Complete Streets: A Primer

Complete Streets: A Primer
March 7, 2024
Updated August 11, 2026 (R47947) Jump to Main Text of Report

Contents

• Introduction
• What Is a Complete Street?
• Goals and Considerations of Complete Streets
• Current Complete Streets Law and Funding
• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
• Other Funding Sources
• Selected Recent Executive Actions
• Safety for All Users Report
• Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model Report
• National Roadway Safety Strategy
• Complete Streets Formula Grant Match Waivers

Figures

• Figure 1. Example of a Complete Street in an Urban Setting
• Figure 2. Example of a Complete Street Cross Section in a Rural Setting

Tables

• Table 1. Selected Opportunities and Challenges of the Complete Streets Approach
• Table A-1. Complete Streets-Related Bills 109^th-119^th Congresses

Appendixes

• Appendix A. Complete Streets-Related Bills

Summary

Complete streets is a multimodal approach to roadway design and safety that considers all users is a multimodal approach to roadway design and safety that considers all users
of transportation infrastructure. A street is considered complete if it facilitates the safe movement of transportation infrastructure. A street is considered complete if it facilitates the safe movement
Jennifer J. Marshall
of users of all ages, abilities, and transportation modes. Additionally, of users of all ages, abilities, and transportation modes. Additionally, some transportation agencies and transportation agencies and
Analyst in Transportation
researchers consider complete streets an approach that can assist communities in reaching safety, researchers consider complete streets an approach that can assist communities in reaching safety,
Policy
accessibility, equity, connectivity, mobility, and environmental goals.accessibility, equity, connectivity, mobility, and environmental goals.

Complete streets encompasses physical changes to roadways (e.g., dedicated bicycle and bus Complete streets encompasses physical changes to roadways (e.g., dedicated bicycle and bus

lanes) and sidewalks to specifically accommodate transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists alongside lanes) and sidewalks to specifically accommodate transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists alongside
personal motor vehicles. Complete streets also emphasizes other changes, such as adding lighting, planters, trees, and personal motor vehicles. Complete streets also emphasizes other changes, such as adding lighting, planters, trees, and
benches, to improve the user experience of a street. The specific elements included in a complete streets design are context benches, to improve the user experience of a street. The specific elements included in a complete streets design are context
sensitive and vary from place to place, but the principles can be applied in urban, suburban, and rural settings.sensitive and vary from place to place, but the principles can be applied in urban, suburban, and rural settings.
Section 11206 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. 117-58) required states and metropolitan planning Section 11206 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. 117-58) required states and metropolitan planning
organizations to fund the development of complete streets policies and complete streets prioritization plans through the organizations to fund the development of complete streets policies and complete streets prioritization plans through the
Metropolitan Planning Program (23 U.S.C.Metropolitan Planning Program (23 U.S.C. §104(d)) and State Planning and Research Program (23 U.S.C. §505). The IIJA §104(d)) and State Planning and Research Program (23 U.S.C. §505). The IIJA
authorized related discretionary grant programs including Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) and the Reconnecting authorized related discretionary grant programs including Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) and the Reconnecting
Communities Pilot Program. Communities Pilot Program.
The IIJA The IIJA iswas the first law to establish requirements for complete streets standards and policies. There have been other efforts the first law to establish requirements for complete streets standards and policies. There have been other efforts
from the executive and legislative branches. For example, since 2017, the Department of Transportation has identified from the executive and legislative branches. For example, since 2017, the Department of Transportation has identified
complete streets as a tool to improve roadway safety in the complete streets as a tool to improve roadway safety in the Safety for All Users Report, the , the Moving to a Complete Streets
Design Model report, and the National Roadway Safety Strategy. Between the report, and the National Roadway Safety Strategy. Between the 109th and 118th Congresses, at least 17109^th and 119^th Congresses (as of August 5, 2026), at least 19 bills bills
related to complete streets have been introduced, including House and Senate companion bills.





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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
What Is a Complete Street? ............................................................................................................. 1
Goals and Considerations of Complete Streets ......................................................................... 3
Current Complete Streets Law and Funding ................................................................................... 5
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ..................................................................................... 5
Other Funding Sources .............................................................................................................. 6
Selected Recent Executive Actions ................................................................................................. 6
Safety for All Users Report ....................................................................................................... 6
Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model Report ............................................................... 7
National Roadway Safety Strategy ........................................................................................... 7
Complete Streets Formula Grant Match Waivers ...................................................................... 7

Figures
Figure 1. Example of a Complete Street in an Urban Setting ......................................................... 2
Figure 2. Example of a Complete Street Cross Section in a Rural Setting ..................................... 2

Tables
Table 1. Selected Opportunities and Challenges of the Complete Streets Approach ...................... 4

Table A-1. Complete Streets-Related Bills, 109th-118th Congresses ................................................ 8

Appendixes
Appendix. A ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Contacts
Author Information .......................................................................................................................... 9

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Introduction
related to complete streets have been introduced, including House and Senate companion bills.

On May 19, 2026, a surface transportation reauthorization bill—the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America's 250^th Act (BUILD America 250 Act)—was introduced in the House (H.R. 8870). The bill was marked up by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and ordered to be reported on May 22, 2026. The bill addresses complete streets activities such as funding for Safe Streets and Roads for All (§1119) and the use of the Surface Transportation Block Grant funding as the nonfederal share for complete streets prioritization plans (§1112). Issues relating to and funding for complete streets may be addressed in debates on H.R. 8870, through other legislation, or as part of committee oversight.

