The National Complete Streets Coalition, a program of Smart Growth America, released "Safer Streets, Stronger Economies: Complete Streets project outcomes from across the county" which investigates the question, "What do communities get for their investments in Complete Streets?"  The report examines 37 projects and finds that, overall, Complete Streets projects improved safety for all users, increased biking and walking, and showed a mix of increases and decreases in automobile traffic, depending in part on the project goal. Compared to conventional transportation projects, Complete Streets projects were remarkably affordable and were seen by implementing agencies as a cost-effective way to achieve transportation goals. In terms of economic returns, the limited data available suggests Complete Streets projects were related to broader economic gains like increased employment and higher property values.

Read a summary of the research and its findings.