Complete Streets
In October 2018, former Mayor Barrett signed Milwaukee’s Complete Streets policy into law. This policy was unanimously passed by Common Council on October 16, 2018 and was the result of over a year of hard work and close collaboration between the Department of Public Works, the Council, other city departments, and many community partners.
Complete Streets integrate people and place by making it safe, enjoyable, and convenient to walk, bike, take transit, or simply experience our streets and public spaces – no matter one’s age or ability. There is no singular design for a Complete Street; a quiet residential street may already function well for all people, whereas a busy commercial corridor may require wider sidewalks, curb extensions, and protected bike lanes. A Complete Streets approach integrates people and place into all phases of a project, from planning and design through construction.
The City's Complete Streets policy was recognized by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition as one of the best in the nation in 2018! Read the report and view a webinar about the policy featuring community partner Caressa Givens of the Wisconsin Bike Fed.
Much of the Complete Streets implementation work done by the City has been supported through the Safe and Healthy Streets grant. Learn more about the work done through this project by clicking the button below.
Safe and Healthy Streets
Annual Report: Milwaukee Complete Streets Health and Equity Report
The Complete Streets resolution directs the Complete Streets Committee to conduct an annual report. The annual report details changes the City is making to implement the policy, some of which are exemplified through case studies. The report also includes metrics that are external to the City's efforts, documenting the results of planning and creating streets for everyone. The entire report is presented with a health equity lens, which acknowledges the impact streets have on residents' health and the history of disinvestment that has primarily impacted communities of color.
Safe and Healthy Streets Surveys Executive Summary Report
Safe and Healthy Streets Surveys Full Report
2019 Safe and Healthy Streets Postcard Survey results summary
See pg. 37-38 of Milwaukee Complete Streets Health and Equity Report 2019 for more information on this survey.
Complete Streets Committee
The Complete Streets policy also established a Complete Streets committee. The committee is made up of the following individuals or their designees:
- The commissioner of public works (committee chair)
- The city engineer
- The commissioner of city development
- The commissioner of neighborhood services
- The department of administration budget and management director
- The commissioner of the health department
- The police chief
- The executive director of the housing authority of the city of Milwaukee
- The president of Employ Milwaukee
- The chair of the common council’s public works committee
- The chair of the common council’s public safety committee
- The chair of the common council’s zoning, neighborhoods and development committee
- The chair of the bicycle and pedestrian task force
Meeting dates, agendas, minutes, and supporting materials are posted below. Meeting materials will also be posted to Legistar.