Introduction

Complete streets is a multimodal and multiuser approach to transportation planning and is a multimodal and multiuser approach to transportation planning and
implementation of public road infrastructure.implementation of public road infrastructure.11 The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA;
P.L. 117-58), enacted in November 2021, defined P.L. 117-58), enacted in November 2021, defined complete streets standards or policies as as
measures that measures that “"ensure the safe and adequate accommodation of all users of the transportation ensure the safe and adequate accommodation of all users of the transportation
system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, children, older individuals, system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, children, older individuals,
individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles.individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles.”2"² The IIJA The IIJA iswas the first federal the first federal
legislation to define the term legislation to define the term complete streets standards and or policies..
This report provides an overview of the concept of complete streets. The report first explains the This report provides an overview of the concept of complete streets. The report first explains the
elements of complete streets in urban and rural settings, then outlines the goals and considerations elements of complete streets in urban and rural settings, then outlines the goals and considerations
of complete streets policy. It also discusses the history of executive actions related to complete of complete streets policy. It also discusses the history of executive actions related to complete
streets and contains an Appendix streets and contains an Appendix A identifying complete streets-related bills introduced from the identifying complete streets-related bills introduced from the
109^th to the 119^th Congresses (as of August 5, 2026)109th to the 118th Congresses. .
What Is a Complete Street?
A complete streets approach encompasses various physical design elements, including travel A complete streets approach encompasses various physical design elements, including travel
lanes for motor vehicles and for users other than cars and trucks. Such elements may include, lanes for motor vehicles and for users other than cars and trucks. Such elements may include,
among other things, dedicated bicycle and bus lanes, sidewalks, mid-block pedestrian crossings, among other things, dedicated bicycle and bus lanes, sidewalks, mid-block pedestrian crossings,
traffic calming treatments, and street trees.traffic calming treatments, and street trees.33 Complete streets designs are based on context- Complete streets designs are based on context-
specific budget, location, and community specific budget, location, and community goalsgoals. Figure 1 andand Figure 2 provide visual examples provide visual examples
of complete streets in urban and rural settings.4

1 “Complete Streets” is capitalized in P.L. 117-58 in reference to “Complete Streets standards and policies,” “Complete
Streets prioritization plans,” and “Complete Streets projects.” CRS has determined that “complete streets” will be
uncapitalized throughout this report due to the broad use of the phrase “complete streets” within transportation policy;
Barbara McCann, Completing Our Streets: The Transition to Safe and Inclusive Transportation Networks (Washington,
DC: Island Press, 2013). Hereinafter cited as McCann, Completing Our Streets.
2 P.L. 117-58, Division A, Subtitle B, §11206.
3 According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers, to increase
the safety of roadways through traffic calming, vehicle speeds and vehicle volumes on a single street or within a street
network are reduced. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), FHWA, Traffic Calming ePrimer, 2018,
https://highways.dot.gov/safety/speed-management/traffic-calming-eprimer.
4 National Association of City Transportation Officials, “Streets,” in Urban Street Design Guide (Washington, DC:
Island Press/Center for Resource Economics, 2013); DOT, FHWA, Complete Streets Transformations: Six Scenarios to
Transform Arterials Using a Complete Streets Implementation Strategy, February 25, 2022.
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Figure 1. Example of a Complete Street in an Urban Setting

of complete streets in urban and rural settings.⁴

Figure 1. Example of a Complete Street in an Urban Setting Source: National Association for City Transportation Officials, National Association for City Transportation Officials, “"Streets: Streets Design Principles,Streets: Streets Design Principles,”" in in Urban
Street Design Guide ( (New York City, NY: Island Press, 2013), p. 6.Island Press, 2013), p. 6.
Figure 1 illustrates possible elements of a complete street in an urban setting, including dedicated illustrates possible elements of a complete street in an urban setting, including dedicated
bus and bicycle lanes, on-street parking, pedestrian- and vehicle-oriented street lighting, shade bus and bicycle lanes, on-street parking, pedestrian- and vehicle-oriented street lighting, shade
trees, benches, and curb ramps, among other features. This example shows how low-cost trees, benches, and curb ramps, among other features. This example shows how low-cost
interventions, such as pavement striping, can delineate boundaries of physical design elements interventions, such as pavement striping, can delineate boundaries of physical design elements
(e.g., where hatched marking separates the on-street parking from the bike lane).(e.g., where hatched marking separates the on-street parking from the bike lane).⁵ Pavement Pavement
striping could be used to analyze effectiveness prior to a more permanent and expensive striping could be used to analyze effectiveness prior to a more permanent and expensive
installation, such as flex posts or cement planter barriers.installation, such as flex posts or cement planter barriers.
6

Figure 2. Example of a Complete Street Cross Section in a Rural Setting

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Complete Streets Transformations:
Six Scenarios to Transform Arterials Using a Complete Streets Implementation Strategy, February 25, 2022, p. 15, , February 25, 2022, p. 15,
https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022-02/2022_CS_Transformations_Doc_508.pdfhttps://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022-02/2022_CS_Transformations_Doc_508.pdf.
. Figure 2 illustrates a complete street design that might be appropriate in a small town and rural illustrates a complete street design that might be appropriate in a small town and rural
context. This street design includes lanes for cars, on-street parking on each side, sidewalks wide context. This street design includes lanes for cars, on-street parking on each side, sidewalks wide
enough for people using mobility devices, and shade trees.enough for people using mobility devices, and shade trees.⁷ For some communities, the challenge For some communities, the challenge
in implementing complete streets is identifying ways to incorporate space for pedestrians that in implementing complete streets is identifying ways to incorporate space for pedestrians that
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separates them from vehicles.separates them from vehicles.58 In this case, the design of this street could be considered complete In this case, the design of this street could be considered complete
due to the presence of safe, accessible sidewalks for pedestrians of all abilities.due to the presence of safe, accessible sidewalks for pedestrians of all abilities.
Goals and Considerations of Complete Streets
The core goal of complete streets is to improve the safety of all roadway users, especially The core goal of complete streets is to improve the safety of all roadway users, especially
bicyclists and pedestrians.bicyclists and pedestrians.69 The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has identified other The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has identified other
goals of complete streets, including accessibility, equity, and connectivity.goals of complete streets, including accessibility, equity, and connectivity.¹⁰ Researchers have Researchers have
identified improving mobility and mitigating environmental impacts as additional goals.identified improving mobility and mitigating environmental impacts as additional goals.7
11 Explanations of how complete streets could achieve these goals are provided below.Explanations of how complete streets could achieve these goals are provided below.
• Safety: Change roadway design to impact user behavior. For example, : Change roadway design to impact user behavior. For example,
reconfiguring roadways with traffic calming techniques can reduce both reconfiguring roadways with traffic calming techniques can reduce both
motorists’motorists' speeds and roadway crossing distance for pedestrians and bicyclists. speeds and roadway crossing distance for pedestrians and bicyclists.
These changes can lead to decreased crash risk and severity.These changes can lead to decreased crash risk and severity.8
• 12 Accessibility: Remove barriers of access to transportation. For example, adding : Remove barriers of access to transportation. For example, adding
curb ramps and ensuring sidewalk infrastructure does not have obstructions (e.g., curb ramps and ensuring sidewalk infrastructure does not have obstructions (e.g.,
fire hydrants) could remove barriers of access for assistive-mobility users.fire hydrants) could remove barriers of access for assistive-mobility users.9
• 13 Equity: Provide transportation options across race, gender, age, ability, or class. : Provide transportation options across race, gender, age, ability, or class.
For example, adding sidewalks may be an equitable solution for a community For example, adding sidewalks may be an equitable solution for a community
that has a high number of zero-car households and a high number of that has a high number of zero-car households and a high number of
pedestrians.pedestrians.10
• 14 Connectivity: Improve routes to destinations. For example, installing sidewalks : Improve routes to destinations. For example, installing sidewalks
that connect frequented locations in a neighborhood can provide protected routes that connect frequented locations in a neighborhood can provide protected routes
for pedestrians to travel to multiple local businesses.11

