

1. Submit a written request to the Complete Streets Committee detailing which specific elements of the Complete Streets Policy cannot be met.
2. Provide supporting documentation including data, cost analysis, or other evidence justifying the exception.
3. Present alternative solutions that partially address Complete Streets principles within project constraints.
4. Document how input from affected user groups was considered.

The [Complete Streets Committee] will review exception requests and make a recommendation to [Governing Body] within [30] days. All approved exceptions must be documented in the annual Complete Streets report with justifications made publicly available.

5. Governance and Enforcement

5.1. Authority and Oversight

The [Governing Body] shall have ultimate authority for the implementation and enforcement of this policy. Day-to-day oversight responsibility is delegated to the [Department Name] with support from the Complete Streets Committee.

5.2. Compliance Requirements

All applicable projects initiated after the effective date of this policy must demonstrate compliance with Complete Streets principles or have an approved exception. Projects already in design phase at the time of adoption will be evaluated case-by-case for opportunities to incorporate Complete Streets elements.

5.3. Enforcement Mechanisms

Enforcement of this policy shall include:

• Requirement of Complete Streets compliance certification as part of project approval process.
• Review of all transportation projects by the Complete Streets Committee at conceptual design phase.
• Withholding of municipal funding for non-compliant projects without an approved exception.
• Annual compliance audit of completed projects.
• Corrective action requirements for departments with pattern of non-compliance.

5.4. Policy Conflicts Resolution

When Complete Streets principles conflict with other municipal policies or regulations:

1. Project planners must document the specific conflict.
2. The Complete Streets Committee shall review the conflict and recommend a resolution that preserves as many Complete Streets elements as possible.
3. The [City Manager/Administrator] shall make final determinations on policy conflicts with input from relevant department heads.
4. Recurring conflicts shall trigger a policy review to reconcile contradictory requirements.

6. Design & Implementation Standards

6.1. Design Guidance:

[Municipality Name] will utilize the latest design guidance, standards, and recommendations available, including but not limited to:

• National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Street Design Guide and Urban Bikeway Design Guide
• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
• U.S. Access Board Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG)
• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares
• Local and state design standards where applicable

6.2. Minimum Design Standards:

The following minimum standards shall apply unless an exception is granted:

• Sidewalks: Minimum 6 feet wide in residential areas and 8 feet wide in commercial areas, with 6-foot landscaping/furniture zone adjacent to roadway where feasible.
• Bike Facilities:
  • Shared lanes: Minimum 14-foot width
  • Conventional bike lanes: Minimum 5-foot width (6 feet preferred)
  • Buffered bike lanes: Minimum 5-foot lane with 2-foot buffer
  • Protected bike lanes/cycle tracks: Minimum 7-foot width (including buffer)
• Crosswalks: Minimum 10-foot width with high-visibility markings
• Transit Facilities: Minimum 8-foot by 30-foot landing zone for bus stops
• Curb Ramps: Fully ADA-compliant with detectable warning surfaces

6.3. Context-Sensitive Solutions:

Street designs will be context-sensitive, taking into account the surrounding land use, neighborhood character, and the needs of all users. This approach recognizes that a "one-size-fits-all" design is not appropriate and that streets should be tailored to their specific environment. This will include considerations for:

• Urban Areas: Prioritize pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, transit access, traffic calming measures, and streetscape enhancements.
• Suburban Areas: Balance the needs of all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists, with a focus on connectivity and safety.
• Rural Areas: Consider the unique needs of rural communities, including safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists, and accommodation for agricultural vehicles and equipment.

6.4. Design Elements:

Complete Streets projects will incorporate, as appropriate, the following design elements:

• Pedestrian Facilities: Wide sidewalks, accessible curb ramps, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, refuge islands, and pedestrian-scale lighting.
• Bicycle Facilities: Bike lanes, buffered bike lanes, cycle tracks, shared-use paths, and bicycle parking.
• Transit Facilities: Bus stops, bus shelters, bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes, transit signal priority, and real-time transit information.
• Traffic Calming Measures: Narrower travel lanes, roundabouts, speed humps, curb extensions, and chicanes.
• Streetscape Enhancements: Street trees, landscaping, green infrastructure, public art, benches, and other amenities.
• Universal Design: Design elements that meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities.
• Green Infrastructure: Incorporating green infrastructure elements like bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater runoff and enhance the streetscape.
• Curb Management: Considering curb space allocation for various uses like loading zones, passenger pick-up/drop-off, and micromobility parking.

