City Receives National Distinction for Street Policies

Hermosa Beach took the No. 2 spot out of nearly 130 cities for its adoption and implementation of policies recommended by the National Complete Streets Coalition.

The coalition's laws, resolutions, executive orders, policies, and planning and design documents are established to encourage and provide safe access to destinations for everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, ethnicity or how they travel, according to the Smart Growth America website.

In 2012, Hermosa was one of 10 cities that led the way in crafting comprehensive policy language, according to the Smart Growth America website. The ranking of top Complete Streets policy cities "is intended to celebrate the communities that have done exceptional
work in the past year," becoming models for communities across the country.

Hermosa has adopted a Living Streets policy that commits the city to creating streets that are safe, accessible, sustainable and inviting, said Mayor Patrick "Kit" Bobko. Only two other California cities made the top 10: Huntington Beach (No. 3) and Rancho Cucamonga (No. 10).

“We are pleased to have this national recognition of our commitment to creating streets that are safe, accessible and attractive,” said Mayor Bobko. “The City Council is dedicated to sustaining and improving the quality of life in Hermosa Beach, and we are proud of all we have done to make our city a safe, walkable, bikeable and welcoming place for all who live, work and visit here.”

Among the city's transformative projects is its already-completed beautification project, which transformed upper Pier Ave. into a safer, more attractive and environmentally-friendly destination. Project features include palm trees, wider sidewalks, abundant seating and a storm drainage system to help clean up the ocean and conserve water.

The city has begun planning upgrades for portions of two of its other major thoroughfares, Pacific Coast Hwy. and Aviation Blvd., to make them more pedestrian friendly and welcoming. 

Hermosa Beach’s Living Streets policy is available for viewing online.