Complete Streets: Changing Policy June 2016

Goal: Successful Policies Sets a vision. Includes all users and all modes. Applies to all phases of all applicable projects. Specifies and limits exceptions, with management approval required. Emphasizes connectivity. Is understood by all agencies to cover all roads. Uses the best and latest design standards and is flexible. Complements the community’s context. Sets performance standards. Includes implementation steps. A policy must do more than simply affirm support for Complete Streets. If done correctly, it inspires reevaluation of current decision making processes, of plans and guides, of community expectations and outcomes. The ten elements can be divided into four distinct parts: ‘Pre-policy’ work of establishing a compelling vision; Creating a strong core commitment to providing for all users and modes in all projects; Rounding out that directive with supporting best practices; and Planning next steps for policy implementation. Although the concepts seem straightforward and answers seem somewhat clear, you’ll find that they actually result in a much larger discussion about the way your community makes decisions.

Goal: Successful Policies Several guidelines and resources out there Complete Streets workbook MRSC DOH- James Kissee

Vision What do you want from your streets? What will consistently rally support from the general public and elected officials? Communities adopt Complete Streets policies for many reasons – and those visions are essential to true change in a community. One reason- Money Many have adopted the ethic without the money as the driver

All users & modes A clearly stated directive to include the needs of all people, regardless of how they travel, into the everyday transportation decision- making process. The heart of a Complete Streets policy is a clearly stated directive to include the needs of all people, regardless of how they travel Full integration of all users into everyday transportation planning and design is the desired outcome of a Complete Streets policy An ideal Complete Streets policy considers the range of needs and recognizes the importance of planning and designing streets for all ages and abilities Context

All projects & phases Integrate Complete Streets into planning, design, construction of all projects: New construction Reconstruction Rehabilitation Repair Repaving Major maintenance Operations The ideal result of a Complete Streets policy is that all transportation improvements are viewed as opportunities to create safer, more accessible streets for all users. A strong Complete Streets policy will integrate Complete Streets planning into all projects beyond new construction and reconstruction, and direct application of a Complete Streets approach to rehabilitation, repair, major maintenance, and operations work. Even small projects can be an opportunity to make meaningful improvements. Complete Streets are achieved over time through single projects and through a series of incremental improvements.

Exceptions Provides flexibility, but must not be exploited. Three common exceptions: Where user groups are prohibited When the cost is excessively disproportionate to need and use Documented absence of current AND future need Additional exceptions weaken Complete Streets objectives. There must be a balance achieved when specifying exceptions in policy language so that the needed flexibility for legitimate exceptions does not also create loopholes. Three common ones: 1. Accommodation is not necessary on corridors where specific users are prohibited, such as interstate freeways or pedestrian malls. 2. When the cost of accommodation is excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use. We do not recommend attaching a percentage to define “excessive” as the context for many projects will require different portions of the overall project budget to be spent on the modes and users expected. 3. When there is a documented absence of current and future need. Additional exceptions begin to weaken this goal In addition to defining exceptions through good policy language, there must be a clear process for granting them. We recommend a senior-level department head, publicly accountable committee, or a board of elected officials be charged with approving exceptions, as appropriate for your community.

Network & connectivity More than one or two “complete” streets Connected, integrated system that provides for all users Ensures gaps are filled A good Complete Streets policy recognizes the need for more than one or two “complete” streets. We must build a connected, integrated system that provides transportation options to a resident’s many potential destinations. This means two things: planning for a network and ensuring gaps are filled. Rather than trying to make each street perfect for every traveler, communities can aim for a comprehensive network of streets that emphasize different modes while still providing quality access for each one.

Other agencies Many agencies have a stake in the funding, planning, and development of our streets. Create partnerships Communication between jurisdictions and agencies at all levels

Design guidance & flexibility Use the best and latest design standards available Allow for flexible approaches to design It is not always necessary to create entirely new guidance. Photo: Missoula, MT, Higgins Avenue

Context sensitivity Design relates well to type of neighborhood and buildings An effective Complete Streets policy must be sensitive to the type of neighborhood and the land uses along roadways. Photo: City of Des Moines, Des Moines, WA

Performance measures Systematic collection and reporting of data Ensures compliance with policy goals Enables informed decision-making Short and long term As governments look to become more responsive, transparent, and accountable, performance measures are increasingly important. Implementing Complete Streets means systematically collecting and reporting data. Performance measures ensure compliance with the policy, but also enable more informed decision-making by providing clarity to planners, designers, and engineers on expected outcomes.

Tool: Policy Workshops Bring together stakeholders and decision makers Encourage open dialogue about challenges and solutions Outside expert instructors lend credibility, offer national expertise Develop appropriate policy for your community Understand common implementation steps, develop work plan www.completestreets.org/workshops

Tool: Policy Workbook Detailed discussion of & questions to ask at each step in developing a policy Right type of policy Understanding current process All 10 elements of ideal policy Planning for implementation www.completestreets.org/policyworkbook

Tool: Policy Workbook Use in tandem with Policy Analysis Work with other stakeholders to answer questions, write language Draw from best practices, develop best language for your community www.completestreets.org/policyworkbook

Tool: Policy Analysis Compare your policy to policies in similar communities Find highly-rated policies to serve as models Rate policy as you write it Use to inspire implementation activities

From Policy to Practice Effective implementation means: Organizing implementation activities Restructuring procedures, policies, and programs Rewriting or updating design guidance Offering training opportunities to transportation staff, community leaders, and the general public Creating new performance measures

For more information Model policies & reports Best Complete Streets Policies Local Policy Workbook Implementation resources Latest news www.completestreets.org www.smartgrowthamerica.org MRSC DOH WSDOT Photo: Dan Burden, Walkable and Livable Communities Institute