Commission adopts complete streets policy to formalize walking, biking and transit goals

The West Palm Beach City Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 13-25 on Feb. 3, 2025 to formalize a Complete Streets policy. Staff described the measure as an official statement that documents the city’s ongoing work to design streets that are safe and accessible for users of all modes—pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and drivers.

Jessica Keller, the city’s mobility and transportation manager, told the commission that West Palm Beach has practiced Complete Streets principles for more than a decade but never had a stand-alone policy. Keller said the policy will align with an updated downtown mobility plan (expected in March) and a citywide mobility plan targeted for completion by the end of the calendar year. She said the policy also expands consideration of connectivity and context-sensitive design to private development as well as public streets and will document implementation progress every two years.

Commissioner Christy Fox reminded the dais that the city incorporated Complete Streets concepts into its comprehensive plan as early as 2005 and praised the staff for producing a stand-alone policy that will make the city eligible for recognition and awards. Connect West Palm Beach and a resident speaker, Nick Bixler, both offered public support and urged the city to continue building safe infrastructure after recent local pedestrian crashes.

The commission moved, seconded and unanimously approved the resolution.

Why it matters The policy formalizes an approach the city has applied in practice and is intended to make street design decisions more transparent and consistent across departments and private development. The policy’s stated aims include safety, connectivity, comfort and sustainability.

Implementation details Staff said the policy will be paired with an updated mobility plan and includes a requirement to document implementation and outcomes every two years. The city will continue to tailor street projects to neighborhood context and coordinate across departments to track miles of bike lanes, sidewalks and tree plantings.

Votes at a glance - Action: Adopt Resolution No. 13-25 (Complete Streets policy) - Outcome: Approved (unanimous)

Public comment Resident Nick Bixler (Connect West Palm Beach) thanked staff and the commission for moving the policy forward and asked for continued attention to pedestrian safety after recent crashes.

Next steps The downtown mobility plan update is expected in March 2025 and a citywide mobility plan by year-end; staff will report implementation progress and metrics every two years.