Document Text Contents
Page 1
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952
213-922.2000 Tel
metro. net
AD-HOC SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 15, 2014
SUBJECT: ADOPT COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
ACTION: ADOPT STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
A. Adopt Complete Streets Policy (Policy)
ISSUE
The Complete Streets Policy (Attachment A) furthers the vision laid out in the Board-
adopted Countywide Sustainability Planning Policy and Implementation Plan, which
guides the integration of sustainability in the agency's planning functions. The Policy will
advance the Board's Active Transportation Agenda, which includes short- and long-term
strategies for leveraging urban design, partnerships and project development to create
environments that promote walking , bicycling , transit use, and public health, and promote
an integrated transportation system that serves all users.
DISCUSSION
Since September 2013, staff has conducted outreach to seek input for the development
of the Policy. Feedback was obtained from Metro Planning, Operations and Construction
Departments, as well as from agency partners, including the Metro Technical Advisory
Committee and its Subcommittees, the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans), Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), sub-regional
Councils of Governments, local governments, and other stakeholders. On February 12,
2014, we convened a stakeholder workshop to solicit input on the development of the
Policy that drew over 250 participants. The Policy was subsequently released for
stakeholder review and comments. We convened a second workshop on August 19,
2014, which over 280 participants attended to provide input to the draft Policy. An outline
of the meetings attended is provided in the Outreach Matrix (Attachment B), and a
summary of stakeholder input and staff's responses is provided in the Public Review
Comment and Response Matrix (Attachment C).
As transportation planner, coordinator, designer, funder, builder and transit operator,
Metro has the opportunity to help advance state, regional and local efforts to create a
more "complete" and integrated transportation network that serves all users and supports
environmental sustainability. The term "Complete Streets" describes a comprehensive,
integrated transportation network with infrastructure and design that allows safe and
convenient travel along and across streets for all users, including pedestrians, users and
7
Page 2
operators of public transit, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, seniors, children, motorists,
and movers of commercial goods.
The State of California has emphasized the importance of Complete Streets by enacting
the California Complete Streets Act of 2008, which requires that when cities or counties
make substantive revisions to the circulation elements of their general plans, they identify
how they will provide for the mobility needs of all users of the roadways, as well as
through Deputy Directive 64, in which the California Department of Transportation
explained that it "views all transportation improvements as opportunities to improve
safety, access, and mobility for all travelers in California and recognizes bicycle,
pedestrian , and transit modes as integral elements of the transportation system." The
California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 sets a mandate for the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions in California, and the Sustainable Communities and Climate
Protection Act of 2008 requires emissions reductions through coordinated regional
planning that integrates transportation, housing, and land-use policy. Achieving the goals
of these laws will require significant increases in travel by public transit, bicycling, and
walking . A policy that fully recognizes the need for safety and mobility for all roadway
users is crucial to meeting these goals.
The Policy builds upon projects and programs already underway at Metro to increase
mobility options, improve air quality and health , and strengthen the economy of Los
Angeles County jurisdictions. It is a tool to help guide Metro to better coordinate within
the various functions and departments of the agency and between partner organizations
that have influence or jurisdiction over the public realm . To maximize the benefits of
significant transportation investments within the county over the next decades, concerted
effort and active collaboration within the organization and among partner agencies are
necessary to create a fully integrated transportation system that serves all users.
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The Policy will not have adverse safety impacts on our employees and patrons. A key
element of the Policy will be to promote a transportation network that improves safety for
travelers.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact.
Impact to Budget
There is no impact to the budget.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board could decide to delay or forgo the adoption of the Policy. This alternative is
not recommended . There is tremendous interest in Complete Streets throughout the
Adopt Complete Streets Policy Page 2
Page 49
# Comment (Main Points) Response
21 Richard Slimbach, Resident, Move Monrovia
4. Travel Demand Reduction. Metro should obviously do Comment noted .
everything possible to complete streets, increase active mobility
options, reduce tailpipe pollution , and mitigate congestion. And
the policy draft clearly articulates Metro's commitment. But
"complete streets" is only half of the equation . Metro must also
leverage its resources to "complete policies" that dis-incentivize
driving.