5 Separating motorists from non-motorists decreases the number of points of conflict, which decreases the probability
of crash-related injuries and fatalities. Sheila Sarkar, “Evaluation of Different Types of Pedestrian-Vehicle
Separations,” Transportation Research Record, vol. 1502 (1995), pp. 83-95.
6 DOT, FHWA, Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model: A Report to Congress on Opportunities and Challenges,
March 2022, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022-03/
Complete%20Streets%20Report%20to%20Congress.pdf (hereinafter cited as DOT, FHWA, Moving to a Complete
Streets Design Model).
7 Nancy Hui et al., “Measuring the Completeness of Complete Streets,” Transport Reviews, vol. 38, no. 1 (March
2017), pp. 73-95; Samuel W. Jordan and Stephanie Ivey, “Complete Streets: Promises and Proof,” American Society of
Civil Engineers, vol. 147, no. 2 (2021).
8 DOT, FHWA, Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study: Resurfacing and Reconstruction of MN 28, MN 29,
and MN 104 in Glenwood, MN, FHWA-HRT-23-056, HRDI-20/05-23(WEB)E, 2023, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/
fhwa.dot.gov/files/FHWA-HRT-23-056.pdf; DOT, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Literature Review
on Vehicle Travel Speeds and Pedestrian Injuries, DOT HS 809 021, October 1999, https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/
injury/research/pub/hs809012.html.
9 DOT, FHWA, Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study: 300 West Street Reconstruction Project, Salt Lake
City, UT, FHWA-HRT-23-060, HRDI-20/05-23(WEB)E, 2023, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/
FHWA-HRT-23-060.pdf.
10 Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal
Government,” 86 Federal Register 7009, January 25, 2021.
11 DOT, FHWA, FHWA Guidebook for Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity, FHWA-HEP-18-032,
Washington, DC, February 2018, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/
multimodal_connectivity/fhwahep18032.pdf.
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• for pedestrians to travel to multiple local businesses.¹⁵ Mobility: Ensure users of all modes are able to move around easily. For example, : Ensure users of all modes are able to move around easily. For example,
installing traffic signals can create safer opportunities for pedestrians to cross installing traffic signals can create safer opportunities for pedestrians to cross
vehicular traffic.vehicular traffic.12
• 16 Environment: Incorporate environmentally conscious elements in roadway : Incorporate environmentally conscious elements in roadway
designs. For example, installing street trees along a road can absorb rainfall.designs. For example, installing street trees along a road can absorb rainfall.13
17There are opportunities and challenges associated with each of these There are opportunities and challenges associated with each of these goalsgoals. Table 1 identifies identifies
examples of these opportunities and challenges.examples of these opportunities and challenges.
Table 1. Selected Opportunities and Challenges of the Complete Streets Approach
Goal
Opportunity
Challenge
Safety
Decrease the number of traffic-related serious Reducing the number of on-street parking

Goal

Opportunity

Challenge

Safety

Decrease the number of traffic-related serious injuries and deaths by installing traffic calming injuries and deaths by installing traffic calming
spaces available or reducing motorists’ speeds
treatments to support decreasing motorists’
via traffic calming interventions may be
speeds
disliked by communities

Deter crime by increasing lighting and
treatments to support decreasing motorists' speeds

Reducing the number of on-street parking spaces available or reducing motorists' speeds via traffic calming interventions may be disliked by communities

Deter crime by increasing lighting and surveillance for pedestrians, bicyclists, and parked cars

Installing lighting and surveillance may add to Installing lighting and surveillance may add to
surveillance for pedestrians, bicyclists, and
construction and maintenance costsconstruction and maintenance costs
parked cars
Accessibility
Create infrastructure that can be used by
Establishing limited right-of-way can lead to
people using all modes and any mobility or
reducing space for some users to
assistive device
accommodate othersa
Equity

Accessibility

Create infrastructure that can be used by people using all modes and any mobility or assistive device

Establishing limited right-of-way can lead to reducing space for some users to accommodate others^a

Equity

Improve access to schools, jobs, and services by creating more safe transportation options Improve access to schools, jobs, and services
Accommodating multiple modes can increase
by creating more safe transportation options
construction and maintenance costs
for users of all modes and abilitiesfor users of all modes and abilities
Connectivity
Remove physical barriers for pedestrians such
Completing networks for pedestrians can

Accommodating multiple modes can increase construction and maintenance costs

Connectivity

Remove physical barriers for pedestrians such as high-speed roadways without crossing opportunities

