Comprehensive Transportation Policy (Concord's Complete Streets Policy) Scored 130th out of 130 for 2014
Smart Growth America & The National Complete Streets Coalition have released their February 2015 report: "The Best Complete Streets Policies of 2014".
More than 70 jurisdictions adopted policies in 2014 and Concord's policy is evaluated at 130th out of 130 in the category of cities who have
adopted policies. Prior year ratings for Concord's policy were 100th out of 100 in 2013 and rated 65th out of 65 for 2012.
The top policies for 2014 out of 710 nationwide, included Ogdensburg, NY at number 1 - scoring 92.8%. Four New England towns tied for 6th place at 87.2% (Acton, Middleton, Reading and Salem, MA). Portsmouth, NH Policy 2013-01 moved from 7th to 19th - scoring 82.6%. The median 2014 score was 62%.
The top policies for 2014 out of 710 nationwide, included Ogdensburg, NY at number 1 - scoring 92.8%. Four New England towns tied for 6th place at 87.2% (Acton, Middleton, Reading and Salem, MA). Portsmouth, NH Policy 2013-01 moved from 7th to 19th - scoring 82.6%. The median 2014 score was 62%.
Complete Streets Policy Types
Legislation requires the needs of all users to be addressed in transportation projects by changing city, county, or state codes or statutes.
Resolutions are non-binding official statements from a jurisdiction’s legislative branch and executive orders are high-level directives issued by a mayor or governor.
Departmental policies are adopted by the leadership of a jurisdiction’s transportation agency, office, or department without action from an elected body.
Policies adopted by an elected board are policy statements, usually developed by a group of stakeholders, and are approved by an elected governing body via an adopting resolution or ordinance. Some communities also incorporate Complete Streets into comprehensive or transportation master plans or through updates to street design guidance and standards.
With the exception of plans and design guidance, this report analyzes all other types of policy documents.
Concord, NH scored 27.2% - the lowest in it's category of City Policy.
The scoring system looks at 10 idealized elements.
- Vision: The policy establishes a motivating vision for why the community wants Complete Streets: to improve safety, promote better health, increase efficiency, improve the convenience of choices, or for other reasons.
- All users and modes: The policy specifies that “all modes” includes walking, bicycling, riding public transportation, driving trucks, buses and automobiles and “all users” includes people of all ages and abilities.
- All projects and phases: All types of transportation projects are subject to the policy, including design, planning, construction, maintenance, and operations of new and existing streets and facilities.
- Clear, accountable exceptions: Any exceptions to the policy are specified and approved by a high-level official.
- Network: The policy recognizes the need to create a comprehensive, integrated and connected network for all modes and encourages street connectivity.
- Jurisdiction: All other agencies that govern transportation activities can clearly understand the policy’s application and may be involved in the process as appropriate.
- Design: The policy recommends use of the latest and best design criteria and guidelines, while recognizing the need for design flexibility to balance user needs in context.
- Context sensitivity: The current and planned context (buildings, land use, and transportation needs) is considered when planning and designing transportation solutions.
- Performance measures: The policy includes performance standards with measurable outcomes.
- Implementation steps: Specific next steps for implementing the policy are described.
Concord's 2010 Comprehensive Transportation Policy is listed on page 33 of the report under the City Policy Category.
