Transforming transportation through Complete StreetsTransforming transportation through Complete Streets

Across the United States, more and more counties and cities are becoming healthier, safer and more economically vibrant by embracing Complete Streets. The concept is simple but effective—transform roads and streets that were previously designed exclusively for cars and redesign them into multimodal meccas of accessibility to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and people of all ages and abilities can move around their neighborhoods with greater ease. What started as a movement in many cities and urban environments in the early 2000s has now blossomed into a nationwide network of more than 1,700 Complete Streets policies across states, cities, towns and counties.

Howard County, Md., has a long history and legacy of thoughtful transportation and community planning, from the construction of the country’s first National Road in Ellicott City to the development of Columbia by renowned urban planner Jim Rouse in the 1960s. After taking office as Howard County Executive in December 2018, I tasked our team of expert policymakers and transportation officials to create a world-class Complete Streets Policy for our community, centered on safety, health and access for all. As a result, we are leading the national conversation on bringing the world-class vision of Complete Streets that works for everyone to life. 

Since adopting our Complete Streets Policy in 2019, Howard County has embarked on a multi-year journey to transform our transportation infrastructure through strategic investments, programs, and regulation changes. Howard County government has more than tripled our annual investments in multimodal projects, adopted a Pedestrian Master Plan, completed major roadway design projects and installed more than 50 miles of sidewalks, bike lanes, pathways and trails. Investments in transit have also paid off. Our public bus ridership has grown by nearly 10%, from 810,000 rides in FY18 to nearly 900,000 rides in FY24, despite nationwide declines in transit ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These efforts, through hard work, brought significant rewards into fruition. In 2023, Howard County’s Complete Streets policy earned the highest national ranking from Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. Achieving the first perfect score for a Complete Streets policy in the entire nation, the policy was hailed for prioritizing equity, developing performance measures, and actively involving our residents throughout the process.

Looking at the successes and challenges of Complete Streets campaigns across the nation, a policy is only as good as its implementation. To be effective in implementation, Complete Streets efforts should embed active community participation and engagement throughout. Local officials, residents, community organizations and transportation advocates all have a vital role to play in making our streets safer and more accessible for all. In Tucson, Ariz., policymakers established a Complete Streets Coordinating Council to ensure that ongoing implementation of their Complete Streets policy thoroughly engages community members, stakeholders and transportation experts. Public implementation committees not only promote continued focus on delivering Complete Streets; they also ensure accountability to the public and new opportunities for input and participation.

A meaningful commitment to equity is also crucial for the implementation of Complete Streets. In Howard County, transportation officials created an Equity Emphasis Area Index to guide where transportation investments are needed most. By evaluating Census data that captures households without cars, poverty rates, areas with limited English proficiency and minority populations, communities facing transportation challenges are prioritized for safety and access projects, aligning with the policy’s mission to serve all residents effectively. Other jurisdictions have undertaken similar approaches to center the voices and needs of underserved communities.

In El Paso, Texas, transportation officials wove equity considerations into every component of their policy, including project prioritization, funding, public outreach and performance measures. For our streets to truly be accessible, they must be safe for everyone, and especially the neighborhoods that have historically been overlooked and experienced disinvestment. By institutionalizing equity considerations in Complete Streets design guidelines and community outreach provisions, counties and cities can commit to the long-term vision of making our streets and roads safer for all.

Complete Streets policies are a demonstration of the power of deliberate, inclusive planning. From policy development to concrete changes on the ground, policymakers are building infrastructure for people to create more livable, safer neighborhoods across the country.

In Howard County and other suburban jurisdictions, we’ve proven that investments in bike lanes, sidewalks and public transportation are not meant for cities alone. Growing counties should fully embrace Complete Streets, and the results will speak for themselves. Communities that adopt active transportation policies are safer, healthier and more economically vibrant.

For counties and cities that are just starting their Complete Streets journey, stay focused and determined. An up-front investment of time and resources to develop a thoughtful and comprehensive Complete Streets policy will pay off for decades to come.

Transforming our streets isn’t just about making transportation improvements—it’s a roadmap to building safer, healthier and more connected and vibrant neighborhoods for all.