6.5. Winter Maintenance Design Considerations:

For streets in winter weather climates, designs shall consider:

• Snow storage areas incorporated into streetscape design
• Protected bike lanes with sufficient width for small plowing equipment (minimum 8 feet)
• Transit stops designed for efficient snow removal
• Material selection that withstands freeze-thaw cycles and salt application
• Drainage features to prevent ice formation at pedestrian crossings

6.6. Technology Integration:

Complete Streets designs shall consider and accommodate emerging transportation technologies, including:

• EV charging infrastructure
• Connected and autonomous vehicle infrastructure
• Smart traffic signals and pedestrian detection systems
• Micromobility parking and charging areas
• Real-time transportation information systems
• Data collection sensors and systems

7. Connectivity & Safety Prioritization

7.1. Connected Network:

[Municipality Name] will prioritize the creation of a connected network of streets, sidewalks, bikeways, and transit routes that provide seamless travel options for all users. This includes:

• Filling Gaps: Identifying and addressing gaps in the existing pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks.
• Connectivity to Destinations: Ensuring that streets connect people to key destinations, such as schools, parks, libraries, employment centers, and commercial areas.
• First/Last Mile Connections: Improving connections between transit stops and origins/destinations.

7.2. Safety Prioritization:

Safety is the top priority in the design and implementation of Complete Streets projects. [Municipality Name] will:

• Vision Zero Commitment: Work towards the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by [Target Year].
• Data-Driven Approach: Utilize crash data and other relevant information to identify high-crash locations and prioritize safety improvements.
• Vulnerable Users: Prioritize the safety of vulnerable users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• Speed Management: Implement strategies to manage vehicle speeds and create safer streets for all users.

7.3. Project Prioritization Framework:

Projects shall be prioritized based on a weighted scoring system that considers:

• Safety (35%): Crash history, severity, and risk factors
• Equity (25%): Benefits to underserved communities, disability access
• Connectivity (20%): Network gaps filled, improved access to destinations
• Demand (10%): Current and projected usage levels
• Implementation Feasibility (10%): Cost, technical challenges, and timeline

The Complete Streets Committee shall review and update the prioritization framework annually to ensure it continues to meet community needs and policy objectives.

10. Implementation

10.1. Phased Implementation Timeline:

Implementation of this policy shall occur in phases:

• Phase 1 (0-6 months): Policy adoption, formation of Complete Streets Committee, development of project review procedures, staff training
• Phase 2 (6-12 months): Development of design guidelines, prioritization of initial projects, securing initial funding, integration with existing plans
• Phase 3 (12-24 months): Implementation of initial demonstration projects, development of maintenance standards, evaluation framework refinement
• Phase 4 (24-48 months): Full implementation across all applicable projects, comprehensive evaluation, policy refinement

10.2. Departmental Responsibilities:

[Municipality Name] shall make Complete Streets practices a routine part of everyday operations. Each relevant department shall:

• Designate a Complete Streets liaison
• Update internal procedures, standards, and checklists to incorporate Complete Streets principles
• Conduct staff training on Complete Streets implementation
• Report annually on Complete Streets implementation progress

10.3. Interagency Coordination:

To ensure seamless implementation across jurisdictional boundaries and authorities:

• Establish formal coordination procedures with neighboring municipalities, county, and state transportation departments
• Create interagency working groups for major corridor projects
• Develop memoranda of understanding with transit agencies and regional planning bodies
• Hold quarterly coordination meetings with all agencies affecting transportation infrastructure

11. Maintenance Responsibilities

11.1. Asset Management:

The [Department Name] shall maintain an inventory of all Complete Streets facilities including:

• Sidewalks and pedestrian facilities
• Bicycle infrastructure
• Transit amenities
• Traffic calming features
• Green infrastructure elements

11.2. Maintenance Standards:

Maintenance standards for Complete Streets elements shall include:

