Commission adopts Decatur Safe Streets Action Plan with Vision Zero and complete streets policy

The Decatur City Commission voted June 2 to adopt the Decatur Safe Streets Safety Action Plan, codifying a Vision Zero aim to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries and committing the city to a complete-streets approach.

Julie Harlan, active transportation director, presented the finalized plan and associated policies. Harlan said the plan is data-driven, drawing on five years of crash data to identify a high-injury network and to prioritize improvements in areas with the greatest need. Key plan elements include policy changes, design recommendations, prioritized projects and programmatic actions to address equity and vulnerable road users.

"The plan represents a comprehensive data-informed framework for eliminating fatal and serious traffic injury crashes on Decatur streets," Harlan said. She told commissioners staff will apply for implementation grants (including Safe Streets for All) and use the plan to identify priority corridors for traffic calming and multimodal improvements.

Commissioners praised the measurable goals and community engagement behind the plan and asked about next steps: Harlan said staff will pursue grant funding, identify priority streets for immediate calming measures, and continue to involve community members and stakeholders in implementation.

The commission adopted the resolution supporting the plan (resolution R-25-XX) by voice vote; staff said adoption creates a foundation for grant requests and coordinated implementation with other projects, including the West Howard Avenue improvements.