Since WW2, southern California has created an urban domain
dominated by automobiles and trucks. health. Mark Fenton
highlighted the consequences in just one area: public health. Of
course, there are also dire environmental (climate) and
economic consequences (the "three-legged stool"). Besides
having the worst air quality in the nation , L.A. also has the
dubious honor of being the most traffic congested US city.
Commuters in Los Angeles and Orange counties spend , on
average, 61 hours per year in traffic congestion. The "crush"
takes its toll on mental health, air quality, driving safety,
economic competitiveness, and social equity. And long-term
trending indicates that it will continue to get worse unless
policymakers like Metro take steps to intervene. But what
steps?
11
Page 50
# Comment (Main Points) Response
22a Richard Slimbach, Resident, Move Monrovia
There appear to be only three possible solutions: (a) increase Comment noted.
the supply of road space, (b) increase the efficiency of current
road space, or (c) reduce the demand for peak-hour automotive
travel.
Increasing road capacity in the Los Angeles region runs up
against two problems: money and space. State and federal fuel
taxes have not kept pace with inflation , and as fuel economy
improves the shortfalls will on ly increase. There is also scant
space to add more capacity, especially in those areas where
congestion is greatest. Los Angeles already has-by far-the
most extensive road network in the nation. Even if there were
space for new or expanded construction , strong homeowner
associations and NIMBY sentiments effectively block it in their
neighborhoods-and for very good social , health , and
environmental reasons.
12
Page 97
# Comment (Main Points)
103 I Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
The development of the coordination design guidelines should
be expedited to ensure that local jurisdictions do not burden
transit operations with Complete Streets features that hinder
transit usage or significantly increase operations schedules.
These guidelines should include language specific to helping
multiple jurisdictions create Complete Streets that are
compatible across city boundaries as well as specific guidance
on how to support transit operations.
104 I Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
105
COG Public Works Directors felt that a checklist for Complete
Streets components would be helpful for jurisdictions to
evaluate their street designs and determine which how various
modes and project components can interact.
Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
How will Joint Powers Authorities , transit operators and other
entities without land use authority represent adoption or intent
to adopt a Complete Streets Policy when they jurisdictional lack
responsibility?
106 I Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
Will the MTA be assisting cities with the adoption of these
policies into their General Plans and/or provide sample
Resolutions of Intent?
Response
We are currently in the early stages of developing the Preferred
Strategies for Developing Bicycle and Bus Infrastructure Guidelines.
These strategies will include best practices that are currently being
utilized in other cities to coordinate Complete Streets implementation.
As we develop these strategies, we will take into consideration the
comments received from the commenter.
The development of the Complete Streets project initiation checklist
is part of Table 2 Complete Streets Implementation Plan #6.1.
The requirement for adoption of a Complete Streets Policy to be
eligible for Metro-administered capital grant funding applies to cities
and the County. This will be clarified in Table 2 Complete Streets
Implementation Plan #6.2. However, Metro encourages Joint Powers
Authorities , transit operators, and other entities without land use
authority to identify opportunities to support Complete Streets
implementation and help advance state, regional , and local efforts to
create a more complete and integrated transportation network that
serves all users.
Metro will be providing a sample Complete Streets policy to assist
local jurisdictions. Jurisdictions will be encouraged to adapt the
elements and language of the sample policy to meet their own
circumstances and plans.
59
Page 98
# Comment (Main Points) Response
107 Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
I thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Draft Comment noted.
Complete Streets Policy and look forward to its adoption and
utilization. If there are any questions please contact Richard
Powers, Executive Director, Gateway Cities Council of
Governments at 562 -663 -6850.
