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San Antonio's Complete Streets Policy Named Best in Nation by Smart Growth America


San Antonio’s Complete Streets Policy has been ranked the #1 best Complete Streets policy in the United States, according to the 2025 Best Complete Streets Policies Report released by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. The report evaluated policies adopted in 2023 and 2024 using a national model of best practices for creating streets that serve all users safely and efficiently.

Adopted in 2024, San Antonio’s policy scored 96 out of 100 points, seven points ahead of the next highest-ranking policy. The city is currently developing a toolkit to guide public agencies and developers in planning, designing, and implementing Complete Streets projects.

“San Antonio is excited to be recognized for its work to create safer streets that help those who are our most vulnerable road users,” said Catherine “Cat” Hernandez, Director of the Transportation Department. She noted the toolkit will assist in creating streets accommodating bus transit, pedestrians, bike riders, and drivers.

Complete Streets policies aim to design and maintain roadways that provide safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all ages and abilities, focusing on historically underserved populations and shifting away from prioritizing vehicle speed over safety and accessibility.

Heidi Simon, Director of Thriving Communities at Smart Growth America, praised the policy’s impact, saying it promises real improvements for San Antonio residents across all modes of transportation.