Advocacy

Issue Brief: Complete Streets Act

THE ISSUE

ASLA believes that multi-modal transportation systems should be safe, efficient, beautiful, ecologically sensitive, and convenient. These qualities enable streets and roadways to address climate change, support public health, and serve all people and modes of transportation. Landscape architects are trained and uniquely qualified to plan and design multi-modal transportation networks that provide users with cost efficient transportation options, while also addressing other community needs.

Background

Roadways should be designed for all users — including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit riders, motorists, and persons with disabilities — to have safe, convenient, and comfortable access to transportation options. A Complete Streets approach integrates people and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of our transportation networks. This helps to ensure streets put safety over speed, serve the full range of users, and support the sustainable and incremental development of local communities.

In 2022, the most recent year with federal data, 7,522 pedestrians were killed by motorists, marking a 40-year high. Designing more Complete Streets is critical to reversing this epidemic. Additionally, improving infrastructure and building more welcoming streets for all road users leads to higher rates of active transportation throughout communities. In turn, more frequent walking and bicycling supports the physical and mental health of community members.

ASLA is a founding member of the National Complete Streets Coalition, whose mission is to promote the development and implementation of policies and professional practices that ensure streets become safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments.

Bill Summary

Senator Edward Markey (MA) introduced S. 3680 and Representative Steve Cohen (TN) introduced H.R. 7082 as the Complete Streets Act of 2024. This legislation would:
  • Call on states to set aside five percent of their federal highway funding to create a “Complete Streets” program.
  • Call on eligible entities that want to access funding to adopt a Complete Streets policy, participate in technical assistance, and create a prioritized plan for Complete Streets projects in their jurisdictions.
  • Make Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) responsible for certifying that Complete Streets policies meet minimum requirements set out by the United States Secretary of Transportation.
  • Call on the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, States, and MPOs to adopt design standards for federal surface transportation projects that provide for the safe and adequate accommodation of all users – including motorized and non-motorized users - in all phases of project planning, development, and operation.
Recent Action

On January 25, 2024, Senator Edward Markey (MA) introduced S. 3670, the Complete Streets Act of 2024.

On January 25, 2024, Representative Steve Cohen (TN) introduced H.R. 7082, the Complete Streets Act of 2024.

Sponsors

S. 3670, Senator Edward Markey (MA) and cosponsors.

H.R. 7082, Representative Steve Cohen (TN) and cosponsors.

Resources

Senator Markey's Press Release

Representative Cohen's Press Release

National Complete Streets Coalition

Dangerous by Design 2024 Report  

Complete Streets Case Studies

Best Complete Streets Policies of 2023

U.S. Access Board Issues Final Rule on Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines  

ASLA Sustainable Transportation Guide  

ASLA Universal Design Guide

Related ASLA Policies

Livable Communities

Transportation Corridors and Facilities

Urban Growth and Development

 

Contact

Roxanne Blackwell, 
Esq., Hon. ASLA,
Director of Federal
Government Affairs
governmentaffairs@asla.org

Elizabeth Hebron,
Director of State
Government Affairs
governmentaffairs@asla.org

Join

Donate