60
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952
213-922.2000 Tel
metro. net
AD-HOC SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 15, 2014
SUBJECT: ADOPT COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
ACTION: ADOPT STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
A. Adopt Complete Streets Policy (Policy)
ISSUE
The Complete Streets Policy (Attachment A) furthers the vision laid out in the Board-
adopted Countywide Sustainability Planning Policy and Implementation Plan, which
guides the integration of sustainability in the agency's planning functions. The Policy will
advance the Board's Active Transportation Agenda, which includes short- and long-term
strategies for leveraging urban design, partnerships and project development to create
environments that promote walking , bicycling , transit use, and public health, and promote
an integrated transportation system that serves all users.
DISCUSSION
Since September 2013, staff has conducted outreach to seek input for the development
of the Policy. Feedback was obtained from Metro Planning, Operations and Construction
Departments, as well as from agency partners, including the Metro Technical Advisory
Committee and its Subcommittees, the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans), Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), sub-regional
Councils of Governments, local governments, and other stakeholders. On February 12,
2014, we convened a stakeholder workshop to solicit input on the development of the
Policy that drew over 250 participants. The Policy was subsequently released for
stakeholder review and comments. We convened a second workshop on August 19,
2014, which over 280 participants attended to provide input to the draft Policy. An outline
of the meetings attended is provided in the Outreach Matrix (Attachment B), and a
summary of stakeholder input and staff's responses is provided in the Public Review
Comment and Response Matrix (Attachment C).
As transportation planner, coordinator, designer, funder, builder and transit operator,
Metro has the opportunity to help advance state, regional and local efforts to create a
more "complete" and integrated transportation network that serves all users and supports
environmental sustainability. The term "Complete Streets" describes a comprehensive,
integrated transportation network with infrastructure and design that allows safe and
convenient travel along and across streets for all users, including pedestrians, users and
7
Page 2
operators of public transit, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, seniors, children, motorists,
and movers of commercial goods.
The State of California has emphasized the importance of Complete Streets by enacting
the California Complete Streets Act of 2008, which requires that when cities or counties
make substantive revisions to the circulation elements of their general plans, they identify
how they will provide for the mobility needs of all users of the roadways, as well as
through Deputy Directive 64, in which the California Department of Transportation
explained that it "views all transportation improvements as opportunities to improve
safety, access, and mobility for all travelers in California and recognizes bicycle,
pedestrian , and transit modes as integral elements of the transportation system." The
California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 sets a mandate for the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions in California, and the Sustainable Communities and Climate
Protection Act of 2008 requires emissions reductions through coordinated regional
planning that integrates transportation, housing, and land-use policy. Achieving the goals
of these laws will require significant increases in travel by public transit, bicycling, and
walking . A policy that fully recognizes the need for safety and mobility for all roadway
users is crucial to meeting these goals.
The Policy builds upon projects and programs already underway at Metro to increase
mobility options, improve air quality and health , and strengthen the economy of Los
Angeles County jurisdictions. It is a tool to help guide Metro to better coordinate within
the various functions and departments of the agency and between partner organizations
that have influence or jurisdiction over the public realm . To maximize the benefits of
significant transportation investments within the county over the next decades, concerted
effort and active collaboration within the organization and among partner agencies are
necessary to create a fully integrated transportation system that serves all users.
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The Policy will not have adverse safety impacts on our employees and patrons. A key
element of the Policy will be to promote a transportation network that improves safety for
travelers.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact.
Impact to Budget
There is no impact to the budget.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board could decide to delay or forgo the adoption of the Policy. This alternative is
not recommended . There is tremendous interest in Complete Streets throughout the
Adopt Complete Streets Policy Page 2
Page 49
# Comment (Main Points) Response
21 Richard Slimbach, Resident, Move Monrovia
4. Travel Demand Reduction. Metro should obviously do Comment noted .
everything possible to complete streets, increase active mobility
options, reduce tailpipe pollution , and mitigate congestion. And
the policy draft clearly articulates Metro's commitment. But
"complete streets" is only half of the equation . Metro must also
leverage its resources to "complete policies" that dis-incentivize
driving.
