October 8, 2019
Media Contact:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information Office, 410-313-2022
Complete Streets will ensure Howard County is a place for individuals of all backgrounds to live and travel freely, safely, and comfortably, public and private
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Yesterday, the Howard County Council unanimously approved County Executive Calvin Ball’s legislation to enact his ‘Complete Streets’ vision for transportation in Howard County. The vision of the Complete Streets policy is to “ensure Howard County is a place for individuals of all backgrounds to travel freely, safely, and comfortably. All public and private roadways within Howard County shall be safe and convenient for residents who travel by foot, bicycle, public transportation, or automobile. By implementing this vision, we are ensuring sustainable communities countywide.” The scope of this policy would cover every transportation project, whether new or retrofit, capital improvement, or subdivision and land development. To view an infographic that explains ‘Complete Streets,’ please click here.
“I introduced the ‘Complete Streets’ Resolution to advance the vision of safe streets for all in Howard County and I am thrilled it was unanimously adopted by the County Council,” said Ball. “After making the largest single year investment in bike infrastructure during the most recent budget cycle, I am pleased to continue to deliver on that promise. ‘Complete Streets’ are streets where people of all ages and abilities feel safe walking, biking, driving, and utilizing public transportation. This policy ensures that Howard County streets will be designed, built, maintained and operated with everyone in mind, for the good of the community.”
This resolution will require Howard County to:
- Prioritize transportation projects in communities with vulnerable populations
- Require transparent decision making and reporting
- Enhance coordination among public and private agencies
- Provide for a data-driven project selection process
The Complete Streets Policy is the product of long term collaboration, incorporating national best practices to respond to community needs. The County’s General Plan (PlanHoward 2030) and the Bicycle Master Plan (BikeHoward) both called on the County to develop complete streets. A “Complete Streets Implementation Team” was formed, consisting of five County staff representatives and five stakeholder representatives. This team then integrated national best practices into the Howard County context, aided by an expert consultant and by listening to stakeholder input. Previously, on June 25, the Howard County Multimodal Transportation Board endorsed the Complete Streets Policy.