Cities want neighborhood streets that are safe, livable, and ready for emergencies. But in practice, those priorities don’t always align. Rigid standards and siloed decision-making can push communities toward wider streets that increase speeds, raise long-term costs, and limit space for housing and neighborhood amenities.

This February 2026 ITE Journal article, “Safer Streets Through Abundance: Aligning Fire Codes, Safety, and Community Goals,” looks at a different path forward: connected street networks that give emergency responders multiple routes, and early collaboration between fire, transportation, planning, and public health teams.

When departments work together from the start, communities can move beyond one-size-fits-all standards and design residential streets that support both emergency response and everyday safety.

Contact us to explore how your community can balance emergency access with safer, more sustainable neighborhood design.