ST. LOUIS — In a landmark move for St. Louis, Mayor Tishaura Jones signed the complete streets bill Thursday, which she says is a step towards transforming our city’s streets into safer, more inclusive spaces for all.
Joined by AlderwomanAnne Schweitzer and other city officials, Mayor Jones emphasized the importance of making St. Louis’ transportation infrastructure people-friendly. The new legislation, sponsored by Schweitzer, aims to modernize the city’s streets to ensure that roads are accessible and welcoming, regardless of whether you’re walking, biking, driving or using public transit.
“What this bill does is hold the city accountable for achieving that goal. It does that by making the Complete Streets committee meetings public. Adding a member of the public to that committee. Having reviews of any project that is $500,000 or more to determine how it adheres to the Complete Streets Policy and making those reviews available to the public,” said Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, City of Saint Louis Ward 1.
The committee will meet quarterly, with sessions open to the public, allowing for community engagement and input.
“After those public meetings, where can people go to get this information? We want to have recurring options for people to find out what’s going on, to ask their questions, and to give their input,” said Schweitzer.
Trailnet, an organization dedicated to improving traffic safety, is in support of this new legislation. They have been instrumental in successful projects around the city, like enhancing pedestrian and bike trails and improving safety at key dangerous intersections. All the priorities of this new complete street plan.
“Well, the biggest one is Louisiana calm street, but after that, which is a very wonderful example of what a calm street needs to be, One of the things we need to do is get that money out on the streets so we can really see what those improvements are going to be, not only in the short term but in the long term,” said Charles Bryson, Trailnet’s policy catalyst.
These efforts are part of a broader citywide transportation and development plan, with over $300 million marked for projects through 2027.
