Complete Streets progress doesn’t happen on its own, it happens because dedicated leaders, practitioners, and advocates show up for their communities. Smart Growth America is proud to uplift some of the people and places behind this movement whose efforts continue after our work together. As we reflect on our success in 2025, we’re grateful for the leaders turning Complete Streets from an idea into action.

Creating safer, healthier, people-first streets takes more than updated policies or individual projects—it takes people willing to champion change even, and especially, when challenges feel insurmountable. Across the country, practitioners, elected officials, and community advocates are taking actions that help everyone get where they need to go safely and efficiently, whether walking, biking, rolling, riding transit, or driving.

Over the years, Smart Growth America’s technical assistance, policy guidance, and convenings have touched millions of lives across nearly 200 communities in 48 states—building a nationwide network of Complete Streets leaders. With that national reach, one of SGA’s most important roles is connecting advocates across the country with one another and uplifting their work as best practices for others to adopt. Together, we’ve explored how to effectively strengthen policies and plans, implement Complete Streets projects, deepen community engagement, and build long-lasting relationships.

The impact we have shared would not be possible without the commitment of the advocates, elected officials, city staff, artists, and practitioners dedicated to making their communities safer and healthier. This season of gratitude is a perfect moment to celebrate the leaders who keep this movement alive.

Progress from Complete Streets leaders

Across the country, local champions are turning Complete Streets principles into on-the-ground progress. These three communities are just a few of the many examples where dedicated practitioners and advocates are reshaping their streets to be safer, healthier, and more connected for everyone.

Boca Raton, FL

Through Smart Growth America’s Champions Institute, Vice Mayor Nachlas planned a city-wide event designed to increase public awareness of safety rules, identify potential locations for quick-build projects, and begin building a broad coalition—including city staff, FDOT officials, bike advocates, schools, and neighborhood groups. She also collaborated with colleagues (some of whom also participated in SGA technical assistance programs in the past) on the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA) to pass a CDC Active People, Healthy Nation Proclamation, signaling a strong commitment to promoting health and connectivity through active transportation.

Inspired by conversations amongst local decision-makers and advocates, the City of Boca Raton recently held its first Boca on the Move Micro Mobility Safety Symposium which featured a walking tour, expert panel, interactive tools for community engagement, media coverage, and giveaways.

“As an elected official, resident, parent, and grandparent, I know I must advocate for the design and building of streets that prioritize people, are safe, and support the Complete Streets ideology.” -Vice Mayor Fran Nachlas | Boca Raton, FL | Champions Institute (2025)

Memphis, TN

Since participating in the 2024 Dangerous by Design Technical Assistance program, Jackson McNeil has collaborated with partners and community members to launch a new transportation advocacy initiative, Street Fair, which focuses on safe streets and mobility for all. He continues to navigate political and implementation challenges while building the support needed to advance safety-driven solutions. This is not the first time SGA has engaged with staff and advocates in the city. Memphis was part of the 2023 Complete Streets Leadership Academy and, with SGA’s support, developed a successful Safe Streets and Roads for All grant application that will help move Complete Streets efforts in Memphis.

“Find the hidden allies! Lots of folks are interested in the work but just don’t know how to get involved or where to start.” -Jackson McNeil | Transportation & Mobility Director | Memphis, TN | Dangerous by Design Technical Assistance (2024)

Mesa, AZ

Since joining the 2022 Champions Institute, council member Jennifer Duff has continued to push Mesa toward safer, more connected streets. Thanks to her dedication, a protected bike lane is now under construction in her community and a micromobility study of their downtown has been completed. In addition, Mesa’s General Plan 2050 connects land use and safe streets work, including smart growth strategies for healthier, more equitable development. The plan has been presented to the city council and they are expected to vote on the project on November 17, 2025.

“People-friendly streets are the social fabric and economic vitality of our communities.” -Councilmember Jennifer Duff | Mesa, AZ | Champions Institute (2022)

Looking ahead through the lens of gratitude

As we close out the year, we’re reflecting on these accomplishments of strong leaders in our network who continue to drive progress toward safer, healthier, more connected communities. While the federal landscape continues to be characterized by uncertainty, the voices of advocates and leaders—especially those at the local level—are more important than ever. Their commitment to creating communities where everyone can thrive keeps us encouraged and energized for the progress to come.

Smart Growth America is honored to support, convene, and uplift this growing network of Complete Streets champions. Together, they are building the momentum that will help create communities where all people have safe, accessible, and convenient ways to get to where they need and want to go. We can’t wait to see what the continued innovation and dedication of Complete Streets leaders will accomplish in 2026.

Want to share your own story of success? Reach out to us at [email protected].