1. Complete Streets: Changing Policy
June 2016

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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