Summary

Creates a federal "Complete Streets" program that requires States and metropolitan planning organizations to adopt and apply multimodal street design standards so streets safely serve people walking, biking, using transit or mobility devices, driving, and moving freight. It establishes competitive grants, minimum funding and grant-size limits, prioritization for vulnerable nonmotorized users, benchmarks and certification steps, and directs the Department of Transportation to issue formal complete-streets design standards within 180 days and phase project compliance for major federally funded construction. Requires States and MPOs to adopt and implement inclusive design standards during planning, development, and operation of transportation projects; provides processes for exemptions, appeals, and reporting; and tasks the Secretary and Attorney General with updating accessibility rules to align with the new standards.

Key Points

• Creates a federal Complete Streets program to promote safe, accessible streets for all users.
• Requires States and metropolitan planning organizations to adopt multimodal design standards for planning, development, and operation.
• Directs the Secretary to issue national complete-streets design standards within 180 days covering protected bike lanes, sidewalks/crosswalks, and lighting/signals.
• Phases in compliance for federally funded and large new-construction projects in metropolitan areas, with exemptions and appeals allowed.
• Establishes competitive grants, minimum funding requirements, and limits on individual grant sizes to support state and local implementation.
• Prioritizes vulnerable nonmotorized users (pedestrians, people with disabilities, cyclists) in project prioritization and funding.
• Requires updated federal accessibility rules to align with new design standards and creates reporting/certification requirements for States and MPOs.

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