Completing networks for pedestrians can increase vehicle delay time to allow for safe crossing

Mobility

as high-speed roadways without crossing
increase vehicle delay time to allow for safe
opportunities
crossing
Mobility
Decrease travel time for people traveling by Decrease travel time for people traveling by
Accommodating additional modes could
transit, bicycle, or foot with dedicated right-transit, bicycle, or foot with dedicated right-
increase personal vehicle travel time along the
of-way and adjusted signal timing
corridor
Environment
of-way and adjusted signal timing

Accommodating additional modes could increase personal vehicle travel time along the corridor

Environment

Decrease stormwater runoff by increasing Decrease stormwater runoff by increasing
vegetation along streets Adding vegetation could create more street Adding vegetation could create more street
vegetation along streets
maintenance responsibility and costs
Sources:maintenance responsibility and costs Sources: CRS based on U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, CRS based on U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Traffic Calming
ePrimer, 2018, https://highways.dot.gov/safety/speed-management/traffic-calming-eprimer; Nancy Hui et al., , 2018, https://highways.dot.gov/safety/speed-management/traffic-calming-eprimer; Nancy Hui et al.,
“"Measuring the Completeness of Complete Streets,Measuring the Completeness of Complete Streets,”" Transport Reviews, vol. 38, no. 1 (March 2017), pp. 73-95; , vol. 38, no. 1 (March 2017), pp. 73-95;
and Samuel W. Jordan and Stephanie Ivey, and Samuel W. Jordan and Stephanie Ivey, “"Complete Streets: Promises and Proof,Complete Streets: Promises and Proof,”" American Society of Civil
Engineers, vol. 147, no. 2 (2021)., vol. 147, no. 2 (2021).
Note:
a. a. As used here, the term As used here, the term right-of-way refers to the public space located between private property boundaries. refers to the public space located between private property boundaries.
The ability for governments to widen streets or add sidewalks is dependent on the quantity of rights-of-way The ability for governments to widen streets or add sidewalks is dependent on the quantity of rights-of-way
owned or able to be acquired.

12 DOT, FHWA, Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study: Resurfacing of South Lawrence Boulevard (State
Road 21), Keystone Heights, FL, FHWA-HRT-23-057 / HRDI-20/05-23(WEB)E, Washington, DC, 2023,
https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/FHWA-HRT-23-057.pdf.
13 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Streets Handbook, EPA 841-B-18-001, Washington, DC, March
2021, pp. 1-6, https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/documents/
green_streets_design_manual_feb_2021_web_res_small_508.pdf.
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owned or able to be acquired. Current Complete Streets Law and Funding
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Section 11206 of the IIJA required states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to Section 11206 of the IIJA required states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to
adopt complete streets policies and develop complete streets prioritization plans. The IIJA set adopt complete streets policies and develop complete streets prioritization plans. The IIJA set
aside an estimated $93 million from the highway formula grant programs for these purposes.aside an estimated $93 million from the highway formula grant programs for these purposes.14
18 Section 11206 of the IIJA addressed Section 11206 of the IIJA addressed complete streets in five subsections: in five subsections:
• (a) Definition of Complete Streets Standards or Policies(a) Definition of Complete Streets Standards or Policies
• (b) Funding Requirement(b) Funding Requirement
• (c) Activities Described (This section describes planning activities eligible for (c) Activities Described (This section describes planning activities eligible for
funds in subsection (b).)funds in subsection (b).)
• (d) Federal Share(d) Federal Share
• (e) State Flexibility (This section provides states with flexibility to opt out of (e) State Flexibility (This section provides states with flexibility to opt out of
subsection (b).)subsection (b).)
Section 11206(b) Section 11206(b) containscontained a complete streets funding set-aside. It a complete streets funding set-aside. It requiresrequired both states and MPOs both states and MPOs
to spend no less than the 2.5% of funding to spend no less than the 2.5% of funding apportioned to states through 23 U.S.C. §505, State
Planning and Research, and no less than the 2.5% of funding granted to MPOs under 23 U.S.C.
§104(d), Metropolitan Planning,for State Planning and Research (Title 23, §505, of the U.S. Code) and no less than the 2.5% of funding for Metropolitan Planning (Title 23, §104(d), of the U.S. Code) to carry out activities as described in Section 11206(c) until the to carry out activities as described in Section 11206(c) until the
Department of Transportation (DOT) Department of Transportation (DOT) has certified that the requirements certified that the requirements have beenunder both provisions were met. When the met. When the
policy requirements requirements arewere met, states and MPOs met, states and MPOs arewere no longer required to spend funds on complete no longer required to spend funds on complete
streets. In the IIJA, funding for complete streets streets. In the IIJA, funding for complete streets derivesderived from federal funds directed toward both from federal funds directed toward both
states and MPOs.states and MPOs.15
Funds granted to MPOs under 23 U.S.C. §104(d) are administered by states on behalf of DOT
through contract authority.16 Under 23 U.S.C. §104(d)(2), states create a formula for distributing
the funds; the formula requires approval by DOT. States may need to change their formulas in
accordance with the set-aside requirement of IIJA Section 11206.

