2026 NJ Complete Streets Summit Award Winners

Complete Streets Champion Awards

Complete Street Champion Awards are given to individuals, groups, or teams that have demonstrated commitment to advancing Complete Streets in their communities. This year’s recipients were:

  • Union County Connects was recognized for its advocacy for improving trail connections and safer streets across Union County. Their work advancing multi-use  trails, Rails-to-Trails initiatives, and Complete Streets policies help link Union County communities through more accessible transportation networks.
  • Hudson County Complete Streets was recognized for its work in improving transportation connectivity and equity across Hudson County. Through  collaboration with partners such as Bike JC, the New Jersey Bike and Walk coalition, and the New Jersey Vision Zero Alliance, Hudson County Complete  Streets has helped advance transit improvements and create a safer, more accessible a Hudson County.

Safe Routes to School Champion Award

  • The Nikhil Badlani Foundation and their Youth Advisory Board initiative were recognized for empowering students across New Jersey to take an active role in improving traffic safety in their communities. Through hands-on engagement, collaborating with officials, and leading efforts like the first Youth Advisory Board Summit, the program is fostering the next generation of leaders committed to safer roadways. 

Complete Streets Excellence Awards

Complete Streets Excellence Awards are given to municipalities, organizations, or projects that have demonstrated excellence in Complete Streets implementation. This year’s recipients were:

  • Dunellen has successfully implemented Complete and Green Streets projects aimed at improving walking and biking throughout the Borough. The development of its 2023 Active Transportation Study enabled Dunellen to create a vision for a safer, more connected community. The study, combined with ongoing improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, help foster a more accessible transportation network for all residents.
  • Passaic has advanced Complete Streets policies through a range of planning and  infrastructure initiatives. Through efforts such as its 2025 Pedestrian Master Plan and 2023 Aging-Friendly Land Use Plan, the city has made major improvements to bike infrastructure, intersection safety, ADA accessibility, and prioritizing senior- friendly design features. Recent projects, including school safety upgrades, a  free bikeshare program, redesigning Main Avenue with enhanced bus facilities and  a promenade, and a partnership with NJTRANSIT to build a new transit hub, demonstrate a strong commitment to safer, more connected mobility for all  residents. 
  • Hoboken continues to be a leader in promoting Complete Streets policies. Their latest efforts include the Grand Street pilot program and the CLEAR enforcement initiative, which have improved safety, reduced illegal parking, and enhanced conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. In partnership with NJ  TRANSIT, Hoboken’s broader investments included the Hoboken Connect Project, aimed to revitalize the city’s transit facilities. These efforts highlight Hoboken’s commitment to advancing accessible, transit-oriented, and people-centered streetscape. 
  • Pennsville has advanced Complete Streets and active transportation planning  through recent safety and infrastructure initiatives. In November 2025, the Township partnered with Cross County Connection TMA to install temporary crosswalks and curb extensions as part of a demonstration project supported by the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program. The Township has also initiated traffic calming and pedestrian improvements around Pennsville Middle School, including new sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, and safety upgrades along William Penn Avenue. 
  • Trenton continues to be a leader in advancing Complete Streets initiatives. The City adopted Complete Streets ordinance in 2022, which requires use of design checklists from the Trenton Complete Streets Design Handbook in all transportation projects. Trenton has also strengthened its safety efforts through the establishment of a Safe Streets for All Committee and the development of the 2025 Vision Zero Plan focused on reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Additional initiatives, including an interconnected Trails Plan and safety improvements along Perry Street, support a more connected and safer transportation network. 

Municipalities with New Complete Streets Policies

Since our last Summit in 2023, twenty communities have adopted new or updated policies. These communities include:

  • City of Asbury Park
  • Borough of Bernardsville
  • Township of East Windsor
  • City of Egg Harbor
  • Borough of Fort Lee
  • Township of Haddon
  • Borough of High Bridge
  • Borough of Highland Park
  • Borough of Little Silver
  • Mercer County
  • Township of Montclair
  • Township of Morris
  • Borough of Oakland
  • City of Passaic
  • Township of Readington
  • Borough of Red Bank
  • Township of Rochelle Park
  • Township of Teaneck
  • Borough of Watchung
  • Township of West Orange
  • Township of West Windsor