Fiscal Note
Fiscal note pending
Title
SUBSTITUTE: This resolution approves a Complete Green Streets Policy to incorporate Complete Green Streets principles of street design for all modes of transportation into public way improvements and project phases.
Body
Whereas, The City of Madison is committed to fostering a livable city through the creation of Complete Streets that improve access to neighborhoods, prioritize the safety and health of residents and visitors, support economic growth, and improve access to education and jobs; and
Whereas, the City of Madison has also been moving towards Green Streets, which promote tree canopy and green infrastructure in the public right of way enhance quality of life and move us towards sustainability;
Whereas, the City of Madison desires to create a Complete Green Street policy, which are defined as facilities that are safe, comfortable and convenient for users of all ages and abilities for all travel modes; and integrating sustainable green infrastructure into the public right of way;
Whereas, In 2009 the City of Madison reaffirmed the City’s commitment to Complete Streets in Resolution 09-00997, directing staff to follow Complete Streets principles to the extent possible;
Whereas, The City recognizes that Complete Green Streets must be sensitive to surrounding context including buildings, land use, transportation and community needs; and
Whereas, The City recognizes that a safe, reliable, and comprehensive transportation network is a right of all residents of, and visitors to, Madison, regardless of ability, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or income; and
Whereas, The City also recognizes that through Complete Green Streets elements the design of streets can improve poor motorist behaviors such as excessive travel speeds; moving the City towards its Vision Zero safety initiatives; and
Whereas, Madison’s streets have the opportunity to reflect each City area’s unique characteristics and needs; and
Whereas, the 2017 Madison in Motion Transportation Plan recommends incorporating Complete Streets design components in street construction and reconstruction; and
Whereas, the 2018 Imagine Madison Comprehensive Plan includes strategies to improve biking and pedestrian networks as well as developing a healthy tree canopy and green infrastructure;
Now Therefore Be it Resolved,
1. That the City of Madison formally adopts the Complete Green Streets Policy Guide, dated December 2022, as the basis for all street design and sub area plans, with following revisions as recommended by the Transportation Commission and Transportation Planning and Policy Board;
a. The Bike Facility Selection Thresholds for All Ages and Abilities graphic within the Complete Green Street Guide include a note that additional consideration will be given to the overall roadway context and number of motor vehicle lanes as outlined in the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide when selecting an appropriate bike facility
b. The modal hierarchy within the Complete Green Street Guide be revised to include parking below motor vehicle travel; and
2. That the City of Madison public right of way shall be designed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the Complete Green Street Policy Guide, which seeks to address accessibility and comfort, safety, and needs of all users, of all ages and abilities, while integrating green infrastructure to the extent practicable.
3. That street construction and reconstruction that vary from the Complete Green Streets Policy Guide shall only be implemented if approved by the Transportation Commission; and
4. That the Transportation Commission shall have the ability to modify the Complete Green Streets Policy Guide on an annual basis to address unforeseen challenges and remain current with state of the art street design practices; and
5. That the Transportation Commission shall have the ability to approve updates to the Transit Priority Network and All Ages Ability Bike Network; and
6. That the Board of Public Works shall have the ability to approve updates to the tree canopy and green infrastructure priority area overlays; and
7. That Sub Area Plans will recommend street types based on the Complete Green Streets Policy Guide; and
8. That Sub Area Plans and plats that recommend street facilities and right of way widths that vary from the Complete Green Streets Policy Guide shall only be included if approved by the Transportation Planning and Policy Board; and
9. That the Transportation Commission shall review the Complete Green Streets Guide after one street reconstruction design cycle (about 18 months), and recommend revisions and refinements; and
910. That the Council directs the Transportation Department to work with the City Attorney’s office to revise Sections 16 and 33 of the Madison General Ordinances to be consistent with the Complete and Green Streets Policy Guide.