14 DOT, FHWA, “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Fact Sheets: Metropolitan Planning Program,” February 8, 2022,
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/metro_planning.cfm; DOT, FHWA, “Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law Fact Sheets: Surface Transportation Block Program,” October 26, 2022, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-
infrastructure-law/stbg.cfm. Not less than 2.5% of the funding allocated to states according to 23 U.S.C. §505 and to
metropolitan planning organizations under 23 U.S.C. §104(d) is to be used to carry out activities as described in
subsection (c), Section 11206 of P.L. 117-58. The complete streets funding set aside from the Metropolitan Planning
Program (23 U.S.C. §104(d)) is approximately $57 million of the $2.28 billion that will be made available between
FY2022 and FY2026. The State Planning and Research Program (23 U.S.C. §104(d)) is 2% of funding of the Surface
Transportation Block Grant Program, and approximately $72 billion will be made available through the Surface
Transportation Block Grant Program between FY2022 and FY2026. Of the $72 billion, approximately $1.44 billion
will be made available for states through the State Planning and Research Program. Of the $1.44 billion, the funding set
aside for complete streets planning activities is $36 million. The total available through Section 11206(b) of P.L. 117-
58 is approximately $93 million, which includes $57 million for metropolitan planning organizations and $36 million
for states.
15 Under the Complete Streets Acts of 2019 and 2021 (H.R. 3663/S. 2077 and H.R. 1289/S. 425, respectively), which
were not enacted, the proposed complete streets program would have been completely funded and managed by states.
16 Contract authority allows states to obligate funding when the surface transportation reauthorization act is enacted.
Contract authority differs from the appropriated budget authority process in surface transportation funding, which
requires two legislative actions to begin implementation—an authorization and an appropriation. For more information
on contract authority, see DOT, FHWA, Funding Federal-Aid Highways, FHWA-PL-17-011, March 2017,
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/olsp/fundingfederalaid/FFAH_2017.pdf.
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19

Funds for MPOs under Title 23, Section 104(d), of the U.S. Code were provided as contract authority and distributed to the states.²⁰ Under Title 23, Section 104(d)(2), of the U.S. Code, each state was required to create a formula for distributing the funds to its MPOs; the formula required approval by DOT. States may have had to change their formulas in accordance with the set-aside requirement of IIJA Section 11206.

Among other options, Congress may consider seeking analysis of the benefits and challenges for Among other options, Congress may consider seeking analysis of the benefits and challenges for
states states of changingto change their formulas and the impact, if any, on achievement of the complete streets their formulas and the impact, if any, on achievement of the complete streets
requirement. For instance, Congress could direct DOT, the Government Accountability Office, or requirement. For instance, Congress could direct DOT, the Government Accountability Office, or
another entity to study the impact of IIJA Section 11206 on state formula structures and another entity to study the impact of IIJA Section 11206 on state formula structures and
administration processes for administration processes for funding distributed under 23 U.S.C. §104(d)Metropolitan Planning funding. More generally, the . More generally, the
implementation of requirements in the IIJA might help inform congressional deliberations on the implementation of requirements in the IIJA might help inform congressional deliberations on the
type and extent of additional actions and programs, if any, that might be beneficial and the type and extent of additional actions and programs, if any, that might be beneficial and the
advisability of amendment or repeal of current programs or requirements. To that end, Congress advisability of amendment or repeal of current programs or requirements. To that end, Congress
may request updates from DOT on the progress of complete streets adoption nationwide.may request updates from DOT on the progress of complete streets adoption nationwide.
Other Funding Sources
In addition to IIJA Section 11206, which In addition to IIJA Section 11206, which designatesdesignated funding specifically for complete streets funding specifically for complete streets
policies and planning, other policies and planning, other new programs in the IIJA programs in the IIJA may supporthave supported complete streets goals. Such complete streets goals. Such
programs programs includeincluded two discretionary grant programs: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) and two discretionary grant programs: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) and
Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.1721 From FY2022 through FY2026, SS4A From FY2022 through FY2026, SS4A is to make
availablemade available a total of $5 billion, and the Reconnecting Communities program $5 billion, and the Reconnecting Communities program is to make availablemade available a total of $1 billion. $1 billion.
22 Complete streets projects and activities also Complete streets projects and activities also arewere eligible under many of the eight Federal-Aid eligible under many of the eight Federal-Aid
Highway Programs, including the Surface Transportation Block Program; Highway Safety Highway Programs, including the Surface Transportation Block Program; Highway Safety
Improvement Program; Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program; Carbon Improvement Program; Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program; Carbon
Reduction Program; and Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Reduction Program; and Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-
Saving Transportation Formula Program. Funds under these programs have some transferability Saving Transportation Formula Program. Funds under these programs have some transferability
between programs, which allows for the customization of funding to accomplish safety goals between programs, which allows for the customization of funding to accomplish safety goals
associated with complete streets. FHWA has prepared guidance on the formula and discretionary associated with complete streets. FHWA has prepared guidance on the formula and discretionary
federal funding sources that can be used to support complete streets projects.18
Selected Recent Executive Actions
Since 2017, several actions by DOT have supported state and local agencies’ development of
complete streets policies and plans.
Safety for All Users Report
In December 2017, DOT published the Safety for All Users Report, pursuant to requirements of
Section 1442 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act; P.L. 114-94) and
based on Senate committee guidance in S.Rept. 114-243.19 In the Safety for All Users Report,
DOT described policies and programs that promote safety for all users, including complete streets

17 The Safe Streets and Roads for All program is at P.L. 117-58, Division A, §24112. The Reconnecting Communities
Pilot Program is at P.L. 117-58, Division A, §11509.
18 DOT, FHWA, “Funding Safety for All,” FHWA-SA-23-011, September 2023, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/
fhwa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/complete_streets_poster_funding_safety_for_all_09132023.pdf.
19 DOT, Safety for All Users Report: A Report Developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation Under Section
1442 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, December 2017, p. 2,
https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/mission/safety/303201/safety-all-users-report.pdf. Section
1442(b) states that “[n]ot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make available to
the public a report cataloging examples of State law or State transportation policy that provide for the safe and adequate
accommodation of all users of the surface transportation network, in all phases of project planning, development, and
operation.” (FAST; P.L. 114-94); S.Rept. 114-243 pertained to S. 2844, the Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017.
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Complete Streets: A Primer

