The Complete Streets Initiative

For over 50 years, Ecology Action has been a leader in advancing equitable climate solutions, with a strong focus on transforming transportation across the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. From pioneering bike and pedestrian safety programs to accelerating EV adoption and sustainable mobility, our efforts have empowered thousands to choose cleaner, more accessible ways to travel. Now, the Complete Streets Initiative takes this work further by tackling the biggest obstacle to widespread sustainable transportation: infrastructure.

30 leaders, 10 organizations, many possibilities.

Inspired by the transformative Think Bike Workshop we hosted in Santa Cruz in 2022, Ecology Action seized an opportunity to build on the momentum by organizing a delegation of Santa Cruz County transportation leaders for a study visit to the Netherlands. Our goal as a delegation was clear—to witness firsthand how Dutch mobility principles are seamlessly integrated into everyday life and to identify opportunities to replicate successful solutions back home.

Learn more about the trip

Our Vision

The Complete Streets Initiative is a bold vision for the future of transportation in Santa Cruz County—one that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Inspired by world-class transportation models like the Netherlands and innovative cities like Austin, this initiative will create a connected, people-first network where walking, biking, and transit are seamlessly integrated into our existing car network. By redesigning our streets, we can reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions, and transform public spaces into thriving, vibrant places for everyone. No matter your age, ability, or background, Complete Streets is about making sure every member of our community has access to safe and reliable transportation.

01

Healthier Communities

More active transportation, cleaner air, and increased physical activity for a better quality of life.

02

Inclusive Mobility

Equitable access to safe, affordable, and reliable transportation options, especially for marginalized communities.

03

Safer Streets

Redesigned roads that reduce traffic incidents, prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, and encourage active transportation.

04

Stronger Local Economies

Walkable, bike-friendly streets attract more people to local businesses, fostering vibrant and thriving communities.

Vision into Action: Our Theory of Change

This model has been inspired and adapted by the world class mobility experts of the Dutch Cycling Embassy through decades of testing and refinement. Creating a safe, connected, and sustainable transportation network takes more than just ideas—it requires action. Through the Complete Streets Initiative, we are focused on three key areas to bring this vision to life:

Build

The physical infrastructure that enables mobility. We’re transforming infrastructure to prioritize people, creating safer streets for all modes of transportation

Connect

The policies, programs, and cultural shifts that influence behavior. Change starts with community. We’re fostering a culture of active transportation by engaging local leaders, businesses, and residents to champion safer, greener streets for all.

Lead

The institutions and leadership that coordinate and drive change. We’re setting a bold example for what’s possible, advocating for policies, funding, and regional collaboration to accelerate progress and make Complete Streets a reality.

Our Approach

What makes this effort unique is that to accelerate the shift towards more equitable and sustainable transportation, Ecology Action will draw inspiration from world-class mobility models, like the Netherlands, and facilitate ongoing collaboration with regional partners to adapt and apply these lessons locally. We’ll leverage that inspiration to enhance steps two through five and ensure we build in regular evaluations to encourage continuous improvement and progress toward tangible and accelerated results across our region.

01

Inspiration and Idea Generation

Learn about best practices in transportation design through study tours, workshops, and case studies to catalyze bold thinking and visionary leadership around mobility.

02

Policy Review and Adoption

Analyze existing policies to identify gaps or misalignment with best practices and recommend updates or creation of new policies aligned with community goals.

03

Funding Strategy and Prioritization

Assist in aligning project priorities with funding opportunities including discretionary and competitive grants, and help develop compelling applications integrating data, equity goals, and community priorities.

04

Planning and Design Alignment

support for agency-led planning efforts to align with best practice design principles and facilitate stakeholder engagement to build consensus and strengthen project outcomes.

05

Implementation and Outcomes Tracking

Guide projects while navigating challenges related to timelines, budgets, and interagency collaboration and establish metrics for success and capturing lessons learned for future efforts.

06

Continuous Renewal and Improvement

Ongoing evaluation of outcomes to refine approaches and identify new opportunities with iterative feedback loops to keep policies, designs, and funding strategies relevant and responsive to evolving needs.

The Complete streets vision

By investing in people-first infrastructure—where walking, biking, and transit are just as accessible as driving—the Complete Streets Initiative is making active transportation an easy choice for everyone in Santa Cruz County.

I want to contribute!

Complete Streets Collaborative group photo

The Complete Streets Collaborative

The Collaborative—made up of local leaders, including elected officials, city planners, and transportation experts—traveled to the Netherlands to experience one of the world’s most successful mobility systems firsthand. Representatives from the Cities of Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, the Transportation Agency of Monterey County, and the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments joined the trip. Beyond expert presentations, the real value came from **seeing, feeling, and experiencing** the infrastructure that makes Dutch streets safe, efficient, and people friendly. These insights aren’t just ideas—they’re blueprints for the transformative changes we’re bringing to Santa Cruz County and beyond.

Project partners

By bringing together the best minds in urban planning, mobility, and policy, we’re turning bold ideas into real solutions that improve daily life in Santa Cruz County and our region.