Ideas for leveraging
Safe Streets & Roads for All Grant
It's time to go Big & Bold for Vision Zero
Updated for 2026 NOFO
What we'll cover
- Why SS4A funding matters
- Examples of maximizing SS4A for change
- What changed in round 4 (due on May 26, 2026)
Vision Zero is more than a goal, more than a tagline, more than even just a program. It is a fundamental shift in how we approach roadway safety. This will take strong leadership, community engagement, a focus on equitable and effective safety strategies, and willingness to change the status quo.
And funding helps too. Thanks to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) commitment to zero roadway deaths nationally and its shift to a Safe System approach, which underpins Vision Zero, we are seeing stepped-up policy and funding commitments to help communities prioritize safety. We want to help your community leverage these important opportunities to advance Vision Zero, starting with the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program.
Here, we’re providing our suggestions on how to make the most of this funding opportunity to make meaningful, lasting Safe System change in your community.
Note: this is not the official grant website. For critical information & details about the SS4A grant program, visit USDOT’s informative website and watch USDOT's informational webinars.
SS4A Basics
What is Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A)?
SS4A is a new federal funding program to help advance the nation’s goal of Zero Roadway Deaths:
$5 Billion over 5 years is allocated for Vision Zero Planning, Demonstration & Implementation at the local, regional and tribal levels. This is an important opportunity to invest in the Safe System approach for lasting change in your community.
SS4A Basics
Why SS4A Funding Matters?
~80%
more likely for Black people
~2x
more likely for people in low-income communities
SS4A Basics
Opportunity to shift to a Safe System
The SS4A program supports the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Roadway Safety Strategy that rests on the Safe System approach. With this new funding, it is time to evolve beyond the traditional “E’s” of roadway safety (education, enforcement, engineering) to the Safe System approach.
This includes prioritizing...
*SS4A grant is now referring to underserved communities as “areas of persistent poverty”.
Check out these examples at local, state, and federal levels
SS4A Basics
Safety Impacts:
Funds Cover >80% of U.S. Population
- 2000+ communities selected for FY22, FY23, FY24 & FY25 awards:
- More than $3.9 billion awarded
- Funds will improve roadway safety planning for more than 70% of the nation's population
- Almost 50% or awarded communities are in rural areas
Check out USDOT's map of what's being funded so far with SS4A grants. Map of FY22-25 SS4A grant recipients. Source: USDOT.
Why does this matter?
- There’s a good chance your community is in one of these areas and may benefit from a FY22, FY23, FY24 or FY25 soon.
- Now is the time to apply for a FY26 grant – your community or in partnership with other entities
- Even if your area is receiving a FY22, FY23, FY24 or FY25 grant, you may still be eligible for a FY26 grant – read on….
Note: This page reflects the current snapshot of SS4A projects awarded to date based on publicly available information. Awards, totals, and coverage may change as new funding rounds are announced or data is updated. For the most up-to-date and official information on SS4A awards, recipients, and funding rounds, please visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s SS4A page at U.S. Department of Transportation.
SS4A Basics
Key Changes for FY26 SS4A Grant Program
Find the full list of changes on p. 3-4 of the NOFO and read our blog for more details.
SS4A Basics
Who Can Apply for Grants?
Deadline for technical questions is April 24, 2026 (5:00 pm ET). Visit robust FAQ page for more details.
SS4A Basics
Don’t be daunted!
Communities of ANY size or type can succeed
Blackfeet Tribe, MT (population 9,741)
FY24 Planning grant award:
$ 797,105
Madison, WI (population 269,196)
FY22 Supplemental planning grant award:
$267,680
Springfield, MA (population 153,700)
FY22 Implementation grant award:
$ 15,012,800
Are you concerned about the small size of your community?
Your community can team with other entities to strengthen your application. For example, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) can submit & manage a proposal for multiple towns, villages, and counties. If you’re concerned about your agency’s capacity to manage a federal grant, consider teaming with others who share your safety goals. Almost 50% of the SS4A grant winners are rural communities. Learn more about joint applications and partnership here.
Are you new to Vision Zero & Safe System work?
That’s OK. This is a prime opportunity to start, especially given the new federal commitment to the Safe System approach at USDOT. Your work can start – and be funded by SS4A – with developing a Vision Zero Action Plan (tips here). This is an important process to engage key stakeholders and build buy-in to this shift in roadway safety work. And, developing a strong Vision Zero Action Plan and local commitment can set you up well for applying for a SS4A Implementation Grant next year.
Are you in the process of developing an Action Plan with SS4A funds?