federal funding sources that can be used to support complete streets projects.²³ SS4A and the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program are addressed by provisions of H.R. 8870, a surface transportation reauthorization bill, as ordered to be reported on May 22, 2026. Funding for SS4A is addressed in Section 1119, and the use of STBG funding as the nonfederal share for complete streets prioritization plans is addressed in Section 1112. Other related issues and programs might be addressed during consideration of H.R. 8870. Selected Recent Executive Actions Since 2017, several actions by DOT have supported state and local agencies' development of complete streets policies and plans, including the actions listed below. Safety for All Users Report In December 2017, DOT published the Safety for All Users Report, pursuant to requirements of Section 1442 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act; P.L. 114-94) and based on Senate committee guidance in S.Rept. 114-243.²⁴ In the Safety for All Users Report, DOT described policies and programs that promote safety for all users, including complete streets policies as a recommended tool. DOT declared in the report that complete streets would become policies as a recommended tool. DOT declared in the report that complete streets would become
part of subsequent policy initiatives.part of subsequent policy initiatives.
Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model Report
In March 2022, FHWA issued a report to Congress entitled In March 2022, FHWA issued a report to Congress entitled Moving toto a Complete Streets Design
Model. The agency cited this report as a response to House committee guidance in H.Rept. 116-The agency cited this report as a response to House committee guidance in H.Rept. 116-
452152, for DOT to adopt a complete streets design model for non-access-controlled roadways., for DOT to adopt a complete streets design model for non-access-controlled roadways.20
25 Such roadways comprise nearly Such roadways comprise nearly 8094% of the % of the National Highway System’s mileage.21Federal-Aid Highways System's mileage.²⁶ The FHWA The FHWA
report indicated that DOT could provide guidance on the statutory requirement to consider all report indicated that DOT could provide guidance on the statutory requirement to consider all
modes of transportation found throughout federal standards for infrastructure planning and modes of transportation found throughout federal standards for infrastructure planning and
design. The FHWA report suggested that proactive guidance and technical support from DOT design. The FHWA report suggested that proactive guidance and technical support from DOT
could help state leadership and practitioners, MPOs, and local agencies adopt complete streets could help state leadership and practitioners, MPOs, and local agencies adopt complete streets
principles.principles.
National Roadway Safety Strategy
In January 2022, DOT released a National Roadway Safety Strategy outlining its approach to In January 2022, DOT released a National Roadway Safety Strategy outlining its approach to
eliminating roadway deaths.eliminating roadway deaths.2227 As part of the strategy, DOT adopted the Safe Systems Approach to As part of the strategy, DOT adopted the Safe Systems Approach to
roadway design. The approach has five objectives: safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer roadway design. The approach has five objectives: safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer
speeds, and post-crash care. A comprehensive Complete Streets Initiative is described as one of speeds, and post-crash care. A comprehensive Complete Streets Initiative is described as one of
six key actions to achieve the safer roads objective. For the Complete Streets Initiative, DOT six key actions to achieve the safer roads objective. For the Complete Streets Initiative, DOT
committed to providing technical assistance to communities, incorporating complete streets committed to providing technical assistance to communities, incorporating complete streets
criteria in federal grant opportunities, incorporating lighting in roadway upgrades, and involving criteria in federal grant opportunities, incorporating lighting in roadway upgrades, and involving
transit providers in complete streets implementation.transit providers in complete streets implementation.
Complete Streets Formula Grant Match Waivers
On January 5, 2023, FHWA published a memorandum approving a waiver of the nonfederal On January 5, 2023, FHWA published a memorandum approving a waiver of the nonfederal
match requirement of the funding described in Section 11206(d) of P.L. 117-58match requirement of the funding described in Section 11206(d) of P.L. 117-58.23.²⁸ Thus, states and Thus, states and
MPOs would not have to contribute local dollars to meet the complete streets funding MPOs would not have to contribute local dollars to meet the complete streets funding
requirement described in Section 11206(d) of P.L. 117-58requirement described in Section 11206(d) of P.L. 117-58. On March 10, 2023, the Federal Transit Administration approved. The Federal Transit Administration
took action on March 10, 2023, to approve a waiver of the nonfederal match for the Metropolitan a waiver of the nonfederal match for the Metropolitan
Planning Program Planning Program (PL) and State Planning and Research and State Planning and Research Program funding authorized at 49 U.S.C.
§5305(SPR) Program funding (Title 49, §5305, of the U.S. Code) for complete streets planning activities for each fiscal year under Section 11206(d) of P.L. for complete streets planning activities for each fiscal year under Section 11206(d) of P.L.
117-58.24 The nonfederal match waiver is available until the state or MPO meets requirements of
Section 11206(d) of P.L. 117-58.

20 The agency’s report is DOT, FHWA, Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model. The House committee report is
H.Rept. 116-152, pertaining to H.R. 7616, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2021.
21 DOT, FHWA, “Highway Statistics 2022 Table HM-18,” accessed February 2024, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
policyinformation/statistics/2022/hm18.cfm.
22 DOT, National Roadway Safety Strategy, version 1.1, January 2022, https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/
files/2022-02/USDOT-National-Roadway-Safety-Strategy.pdf.
23 DOT, FHWA, “Waiver of Non-Federal Match for State Planning and Research (SPR) and Metropolitan Planning
(PL) Funds in Support of Complete Streets Planning Activities (BIL § 11206),” memorandum, January 5, 2023,
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/spr-pl_match_waiver_memo.pdf.
24 Letter from Nuria Fernandez, Director of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Office of Planning, to FTA
Colleagues, March 10, 2023.
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Appendix. A
Table A-1. Complete Streets-Related Bills, 109th-118th Congresses
House Bill
Senate Bill
Congressa
Short Titleb
—
S. 794
109
Safe and Complete Streets Act
of 2005c
H.R. 5951
S. 2686
110
117-58.²⁹ On August 13, 2024, FHWA published a memorandum approving a waiver of the nonfederal match requirement to all Complete Streets planning activities funded with SPR and PL funds made available by P.L. 117-58 that are obligated and expended after January 5, 2023.³⁰ Appendix A. Complete Streets-Related Bills Table A-1. Complete Streets-Related Bills 109^th-119^th Congresses

House Bill

Senate Bill

Congress^a Short Title^b

—

S. 794

109

Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2005^c

H.R. 5951

S. 2686

110

Safe and Complete Streets Act Safe and Complete Streets Act
of 2008of 2008 / /Complete Streets Act Complete Streets Act
of 2008
H.R. 1443
S. 584
111
of 2008

