Complete Streets for the Win!

During yesterday's California Transportation Committee (CTC) meeting, the 2020 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) was adopted, which included a proposed reserve of $100 million for complete streets elements to SHOPP projects. While the CTC ultimately approved only $42 million of the $100 million requested by Caltrans, Commissioners were adamantly and almost unanimously in support of working to find the remaining $58 million to approve at the June meeting. 

State Transportation decision makers are finally supporting complete streets efforts like never before! Our team, along with local and state partners have been pressuring transportation decision makers to advance and financially support complete streets policies that have been in place for over a decade. We have worked tirelessly to engage local and state partners in the discussion, and our partners did not disappoint! There were a number of advocates who attended the meeting and provided written and verbal comments in support of the plan. We’re seeing more and more partners are interested in working with their Caltrans Districts to inform projects that would create the most impact for walking and biking in communities. 

We are also finally seeing progress not only in the shifting of funds, but in the vocal support of complete streets by state transportation leaders. Caltrans’ presentation on the SHOPP was preceded by passionate support from Director Omishakin and Undersecretary Konove in their opening reports to the Commission. Director Omishakin implored the Commission to “show leadership on this issue now!” Commissioner Lyou and Commissioner Norton also provided key comments and support with finding a path forward and we appreciate their leadership.

Our Cal Walks team is excited about this shift in not only the way Caltrans plans to fund projects, but in what this shift means for the communities we work with. We will keep working to ensure that planning, designing, and operating complete streets will make our community’s transportation network safer and more efficient, particularly for communities that have seen historical disinvestments. We look forward to the June meeting and supporting our local partners in engaging in this process.  

To watch the CTC meeting from May 13th, CLICK HERE.

For more information on this and other State Policy efforts, contact Esther at Esther@calwalks.org