Complete Streets Act of 2025

Grants and Funding for Local Projects: Section 2(b)(1) and Section 2(g)(1) allow eligible local entities to seek and receive grants of up to $20,000,000 or 20 percent of a State's complete streets program funding for the design and construction of complete streets. This helps local communities improve their public roads and infrastructure.

Improved Safety for Vulnerable Road Users: Section 2(h) requires States to give priority in selecting grant projects to intersections and corridors where nonmotorized users face the highest risk and are most vulnerable. This aims to protect pedestrians and bicyclists.

Equitable Access for Underserved Communities: Section 2(b)(3)(E) sets a goal for the complete streets program to ensure that underserved municipalities, rural areas, Tribal communities, low-income people, and communities of color are served equitably. Additionally, Section 2(f)(2)(I) requires prioritization plans to improve connections and access to jobs and services for these groups.

Enhanced Accessibility Standards: Section 2(i) directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Attorney General to update regulations to adopt specific accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities. These new standards include provisions for vision, hearing, cognitive ability, and language access.

Dedicated Infrastructure and Design Standards: Section 4 adds new complete streets design standards under title 23, United States Code, which require dedicated and protected bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and proper lighting and signalization. This creates safer and more integrated travel options for all road users.

Exclusion from Grant Programs: Section 2(e)(2)(B) states that if a State or metropolitan planning organization does not certify an eligible entity's complete streets policy, that entity is barred from participating in the grant program. This could deny funding to local communities whose policies fail to meet state or federal requirements.

Mandatory Funding Set-Asides: Section 2(j) mandates that each State must obligate 5 percent of specific apportioned federal highway funds to carry out its complete streets program. This restricts how States can allocate existing federal transportation dollars, potentially taking money away from other road projects.