H.R. 1443

S. 584

111

Complete Streets Act of 2009Complete Streets Act of 2009
H.R. 1780H.R. 1780
S. 1056S. 1056
112

112

Safe and Complete Streets Act Safe and Complete Streets Act
of 2011of 2011
H.R. 2468H.R. 2468

S. 2004

113

S. 2004
113
Safe Streets Act of 2013Safe Streets Act of 2013 / /Safe Safe
Streets Act of 2014Streets Act of 2014
H.R. 2071H.R. 2071
—
114

—

114

Safe Streets Act of 2015Safe Streets Act of 2015
H.R. 3663H.R. 3663
S. 2077S. 2077
116

116

Complete Streets Act of 2019Complete Streets Act of 2019
H.R. 1289H.R. 1289
S. 425
117

S. 425

117

Complete Streets Act of 2021Complete Streets Act of 2021

H.R. 3562

—

117

Vision Zero Act of 2021^d

H.R. 7082

S. 3670

118

Complete Streets Act of 2024

H.R. 3712

S. 1953

119

Complete Streets Act of 2025

H.R. 3562
—
117
Vision Zero Act of 2021d
H.R. 7082
S. 3670
118
Complete Streets Act of 2024
Source: CRS based on Congress.gov, CRS based on Congress.gov, February 21, 2024.
August 5, 2026. Notes: CRS accessed Congress.gov to identify bills as of CRS accessed Congress.gov to identify bills as of February 21, 2024August 5, 2026. The phrase . The phrase “"complete streetscomplete streets”" was was
searched across the years 1973-searched across the years 1973-20242026 to identify bills. None were identified prior to the to identify bills. None were identified prior to the 109th109^th Congress. From Congress. From
the 109th to 118ththe 109^th to 119^th Congresses, Congresses, 1719 bills were identified through a search for bills were identified through a search for “"complete streetscomplete streets”" in the title or in the title or
summary of a bill. Legislation that is not freestanding, such as amendments, would not be captured by this search. summary of a bill. Legislation that is not freestanding, such as amendments, would not be captured by this search.
House and Senate companion bills identified as related in Congress.gov are listed together.House and Senate companion bills identified as related in Congress.gov are listed together.
The table does not reflect the provisions that established the complete streets program as contained in Section The table does not reflect the provisions that established the complete streets program as contained in Section
11206 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-5811206 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58). a. ).
a. There were no bills identified for the There were no bills identified for the 115th115^th Congress. Congress.
b. The “ b. The "Short TitleShort Title”" column reflects the short title of the bill as introduced. column reflects the short title of the bill as introduced.
c. c. Provisions from S. 794 were included in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act Provisions from S. 794 were included in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act
of 2005 (SAFETEA; P.L. 109-59). of 2005 (SAFETEA; P.L. 109-59).
d. d. Provisions of this bill were included in a related bill, H.R. 3684, enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Provisions of this bill were included in a related bill, H.R. 3684, enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58).

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Complete Streets: A Primer


Author Information

Jennifer J. Marshall

Analyst in Transportation Policy



Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to
copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.

Congressional Research Service
R47947 · VERSION 1 · NEW
9
Jobs Act.

Footnotes

1. "Complete Streets" was capitalized in P.L. 117-58 in reference to "Complete Streets standards and policies," "Complete Streets prioritization plans," and "Complete Streets projects." CRS has determined that "complete streets" will be uncapitalized throughout this report due to the broad use of the phrase "complete streets" within transportation policy. For an overview of the complete streets approach, see Barbara McCann, Completing Our Streets: The Transition to Safe and Inclusive Transportation Networks (Island Press, 2013). 2.

P.L. 117-58, Division A, Subtitle B, §11206.

3.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers, to increase the safety of roadways through traffic calming, vehicle speeds and vehicle volumes on a single street or within a street network are reduced. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), FHWA, Traffic Calming ePrimer, 2018, https://highways.dot.gov/safety/speed-management/traffic-calming-eprimer.

4.

National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), "Streets," in Urban Street Design Guide (Island Press, 2013); DOT, FHWA, Complete Streets Transformations: Six Scenarios to Transform Arterials Using a Complete Streets Implementation Strategy, February 25, 2022.

5.

NACTO, "Streets: Streets Design Principles," in Urban Street Design Guide (Island Press, 2013), p. 6.

6. NACTO, "Lane Width," in Urban Street Design Guide, 2026, https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/street-design-elements/lane-width/. 7.

DOT, FHWA, Complete Streets Transformations: Six Scenarios to Transform Arterials Using a Complete Streets Implementation Strategy, February 25, 2022, p. 15, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022-02/2022_CS_Transformations_Doc_508.pdf.

8.

Separating motorists from non-motorists decreases the number of points of conflict, which decreases the probability of crash-related injuries and fatalities. Sheila Sarkar, "Evaluation of Different Types of Pedestrian-Vehicle Separations," Transportation Research Record, vol. 1502 (1995), pp. 83-95.

9.

DOT, FHWA, Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model: A Report to Congress on Opportunities and Challenges, March 2022, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022-03/Complete%20Streets%20Report%20to%20Congress.pdf (hereinafter cited as DOT, FHWA, Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model).

10.

DOT, FHWA, Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model, p. 11. FHWA maintains a web page of complete streets resources regarding funding, planning activities, safety activities, available trainings, publications, and tools. To access these resources, see DOT, FHWA, "Complete Streets Resources," May 9, 2025, https://highways.dot.gov/complete-streets/complete-streets-resources.

11.

Nancy Hui et al., "Measuring the Completeness of Complete Streets," Transport Reviews, vol. 38, no. 1 (March 2017), pp. 73-95; Samuel W. Jordan and Stephanie Ivey, "Complete Streets: Promises and Proof," American Society of Civil Engineers, vol. 147, no. 2 (2021).

12.