• Sidewalks: Inspection every [X] years, repair of any vertical displacement greater than ½ inch, clearing of obstructions within 48 hours of notification
• Bike Facilities: Sweeping monthly (weekly for protected facilities), restriping when more than 25% of markings are faded
• Crosswalks and Markings: Reapplication when more than 25% is faded or worn
• Transit Facilities: Monthly inspection and cleaning, repair of shelters within 1 week of damage report
• Green Infrastructure: Quarterly maintenance of bioswales and rain gardens, annual inspection of permeable pavements

11.3. Winter Maintenance:

For municipalities in winter climates:

• Sidewalks and curb ramps shall be cleared within [X] hours of snowfall end
• Protected bike lanes shall be cleared within [X] hours of snowfall end
• Bus stops shall be cleared within [X] hours of snowfall end
• Maintenance responsibilities shall be clearly designated between municipal departments, property owners, and other entities

11.4. Maintenance Funding:

The [Municipality Name] shall:

• Establish a dedicated maintenance fund for Complete Streets elements
• Include life-cycle maintenance costs in initial project budgets
• Explore innovative funding mechanisms for ongoing maintenance

12. Accountability & Reporting

12.1. Complete Streets Committee:

[Municipality Name] will establish a Complete Streets Committee to oversee the implementation of this policy. The committee will be composed of:

• [Department representatives - minimum of one from each relevant department]
• [Number] community representatives including advocates for walking, biking, transit, seniors, people with disabilities, and historically underserved neighborhoods
• [Technical experts in transportation, planning, public health, etc.]

The committee shall meet [monthly/quarterly] and provide recommendations to the [relevant decision-making body].

12.2. Project Evaluation:

All Complete Streets projects will be evaluated to assess their effectiveness in achieving the goals of this policy. This evaluation will include:

• Pre- and Post-Project Data Collection: Collecting data on traffic volumes, speeds, crashes, pedestrian and bicycle counts, and transit ridership before and after project implementation.
• Performance Measures: Utilizing performance measures to track progress and identify areas for improvement (see Section 13.3).
• Community Feedback: Soliciting feedback from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders on the project's impact.
• Lessons Learned: Documenting lessons learned from each project to inform future Complete Streets initiatives.

12.3. Performance Metrics and Targets:

Your actual policy should focus on a limited number of tracked performance measures. This full list is provided for reference. {.is-info}

[Municipality Name] will track the following performance metrics to measure the progress and impact of the Complete Streets Policy:

• Safety:
  • Reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries by [X%] by [Year]
  • Reduce pedestrian and bicycle crashes by [X%] by [Year]
  • Eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes at high-crash locations by [Year]
• Accessibility:
  • Add [X] miles of new sidewalks annually
  • Install or upgrade [X] curb ramps annually
  • Achieve [X%] of transit stops with ADA accessibility by [Year]
  • Ensure [X%] of population lives within [Y] distance of safe walking/biking routes to key destinations by [Year]
• Connectivity:
  • Add [X] miles of new or improved bicycle and pedestrian connections annually
  • Close [X%] of identified network gaps by [Year]
• Mode Share:
  • Increase walking mode share to [X%] by [Year]
  • Increase bicycling mode share to [X%] by [Year]
  • Increase transit mode share to [X%] by [Year]
  • Reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips by [X%] by [Year]
• Health:
  • Increase active transportation users by [X%] on new infrastructure within one year of implementation
  • Achieve [X%] increase in physical activity levels among residents by [Year]
• Economic Development:
  • Achieve [X%] increase in retail sales in areas with Complete Streets improvements
  • Reduce commercial vacancy rates in Complete Streets corridors by [X%]
• Equity:
  • Allocate at least [X%] of Complete Streets investments to underserved communities
  • Achieve comparable transportation satisfaction ratings across all neighborhoods by [Year]

12.4. Reporting:

[Municipality Name] will prepare a semi-annual report on the implementation of the Complete Streets Policy. The report will include:

• A summary of Complete Streets projects completed during the period
• An analysis of performance metrics compared to established targets
• Documentation of any exceptions granted with justifications
• A discussion of challenges and opportunities
• Recommendations for future actions
• Budget allocation and expenditures for Complete Streets elements

The report will be made publicly available on the [Municipality Name] website and presented to the [relevant decision-making body].