A poster describing the Complete Streets Handbook that was developed for the Mid-America Regional Council in Kansas City, MO. This document is a resource for local communities in the Kansas City region to help implement and design Complete Streets.

1. COMPLETE STREETS: Moving from Policy to Implementation
project overview challenges and highlights developing a policy process results and next steps
Throughout the country, cities and towns are increasingly interested • Diverse audience with diverse challenges: Given MARC’s Providing tools and local examples of how and why Defining five key steps for complete streets With a newly passed regional complete streets
in implementing complete streets, or streets that are safe and regional focus, a goal for the document was to create a resouce a complete streets policy matters. implementation. These are expanded upon within policy, the Kansas City region hopes use the
attractive for all types of users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, that could be applicable from an urban setting to more surburban/
motorists, and transit riders. To assist communities in the Kansas rural settings in the region. Our project team worked with local the document with key steps and case studies. handbook to build off its past successes and
This section of the handbook outlines the steps of creating a
City region with complete streets implementation, the Mid-America stakeholders from various jurisdictions to try to strike the right complete streets policy in the local community which formalizes a accelerate the implementation of complete streets.
Regional Council (MARC) worked with NelsonNygaard to create a balance and tone within the document to ensure a wide audience community’s intent to plan, design and maintain streets so they are
Five Steps for
Complete Streets Handbook. The handbook was intended for a wide (city staff, policymakers, and the general public) could find applicable safe for users of all ages and abilities. Complete Street Implementation Following the release of the handbook, project
audience including city staff, policy makers and members of the public. resources and information within the handbook.
The handbook provides several FAQs for readers to help staff led an implementation workshop where
The handbook provides policy and technical assistance to a range • Design Standards: An initial request was the inclusion of design additional implementation challenges and hurdles
of communities interested in implementing complete streets in guidelines and standards. However, based on other available design
explain the purpose of a complete streets policy and then goes
on to provide numerous resources, including case studies from
 were discussed in greater detail. However, locally-
the region. manuals (including many “new” manuals geared towards complete
other local jurisdictions who have recently passed policies
Create The Foundation
streets), it was decided that the focus of the handbook should (Initial steps) driven initative from local jurisdictions will be critical
The handbook provides a practical and comprehensive framework for themselves.
for the region. Its chapters concisely cover policy development, be on process and other non-design related elements such as in taking complete streets to the next level in their
design guidance and tools, and implementation costs and maintenence, operations, and costs. Frequently Asked Questions included communities. for more information please see:
maintenance. The content is balanced between overviews of the • Handbook Launch and Training: After the initial release of the following: http://www.marc.org/transportation/
definition and importance of complete streets, and step-by-step the handbook, project staff worked conducted a training with over  completestreets.htm
implementation guidance. 70 particiants from nearby jurisdictions highlighting and answering What will a complete streets policy provide if Benchmark Existing Conditions
questions from various sections of the Complete Steets Handbook. (An internal investigation of existing plans,
adopted in our community?
policies, and processes)
• Overarching vision and an umbrella policy for how
decisions are made regarding our streets
Defining a clear road map for 
• Opportunity to open the transportation design process
complete streets implementation to better reflect community needs Re-evaluate Design Standards
(Re-evaluation of existing design standards
is a key element of the handbook. • Actionable, achievable steps for modifying the existing or referenced design standards)
process to routinely incorporate the needs of all traveler
VISION
Vision of the community (conveyed by a local champion) that We currently have processes in place that
captures the desire for streets that accommodate all users and address complete streets elements in our 
can spark action. Establish New Tools
design process. Why is it important to have a
COMPLETE STREETS HANDBOOK formal policy? (Establish new tools or performance measures)
• A complete streets policy is a clear, overarching
POLICY
statement that should refer to these other policies and In May 2012, project staff conducted a
An adopted policy, or set of policies, that captures the vision and
provides the foundation for the community to change the way streets tie together other efforts  complete streets workshop to cover key
are designed and built. Spread The Word
• A policy may open up additional funding opportunities (Educational opportunities for staff and community implementation hurdles in greater detail
which require legislation specific to complete streets members Internal training and staff education) with local jurisdictions.
PROCESS
A plan to modify existing processes to ensure that complete
streets are incorporated into the planning, design and construction Complete streets treatments featured in the handbook (typical and improved photos)
stages of streets.
Intersection Crossings Cycling Public Transportation Accessibility
RESULTS
Delivery of complete streets and policies to ensure ongoing
maintenance and evaluation of street performance as compared
In partnership with the to previous condition.
National Complete Streets Coalition APRIL 2012
Typical Improved Typical Improved Typical Improved Typical Improved
Paul Supawanich, AICP, NelsonNygaard Consulting Associates | psupawanich@nelsonnygaard.com
Heidi Schallberg, AICP, Mid-America Regional Council
with support from the National Complete Streets Coalition