DOT, FHWA, Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study: Resurfacing and Reconstruction of MN 28, MN 29, and MN 104 in Glenwood, MN, FHWA-HRT-23-056, HRDI-20/05-23(WEB)E, 2023, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/FHWA-HRT-23-056.pdf; DOT, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Literature Review on Vehicle Travel Speeds and Pedestrian Injuries, DOT HS 809 021, October 1999, https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/1669.

13.

DOT, FHWA, Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study: 300 West Street Reconstruction Project, Salt Lake City, UT, FHWA-HRT-23-060, HRDI-20/05-23(WEB)E, 2023, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/FHWA-HRT-23-060.pdf.

14.

Executive Order 13985, "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government," 86 Federal Register 7009, January 25, 2021.

15.

DOT, FHWA, FHWA Guidebook for Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity, FHWA-HEP-18-032, Washington, DC, February 2018, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/multimodal_connectivity/fhwahep18032.pdf.

16.

DOT, FHWA, Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study: Resurfacing of South Lawrence Boulevard (State Road 21), Keystone Heights, FL, FHWA-HRT-23-057 / HRDI-20/05-23(WEB)E, Washington, DC, 2023, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/FHWA-HRT-23-057.pdf.

17.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Streets Handbook, EPA 841-B-18-001, Washington, DC, March 2021, pp. 1-6, https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/documents/green_streets_design_manual_feb_2021_web_res_small_508.pdf.

18. DOT, FHWA, "Metropolitan Planning Program (MPP)," September 10, 2025, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/metro_planning.cfm; DOT, FHWA, "Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG)," September 22, 2025, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/stbg.cfm. Not less than 2.5% of the funding allocated to states according to 23 U.S.C. §505 and to metropolitan planning organizations under 23 U.S.C. §104(d) was to be used to carry out activities as described in subsection (c), Section 11206 of P.L. 117-58. The complete streets funding set aside from the Metropolitan Planning Program (23 U.S.C. §104(d)) was approximately $57 million of the $2.28 billion that was made available between FY2022 and FY2026. The State Planning and Research Program (23 U.S.C. §104(d)) is 2% of funding of the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and approximately $72 billion was made available through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program between FY2022 and FY2026. Of the $72 billion, approximately $1.44 billion was made available for states through the State Planning and Research Program. Of the $1.44 billion, the funding set aside for complete streets planning activities was $36 million. The total available through Section 11206(b) of P.L. 117-58 was approximately $93 million, which included $57 million for metropolitan planning organizations and $36 million for states. 19.

Under the Complete Streets Acts of 2019 and 2021 (H.R. 3663/S. 2077 and H.R. 1289/S. 425, respectively), which were not enacted, the proposed complete streets program would have been completely funded and managed by states.

20.

Contract authority provided in surface transportation acts allows states to obligate federal funding prior to an appropriation. Contract authority differs from the appropriated budget authority process in surface transportation funding, which requires two legislative actions to begin implementation—an authorization and an appropriation. For more information on contract authority, see DOT, FHWA, Funding Federal-Aid Highways, FHWA-PL-17-011, March 2017, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/olsp/fundingfederalaid/FFAH_2017.pdf.

21.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program is at P.L. 117-58, Division A, §24112. The Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program is at P.L. 117-58, Division A, §11509.

22.

As of August 5, 2026, DOT solicited SS4A grant applications for FY2022-FY2026. DOT awarded $3.9 billion in grants across FY2022-FY2025. For more information, see DOT, Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A#:~:text=The%20FY22%20Notice%20of%20Funding,Review%20the%20NOFO. On March 27, 2026, DOT began soliciting applications for FY2026 for $993.5 million in grants. According to DOT, the agency will announce FY2026 awards no later than December 22, 2026. For more information, see DOT, DOT FY 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All Funding, DOT-OST-2026-0050, March 27, 2026, https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2026-03/SS4A-FY26-NOFO.pdf. In FY2023, DOT released a joint solicitation for applications for $3.4 billion in Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program grants, which combined Reconnecting Communities ($0.2 billion) with the Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) program ($3.2 billion). NAE was established in §60501 of the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169), and Congress appropriated $3.2 billion for NAE in the act. P.L. 119-21 rescinded $2.4 billion in unobligated balances of NAE in FY2026.

23.

DOT, FHWA, "Funding Safety for All," FHWA-SA-23-011, September 2023, https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/complete_streets_poster_funding_safety_for_all_09132023.pdf.

24.

DOT, Safety for All Users Report: A Report Developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation Under Section 1442 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, December 2017, p. 2, https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/mission/safety/303201/safety-all-users-report.pdf. Section 1442(b) states that "[n]ot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make available to the public a report cataloging examples of State law or State transportation policy that provide for the safe and adequate accommodation of all users of the surface transportation network, in all phases of project planning, development, and operation." (FAST; P.L. 114-94); S.Rept. 114-243 pertained to S. 2844, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017.

25.

The agency's report is DOT, FHWA, Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model. The House committee report is H.Rept. 116-452, pertaining to H.R. 7616, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021.

26.

DOT, FHWA, "Highway Statistics 2023 Table HM-18," October 22, 2025, accessed August 3, 2026, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2023/hm18.cfm.

27.

DOT, National Roadway Safety Strategy, version 1.1, January 2022, https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2022-02/USDOT-National-Roadway-Safety-Strategy.pdf.

28.

DOT, FHWA, "Waiver of Non-Federal Match for State Planning and Research (SPR) and Metropolitan Planning (PL) Funds in Support of Complete Streets Planning Activities (BIL § 11206)," memorandum, January 5, 2023, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/spr-pl_match_waiver_memo.pdf.

29.

Letter from Nuria Fernandez, Director of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) Office of Planning, to FTA Colleagues, March 10, 2023.

30.

Memorandum from Emily Biondi, associate administrator for planning, environment and realty, DOT, FHWA, to division administrators and directors of field services, "Clarified Waiver of the Non-Federal Match for State Planning and Research and Metropolitan Planning Funds in Support of Complete Streets Planning Activities (BIL § 11206)," August 13, 2024, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section11206_complete_streets_clarification_memo.pdf.

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