Red Bank Named One of America’s Top 10 Communities for Complete Streets Policy
Red Bank, NJ — June 28, 2025
Red Bank has been recognized nationally for its leadership in equitable, accessible, and sustainable street design, earning a coveted spot in the Top 10 of Smart Growth America’s 2025 Best Complete Streets Policies report.
The annual report, issued by Smart Growth America in partnership with the National Complete Streets Coalition, reviewed 43 policies adopted across the country in 2023 and 2024. Red Bank’s policy stood out for its strong commitment to health, safety, climate resilience, and inclusion in how public streets are planned and built.
According to the report, the top 10 policies averaged a score of 79 out of 100, well above the national average of 52. Red Bank’s score places it in the company of major metropolitan areas and forward-thinking towns prioritizing the future of mobility and neighborhood design.
“We want our streets to feel safe, welcoming, and easy to use, no matter how you get around” said Mayor William J. Portman. “It is great to see our efforts recognized, and even better to know we're building a town that works for everyone”
The Complete Streets approach focuses on designing streets that safely accommodate all users—pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transit riders of all ages and abilities. In Red Bank, this philosophy is being implemented through projects such as improved crosswalk visibility, ADA-compliant curb ramps, pedestrian refuge islands, bike lanes, and traffic-calming infrastructure.
With forward-thinking leadership from our mayor and council, Red Bank is showing that small towns can lead on big, transformative ideas. The Borough has already made meaningful progress in bringing the Complete Streets vision to life, with several projects underway and more on the horizon. Backed by strong local planning and critical grant funding, these efforts are turning policy into real, visible improvements across our streets and neighborhoods.
In addition to promoting safer and more inclusive mobility, Smart Growth America emphasizes that Complete Streets policies can lead to broader economic benefits, increased community connectivity, and a reduction in transportation-related emissions.
Red Bank’s inclusion in the national rankings reinforces its growing reputation as a model for thoughtful urban planning at the local level—demonstrating that even smaller municipalities can lead the way in creating safer, healthier, and more resilient communities.
To read the full report and learn more about Red Bank’s ranking, visit:
smartgrowthamerica.org/best-complete-streets