If so, you can – and should – apply for Supplemental Planning and/or Demonstration grants in this round. Communities developing an Action Plan with past SS4A Planning funds are eligible for Supplemental Planning or Demonstration funds in FY25 if those efforts support their safety work.
Are you concerned about matching funds?
20% match can include funding from the applicant, in-kind contributions and other non-Federal contributions (staff, goods, services, space, utilities...). Tribal Transportation Program and Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds may be used as non-Federal match. Note that applicants that intend to combine SS4A funds with Title 23, U.S.C. funds should expect a significant delay in executing a grant agreement. Learn more form USDOT FAQ.
Are you concerned about how much work it takes to apply?
USDOT has streamlined the application process & lowered barriers to entry. Check out the application instructions and watch "How to Apply" webinars.
SS4A Basics
Which type of grant should you apply for?
Both Planning & Demonstration and Implementation grants can include funding
for Supplemental Planning and/or Demonstration activities
Planning and Demonstration
1) Develop or update Safety
Action Plan
2) Supplemental Planning
3) Demonstration activities
Maximum grant amount: $5 million
Check USDOT's page to decide which grant to apply for
*Check USDOT's Self-Certification Eligibility Worksheet to determine if your plan qualifies
SS4A Basics
Planning & Demonstration Category Includes
3 Types of Activities
Planning & Demonstrartion Grants: Action Plans
Developing a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
Don’t think of this as just “another plan” to sit on a shelf…
A strong Vision Zero Action Plan can be the catalyst for your community’s shift to the Safe System approach – a more effective and equitable approach to safe mobility. A strong Vision Zero (or roadway safety) Action Plan can be a catalyst for:
- More effective roadway safety spending
- Prioritizing safety investments in underserved communities, including Areas of Persistent Poverty
- Pivoting to a Safe System approach
- Increasing and improving walking, biking, scooter, transit trips
- Using a data-driven approach to prioritize problem locations (High-Injury Network)
- Learning of community members' concerns when data doesn't tell a full story
Check Out Resources to Develop a Strong Action Plan
Planning & Demonstrartion Grants: Action Plans
Additional Resources to Help Get Started:
1. Leadership Commitment and Goal Setting
- Nine Components of a Strong Vision Zero Commitment
- Examples of Executive Orders and Vision Zero Resolutions as well as the Vision Zero Model Resolution resource
2. Planning Structure
- The Role of Collaboration in Vision Zero Planning
- A Case Study on Prioritizing Interdepartmental Coordination & Accountability
- Creating and Sustaining a Strong Task Force
3. Safety Analysis
4. Engagement and Collaboration
5. Identifying & Addressing Underserved Communities
- Prioritizing Health Equity in Vision Zero Planning
- Institutionalizing Health Equity in Vision Zero
- Vision Zero Equity Strategies for Practitioners
6. Policy and Process Changes
- Thinking & Acting Differently for Vision Zero: Applying the Health Impact Pyramid to Roadway Safety
- Guidelines for an Effective Vision Zero Action Plan
- Vision Zero Equity Strategies for Practitioners
7. Strategy and Project Selection
8. Progress and Transparency
Planning and Demonstration Grants: Action Plans
Examples of Vision Zero Action Plans
Alameda, California
(population 79,827)
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, Pennsylvania MPO
(population 604,155)
Los Angeles County, California
(population 9,7 million)
Tampa, Florida
(population 387,050)
Charlotte, North Carolina
(population 943,476)
Bellevue, Washington
(population 146,145)
Tacoma, Washington
(population 219,205)
Planning and Demonstration Grants: Action Plans
Example of Action Planing
The Blackfeet Nation (MT) secured a $797,105 SS4A planning grant to develop the "Community Safe Systems Approach to Improve the Safety, Health, Economy, and Environment of the Blackfeet Nation". The Tribal population is 17,086, with 9,909 members currently residing on the reservation. The Tribe’s Honor Your Life public health office took the lead in the application process by bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders and collaborators, from within and outside the Tribe, including leaders in public health, research, medicine, education, environment, transit, transportation, business, law enforcement, substance abuse prevention, cultural activities, post-crash care, and others. The application was based on the Safe System Approach, ensuring a comprehensive and effective strategy, and the Tribal Council provided strong support throughout the process.
Once the grant was approved, the Tribal Transportation Office was given the responsibility for the execution of activities related to the grant (although the public health office remains an important part of the coalition) and continues the wide-ranging collaboration and focus on the Safe System Approach. This is an excellent example of how small communities can secure an SS4A grant and why collaboration among different stakeholders is vital.
Reminder for other Tribal communities: Tribal Transportation Program and Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds may be used as non-Federal match.
