State Agencies Create Resource for Smart Downtown Planning

DOLA, CDPHE and CDOT collaborate to create community resource for smart downtown planning

Denver, CO – Thursday, December 1, 2016 – The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), has announced the release of Colorado Downtown Streets, a tool for communities, planners and engineers to help the conversation around designing downtown streets for walkability, bike-ability and access to businesses while ensuring safe transportation infrastructures.

“The preservation of local main streets is critical to the economic growth and stability of a community’s central business district. DOLA is proud to collaborate with agency partners to help streamline the planning and execution of vital downtown streets” said Irv Halter, DOLA executive director.

Recognizing the importance of having a single resource to help guide downtown street design, these three state agencies compiled case studies, arguments for great streets, elements of great streets, and references to applicable policies and processes into this book.

“Communities that provide safe, easy access to walking and biking are investing in the health of all Coloradans,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, CDPHE executive director and chief medical officer.

Downtown main streets often reflect a community’s identity; they are where people live, shop and visit. But they also are often on highways or busy thoroughfares, where creating an enjoyable and inviting space has its challenges.  Colorado Downtown Streets provides strategies to help remove barriers to good infrastructure planning.

“Typically, great streets provide options for all users,” said CDOT Executive Director Shailen Bhatt.  “We have many communities in Colorado that rely on a state highway to be its main street.  This book helps communicate the fine balance in designing to move people as well as goods into and through a community.”

Colorado Downtown Streets is available as a download by visiting the DOLA Main Streets Program website at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dola/main-street-resources   In addition to the book, there are four animated videos that provide an interesting and entertaining way of presenting main streets information.