The Impact of Walkability Grants – Planetizen
Cities are epicenters for employment, entertainment, better health services and higher living standards, yet not every location is pedestrian-friendly. Walkability grants have enabled leaders to invest in public areas, improving citizens’ safety and decreasing reliance on transportation. Here’s how these specialized grants are transforming communities across America.
Walkability grants are changing the landscape
Walkability grants are awards for programs and projects creating innovative pedestrian infrastructure, such as new sidewalks, crosswalks, plazas, street lights and green spaces. For example, in February 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, delivering $800 million in monetary awards for 511 projects addressing public safety and road improvements.
Additional walkability grants include those from the federal-backed Transportation Alternatives Program for enhanced biking lanes, awards from state and local governments, nonprofit funding, and private partnerships. Access to multiple grant opportunities is essential for achieving program goals, especially since some are highly competitive with lengthy application processes. In fact, 22 percent of grant seekers say this is one of the most significant funding challenges.
Comments