Watch a short clip highlighting how USDOT is investing in Rural America and Tribal Nations
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Supplemental Planning
Supplemental Planning
Don’t count this category out!
This can be more impactful than you may think!
Already have a Vision Zero Plan? Or in the process of developing one with SS4A funding? Or part of a county/MPO with a Plan (or developing one)?
This is a chance to improve it with critical, deeper-dive work to priority Vision Zero areas, including:
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Supplemental Planning
Supplemental Planning
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Supplemental Planning
Examples of Supplemental Planning:
Focusing on Children & Families
Supplemental planning funds can support regional efforts to improve safety for children and families, especially in underserved communities. For example, communities can develop a Safe Routes to School Action Plan that includes data-driven safety analysis, stakeholder engagement, and identification of high-risk locations. These efforts can also build local capacity by bringing together schools, regional partners, and community stakeholders to shape safer transportation systems.
Demonstration activities such as testing pop-up crosswalks or piloting new signage can help validate safety strategies, build public support, and inform future implementation and funding opportunities.
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Supplemental Planning
Examples of Supplemental Planning:
Strengthening data and emergency response to guide safer investments
In Savannah, they are using supplemental planning activities to strengthen how safety decisions are made across the city. Projects include road safety audits on high-risk corridors and a digital emergency services platform to better understand where serious crashes are occurring and how to respond more effectively. By combining crash data with improved analysis and coordination across agencies, the city is identifying priority locations and strategies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
These efforts will update the city’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and generate a pipeline of safety projects with clear implementation guidance. The digital platform will also support future project prioritization and scenario testing, helping ensure that investments are targeted to areas with the greatest safety needs.
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Supplemental Planning
Examples of Supplemental Planning:
Evolving E’s-based Vision Zero plan to a Safe System approach
Philadelphia pivoted from the traditional "E's" approach in its first Vision Zero Action Plan (2017) to a Safe System approach in its 2020 Plan update.
This includes greater emphasis on designing roadways for safer speeds and Complete Streets for all, and recognizing that we cannot Educate nor Enforce our way to Vision Zero.
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Supplemental Planning
Examples of Supplemental Planning:
Elevating speed management in planning process
Examples of secured grants including speed management activities:
Bellevue, WA: Includes speed management to identify context-sensitive solutions, as part of its successful Supplemental planning grant proposal.
Minneapolis, MN: Includes citywide speed data collection to inform speed management-related planning; before and after evaluation of recent speed limit reductions; and evaluation of adding roundabouts – all part of its successful Supplemental planning and Demonstration proposal.
Columbus, OH: The FY22 demonstration activities will be focused on collaboration with residents, and other stakeholders to identify and implement targeted speed reduction measures and other safety improvements. The pilot project will develop and refine strategies to transition from a Residential Traffic Calming Program to a more comprehensive Neighborhood Slow Zones program, emphasizing safer, slower residential streets in alignment with their Vision Zero Action Plan.
These resources could help you to prioritize speed management in Action Plans:
Planning & Demonstration Grants
Recommendation: Bundle multiple projects/programs covering a range of different Safe System elements
For example, your community can apply for a combination of Supplemental Planning and Demonstration activities including multiple elements, such as the following:
Safe Streets: Use Supplemental Planning funds for road safety audits or data analysis. Use Demonstration funds to pilot safety measures like daylighting, curb extensions, roundabouts, and lane narrowing – many of which can be low-cost, temporary projects that inform long-term planning.
Safe Vehicles: Pilot safety features on municipal fleets, such as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) and side/rear guards for large vehicles.
Safe Speeds: Test lower speed limits with clear signage (e.g. Seattle’s approach) or pilot speed safety cameras on high-speed corridors.
Safe People: Try out Safe Routes programs – for schools, seniors, or transit users – to explore different safety strategies for key populations.
Post-Crash Response: Pilot GPS-preemption to speed emergency response and test regional tele-EMS and pre-hospital blood transfusions to improve trauma care.
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Demonstration Projects
Demonstration Activities
“Reimagine what roadway safety looks like” - USDOT SS4A webinar on April 27, 2023
USDOT describes 4 types of Demonstration activities:
1. Feasibility studies: on-the ground pilots, examples: planters, paint, posts for traffic calming, road re-design
- Must be temporary, finite trial period; Smaller scale & testing for bigger usage
2. Pilot programs for Behavioral or Operational activities: small-scale testing of other activities
- USDOT Examples: Variable fines for safety infractions; education campaigns; focus group-testing/messaging; rideshare programs/alternatives to drunk driving; post-crash care activities
- VZN ideas: Message development/testing to support safety policy; Restorative justice programs; Safe System trainings, learnings
3. MUTCD Engineering study: various engineering studies that further safety applications of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
4. New technologies: Examples: pilots of speed safety cameras w/ focus on addressing equity concerns: piloting variable speed limit signs; intelligent transportation technologies in fleets.
