The Effects of Complete Streets Policies and Projects on Local Business Development and Growth in California

This project aims to explore the effects of Complete Streets policies and projects on local business development in California. The project uses a mixed-methods research design and micro-level business databases to explore how Complete Streets influences job accessibility, business attraction, business survival rates, and the broader transformation of mixed land use surrounding Complete Streets project sites. It investigates the interplay between Complete Streets projects and local business dynamics, particularly focusing on the clustering or dispersion of businesses for the agglomeration economy. By comparing the range of Complete Streets policies adopted by different entities, such as state agencies, counties, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and cities, within varying sociodemographic, environmental, economic, and physical contexts, the research assesses their influence on transportation improvement plans and economic development strategies. The primary objectives of the research comprise three major research tasks. First, it aims to evaluate how Complete Streets policies impact changes in travel demand and behavioral patterns, considering the allocation of various transport modes. Second, the research examines the effects of proximity to Complete Streets project sites on the growth and development of local businesses. Finally, the project seeks to understand the perspectives of transportation agencies and local governments regarding the urban environment modifications driven by Complete Streets initiatives, particularly their implications for local business growth and broader land use changes. By employing mixed methods, the research aims to provide comprehensive insights that inform policymakers, urban planners, and business owners of strategies to refine Complete Streets policies for better local business development.

Research Area

Tags