Council advances Complete Streets ordinance after public comments citing safety and air-quality concerns

Allegheny County Council approved an ordinance directing the county to develop a Complete Streets plan, moving the measure forward on second reading with a recorded vote of 12–0.

The ordinance (12952-24) requires the Department of Economic Development, in cooperation with the Department of Public Works, to produce a countywide Complete Streets plan no later than Dec. 31, 2025. Sponsors listed on the agenda included council members Grisbeck and Macy and a council member identified in the record as Zachary Chabkus.

The measure drew sustained public comment in support during the meeting’s public-comment period. Jacob Evangelista, vice president of Complete Streets at Pitt, said county roads have ‘‘safety shortcomings’’ and urged council members to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers alike. ‘‘No one deserves to die on the road,’’ Evangelista said, naming several people lost to traffic violence around the university.

Dylan Basescu, who identified himself as an environmental lawyer, linked Complete Streets to public health and air quality: ‘‘Allegheny County is about to be put in federal noncompliance for the national ambient air quality standards for particulate matter,’’ he said, arguing that infrastructure encouraging walking, biking and transit could reduce tailpipe emissions. Jonathan Blanton (Brighton Heights) and Bridal Wissinger (Forest Hills) said safer infrastructure would improve access to jobs, schools and commerce and reduce crashes.

Council discussion on the ordinance was brief at the floor. A motion to approve the second reading was made and seconded; the recorded vote was 12 yes, 0 no. Council president announced the bill passed.

Supporters at the meeting and on the record said the plan would enable municipalities and the county to coordinate investments in bike lanes, sidewalks and transit access, and they urged council to ensure that the county’s plan respects municipal and neighborhood plans. One public commenter said a local municipality had already prepared a plan that the county ignored during a 2023 repaving project; that commenter urged the county to honor local complete-streets plans where present.

Advocates asked the council to ensure robust public engagement during plan development and to prioritize safety for the youngest, oldest and most transportation-vulnerable residents. The ordinance sets a firm deadline for plan delivery and assigns lead departments for its preparation.