- VZN idea: pilot active Intelligent Speed Assistance in your fleets.
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Demonstration Projects
Demonstration Activities
RECOMMENDATION: Implementation proposals can include Supplemental Planning and/or Demonstration activities.
WHY? Significant funding is available for the Planning category of SS4A, which will be less tightly competitive than the Implementation category. And keep in mind that your Supplemental Planning and/or Demonstration activities can be funded even if your Implementation activities are not selected for funding.
Planning Grants: Demonstration Projects
Examples of Demonstration activities:
Quick-build strategies
Demonstration activities can include demonstration/quick build projects to:
- Test Action Plan concepts on-the-ground before full implementation
- Conduct feasibility studies using quick-build strategies to inform future, permanent projects
- Create opportunities for stakeholder engagement & feedback on ideas tested in the community
Benefits of demonstration/quick build projects include:
- Greater cost-efficiency to test designs using lower-cost materials
- Faster turnaround time to assess results & reactions
- Chance to tweak designs real-time
- Building community & political buy-in
- USDOT encourages innovation – so try new safety strategies for your community
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Demonstration Projects
Examples of Demonstration activities:
Quick-build strategies
Leverage demonstration activities to inform future community-wide initiatives, utilizing temporary, cost-effective quick-build designs such as paint, plastic bollards, and movable planters to pilot and assess the effectiveness of reconfiguring intersections, traffic-calming streets, or demonstrating other road-safety strategies, fostering buy-in for change through creativity and practical experimentation.
- Pilot "safe school streets" by limiting car traffic in the streets surrounding schools during drop-off and pick-up times. Use temporary, quick-build features such as portable barriers, traffic cones and signage.
- Bethlehem, PA (secured Demonstration grant in FY23): a year-long demonstration activity of creating temporary curb bump-outs at six elementary schools to gather data on the feasibility of creating permanent bump-outs at some or all of the intersections.
- Pilot new technologies: NYC DOT (secured Demonstration grant in FY23) will retrofit a portion of fleet vehicles with active Intelligent Speed Assistance technology to prevent speeding.
Check out these resources for more information about quick-build solutions:
Planning Grants: Demonstration Projects
Examples of Demonstration activities:
Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) for Fleets
ISA is a safe speed technology installed in a vehicle to prevent speeding. It is a proven, available, and easily deployable technology that has existed for decades (read more here).
Building on early success with ISA in its municipal fleet, New York City is leveraging the SS4A program to scale this work. After a 2022 pilot across ~500 vehicles demonstrated that 99% of miles were driven at or below set speed thresholds, the NYC Department of Transportation applied for SS4A funding to expand ISA to an additional 1,700 vehicles.
The grant supports demonstration activities, including retrofitting fleet vehicles with active, centrally managed ISA to prevent speeding – offering a strong example of how SS4A can help communities pilot, evaluate, and scale proven safety strategies. Find practical guidance for including ISA pilot in your SS4A proposal here.
Another example: Washington, DC’s Child and Family Services Agency demonstrates how ISA can be effectively implemented in a government fleet, rapidly deploying the technology across ~80 vehicles and achieving a 91% reduction in speeding incidents – learn more here.
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Demonstration Projects
Example: Baltimore Goes Big & Bold with SS4A!
Baltimore is a great model for bigger, bolder thinking – and success – with SS4A Planning & Demonstration grants.
In 2022, the City was awarded a $1M SS4A grant to develop a Safety Action Plan. Building on this “work in progress”, the City won another award the next year ($9M+) for Demonstration activities & Supplemental planning.
Supplemental planning activities include:
- Developing a High Injury Network and Health Impact Assessment Process, in partnership with local universities
- Planning meaningful public engagement activities to inform the public about Complete Streets, build buy-in for future activities and promote active transportation. *This includes compensating community partners for their involvement and input – an important chance to support wealth-building in the community (Borrow This Idea!)
See Baltimore’s full slide presentation in a new window. And watch the 1-hour webinar featuring Baltimore and Bellevue examples.
Demonstration activities include:
- Piloting a pop-up to quick-build planning process – including 10-15 miles of pop-up versions of Complete Streets infrastructure along High Injury Network routes. They’ll observe the designs in real time and gather on-the-ground community feedback to ultimately inform the resultant quick-build design. These projects are designed to be implemented over a shorter period of time than a more typical planning and design process involving extensive public meetings.
