Indianapolis Revises Complete Streets Ordinance

An article by Kayla Dwyer in the Indianapolis Star highlights the Indianapolis City Council’s renewed efforts to implement a Complete Streets policy. Originally passed in 2012, the city’s Complete Streets ordinance “drifted to the background.” Now, with pedestrian death rates rising and the death of a prominent local cyclist, the city council has issued updates to the policy. “The revised ordinance, adopted by the council Monday night, gets far more specific, and includes an expanded emphasis on transparency and equity.”

The legislation calls for applying Complete Streets principles to all types of projects and adds new performance metrics and reporting requirements. “[City-County Councilor John Barth] said the intention behind this revised policy is to compel the department to report publicly any instances of Complete Streets elements not being implemented after the design process is complete. The revision also requires DPW to identify barriers to Complete Streets implementation and potential solutions.” The ordinance also establishes a formal process for evaluating dangerous intersections and assessing potential safety improvements.

Department of Public Works director Dan Parker says DPW supports the updates, but cautions that the department needs more sustainable funding sources to achieve its goals.