A new report details the growing adoption of Complete Streets policies in locales across the United States, despite the removal of a Complete Streets provision from the recent federal transportation bill.
Robert Steuteville blogs about the new report, titled Complete Streets Policy Analysis 2011, which was published recently by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. The report gives a quantitative accounting of the growth of the Complete Streets movement in America, with communities across the country adopting 146 Complete Streets policies in 2011 alone (for a total of 350).
The report also spotlights the best of these policies. "Local policies of particular note are highlighted throughout the report,
providing a comprehensive examination of best policy practices across
the country. Complete Streets policies in New Jersey, Louisiana,
California, Minnesota, and Connecticut are among the report's most
successful examples."
"It's great to see such a surge in Complete Streets policy adoption over
the past year," said National Complete Streets Coalition Director Roger
Millar. "But this growth is also reflective of changing times and
attitudes about transportation."
FULL STORY: Complete Streets policies spreading quickly
Recent Parking Reform: Start of a Wave of Change?
The range of cities that have recently removed parking mandates could help motivate others that are eyeing new parking policies.
CDBG Funds Not Useful Focus for Zoning Reform
Linking zoning reform mandates to CDBG funding is not an effective way to change exclusionary zoning.
Intentional Impermanence: Complete Streets 2.0
Douglas Hausladen, New Haven’s transportation director, envisions building complete streets quickly through a fail-fast approach.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service