The Des Moines Area MPO developed a complete streets policy template in 2015 that can be adopted by local governments throughout Greater Des Moines. Since that time, five new complete streets policies have been adopted bringing the total to nine policies in the region. Policies have been adopted in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Complete streets are streets that are for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders. People of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across streets in a community, regardless of how they are traveling. Complete streets are good for business, neighborhoods and residents’ well being. Streets designed for people of all ages and abilities create stronger, healthier and safer communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How can advocates, elected officials and practitioners effectively communicate complete streets? Telling the story around the policy and technical language is essential for building up support and really communicating why we need complete streets. Who are complete streets for, why do they matter and can we afford them? These are the questions this presentation answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communicating complete streets highlights three key themes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communication is a critical piece of advancing policy and one not taken lightly. The MPO presentation advances the conversation on complete streets and provides a resource for communities pursuing a complete streets policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A complete streets policy can take many forms, but strong policies consistently contain similar characteristics. The MPO has developed a model policy based on the 10 core elements found in the Local Policy Workbook<\/em> published by Smart Growth America’s Complete Streets Coalition. Both the model policy and the policy workbook can be found below in the resources section. The 10 core elements are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do communities take a complete streets policy and effectively implement it? Developing and adopting a policy is essential, but can easily sit on a shelf without impacting real world outcomes. This report used the Complete Streets Coalition\u2019s Taking Action on Complete Streets<\/em> guide to inform staff and elected on what implementation means for complete streets and how to achieve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are five keys steps for implementation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Implementation requires cross-department cooperation, public transparency, and aligning staff goals for safe and accessible streets. More information including case studies can be found in the Taking Action on Complete Streets <\/em>document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The MPO facilitated a one-time mini-grant program for complete streets implementation in 2016. Funded by the Wellmark Foundation, the MPO disbursed $75,000 to applicants in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Des Moines Area MPO developed a complete streets policy template in 2015 that can be adopted by local governments throughout Greater Des Moines. Since that time, five new complete streets policies have been adopted bringing the total to nine policies… <\/p>\n\n
Implementing Complete Streets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Funding Complete Streets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n