Complete Streets Policy Update

UPDATE: Dates for two open houses have been selected by CMT for June. Check the Key Dates section for more information.

The City of Columbia Public Works Department, in partnership with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT), is updating Columbia’s Complete Streets policy to improve accessibility, safety and multimodal connectivity. Originally adopted in 2004, the policy is being modernized to align with modern best practices and address current mobility challenges. A revised policy is expected to be finalized in summer 2026.

What Are Complete Streets?

Complete Streets are designed and operated to provide safe, accessible and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities, regardless of their mode of transportation. Key features include:

• Multimodal: Supports walking, cycling, driving and public transit.
• Safe & Accessible: Prioritizes safety for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities.
• Integrated Design: Considers the needs of the community, connecting key destinations such as schools, parks and commercial areas while supporting surrounding land use.

What’s Changing?

The policy review will focus on:

• Addressing infrastructure gaps to improve safe access for all residents, including underserved communities.

• Incorporating new design standards to enhance safety and efficiency.

• Supporting active transportation to reduce congestion and environmental impact.

• Conducting a comprehensive review that includes community outreach, existing policy evaluation and scoring, national best practice research, policy updates and City ordinance revisions.

Streets designed for all modes of transport lead to safer conditions, better health outcomes and efficient use of city resources.

How can you get involved?

Public engagement is an important part of this process. Community outreach will include:

• Online and in-person surveys

• Open house and pop-up events

• Walk and bike audits

• Community meetings and field demonstrations

Take the survey!

Please take this short survey to help our team understand your needs and concerns. It should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

Residents can learn more about Complete Streets, ask questions and provide feedback throughout the process. Event details will be posted here as they are scheduled. Thank you for helping shape a safer, more connected Columbia!