Since WW2, southern California has created an urban domain
dominated by automobiles and trucks. health. Mark Fenton
highlighted the consequences in just one area: public health. Of
course, there are also dire environmental (climate) and
economic consequences (the "three-legged stool"). Besides
having the worst air quality in the nation , L.A. also has the
dubious honor of being the most traffic congested US city.
Commuters in Los Angeles and Orange counties spend , on
average, 61 hours per year in traffic congestion. The "crush"
takes its toll on mental health, air quality, driving safety,
economic competitiveness, and social equity. And long-term
trending indicates that it will continue to get worse unless
policymakers like Metro take steps to intervene. But what
steps?
11
Page 50
# Comment (Main Points) Response
22a Richard Slimbach, Resident, Move Monrovia
There appear to be only three possible solutions: (a) increase Comment noted.
the supply of road space, (b) increase the efficiency of current
road space, or (c) reduce the demand for peak-hour automotive
travel.
Increasing road capacity in the Los Angeles region runs up
against two problems: money and space. State and federal fuel
taxes have not kept pace with inflation , and as fuel economy
improves the shortfalls will on ly increase. There is also scant
space to add more capacity, especially in those areas where
congestion is greatest. Los Angeles already has-by far-the
most extensive road network in the nation. Even if there were
space for new or expanded construction , strong homeowner
associations and NIMBY sentiments effectively block it in their
neighborhoods-and for very good social , health , and
environmental reasons.
12
Page 97
# Comment (Main Points)
103 I Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
The development of the coordination design guidelines should
be expedited to ensure that local jurisdictions do not burden
transit operations with Complete Streets features that hinder
transit usage or significantly increase operations schedules.
These guidelines should include language specific to helping
multiple jurisdictions create Complete Streets that are
compatible across city boundaries as well as specific guidance
on how to support transit operations.
104 I Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
105
COG Public Works Directors felt that a checklist for Complete
Streets components would be helpful for jurisdictions to
evaluate their street designs and determine which how various
modes and project components can interact.
Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
How will Joint Powers Authorities , transit operators and other
entities without land use authority represent adoption or intent
to adopt a Complete Streets Policy when they jurisdictional lack
responsibility?
106 I Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
Will the MTA be assisting cities with the adoption of these
policies into their General Plans and/or provide sample
Resolutions of Intent?
Response
We are currently in the early stages of developing the Preferred
Strategies for Developing Bicycle and Bus Infrastructure Guidelines.
These strategies will include best practices that are currently being
utilized in other cities to coordinate Complete Streets implementation.
As we develop these strategies, we will take into consideration the
comments received from the commenter.
The development of the Complete Streets project initiation checklist
is part of Table 2 Complete Streets Implementation Plan #6.1.
The requirement for adoption of a Complete Streets Policy to be
eligible for Metro-administered capital grant funding applies to cities
and the County. This will be clarified in Table 2 Complete Streets
Implementation Plan #6.2. However, Metro encourages Joint Powers
Authorities , transit operators, and other entities without land use
authority to identify opportunities to support Complete Streets
implementation and help advance state, regional , and local efforts to
create a more complete and integrated transportation network that
serves all users.
Metro will be providing a sample Complete Streets policy to assist
local jurisdictions. Jurisdictions will be encouraged to adapt the
elements and language of the sample policy to meet their own
circumstances and plans.
59
Page 98
# Comment (Main Points) Response
107 Brent Tercero, Gateway Cities Council of Governments
I thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Draft Comment noted.
Complete Streets Policy and look forward to its adoption and
utilization. If there are any questions please contact Richard
Powers, Executive Director, Gateway Cities Council of
Governments at 562 -663 -6850.
60
