Across the country and on Capitol Hill, Complete Streets policies have been gaining traction as more places realize the benefits of having safe, accessible, and healthy streets in their communities. In 2012 alone, nearly 130 jurisdictions adopted a policy, building on the 140 that committed to Complete Streets in 2011. In total, 466 regional and local jurisdictions, 27 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have adopted policies or have made written commitment to do so. This Atlas notes places that have adopted some form of a Complete Streets policy. In many cases, full policy implementation takes several steps; for example, it could start with a resolution, then move to a more detailed ordinance or policy document.
Interactive Map of Regional and Local Policies
Key: Blue: Laws & Ordinances | Red: Resolutions | Yellow: Tax Ordinances | Purple: Internal Policies or Executive Orders | Magenta: Plans | Green: Design Manuals or Guides | Cyan: Policies Adopted by Elected Boards
Policy Inventory
Written Complete Streets policies vary in their coverage of all modes and their ability to affect road planning decisions. The Complete Streets Policy Analysis (.pdf) report provides detailed information on how existing policies compare to our ten elements of an ideal Complete Streets policy. The report includes examples of policies that do particularly well in meeting the ‘ideal’ and lists the top policies based on jurisdiction and type. The appendix includes detailed information about each policy adopted through the end of 2012.
DOWNLOAD: chart of all state laws and policies (.pdf)
DOWNLOAD: chart of all Complete Streets policies (.pdf) (updated bi-monthly)
Does your community have a policy, but it’s not on the map? Let us know! To be added to the list, the policy must clearly direct incorporation of bicyclists and pedestrians, at minimum, into transportation projects. The Coalition requires review of final language before adding any policies to the list.