- Developing a robust communication campaign to support Complete Streets Demonstration activities.
…and excitingly…
- Launching a Ciclovia program (or Open Streets), monthly opportunities to open select streets to people walking, biking, rolling, skating, playing, etc. (but not driving). The route will be along the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network under development. This is aimed at encouraging multimodal mobility and building more community awareness of the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network.
Planning & Demonstration Grants: Demonstration Projects
Example: Bellevue Goes Big & Bold with SS4A!
See Bellevue's full slide presentation in a new window. And watch the 1-hour webinar featuring Baltimore and Bellevue examples.
Bellevue, WA, is another great model for bigger, bolder thinking – and success – with SS4A Planning & Demonstration grants. Bellevue, which had already developed a Vision Zero Action Plan, applied in 2023 for a multi-part SS4A grant (see City’s proposal here). As part of developing their proposal, the City developed a prioritization process for projects involving various departments.
Though the City did not receive the Implementation portion (as is common because that part is over-subscribed), they were successful with both their Supplemental Planning & Demonstration proposals. Activities include:
- Road safety audits on the city’s High Injury Network
- Speed studies
- Bike Lane Design Guidance
- Speed Safety Camera Procedures
- Protected turn phasing for Pedestrians Demonstration
- Adaptive Pedestrian Signal Control Demonstration
- Paint the Pavement Safety Demonstration
- Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Demonstration
Bellevue’s approach shows the benefit of applying in multiple categories for multiple Safe System actions. Even though part of the proposal was denied, the other two sections are moving forward!
Implementation Grants
Implementation Grants
Key Points from SS4A website:
Vision Zero Network suggestions:
Implementation Grants
Implementation Grants
These important resources should inform your work:
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
General
Practical:
- Don’t miss the deadline: May 26, 2026 (5:00 PM EDT) (check out the NOFO for more details)
- See USDOT’s informative SS4A website for critical details and examples
- HIGH likelihood your community is eligible, especially for Planning funds:
- Action Plan
- Supplemental Planning
- Demonstration Activities
- Or combine some or all of the above
Strategic: Use This Opportunity to
- Build internal buy-in & momentum for meaningful, lasting systems changes (= more than a one-off grant application)
- Bundle activities smartly: You can include multiple planning and/or demonstration activities in one application – just clearly separate them in the narrative and budget. USDOT has flexibility to fund applications even partially.
- Deepen work to center the needs of underserved communities
- Prioritize speed management work especially for Planning and Demonstration grants
- Focus safety efforts on most vulnerable: people walking, biking, motorcycling, scooter, etc.
- Engage first responders in your planning process
- Emphasize safety benefits to families, jobs, and the local economy
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Planning & Demonstration
- You can apply for multiple Supplemental planning and Demonstration activities within a single grant application and receive partial funding as long as each activity is clearly specified in your application.
- If your community already received SS4A funds and is currently developing an Action Plan, USDOT guidance confirms that you can apply for Supplemental Planning and/or Demonstration funds in FY26.
- HIGH likelihood your community is eligible. Example: If your town/city is part of area (e.g. County, MPO) already covered by an Action Plan, or Plan is under development, you could apply for Supplemental and/or Demonstration activities.
- The process of planning can be as important as the product to build buy-in and momentum for Safe System / Vision Zero change.
- Include funding for valuable, non-traditional partners, including public health staff, local nonprofit, community-based groups, or first responders and public safety partners. Including letters of support from these agencies will strengthen your proposal.
- All supplemental planning must relate to at least one of the 7 Action Plan components. And clearly explain how the work will strengthen the Action Plan and support project prioritization or strategy development.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Implementation
STRONG ENCOURAGEMENT to include Supplemental &/or Demonstration activities in Implementation proposals.
Think beyond spot or "one-corridor improvements" Consider systemic safety strategies on larger scale. You can propose safety countermeasures on broad scale, waiting to finalize all exact locations. This aligns with USDOT’s focus on the Safe System Approach: systemwide, proactive, preventative measures.
We encourage communities to consider the benefits of Planning and Demonstration grants, as Implementation grants remain significantly more competitive. In past rounds, only about 20% of eligible Implementation applicants were awarded funding, while all complete and eligible FY22–23 Planning applications were funded.
New for FY2026, USDOT may redirect surplus Planning funds to Implementation grants if there are not enough strong Planning applications. While this creates additional opportunity, Implementation funding is still highly competitive. So, for many communities, Planning and Demonstration grants remain a strong and strategic entry point.
Key Takeaways
Thank you & Good Luck!
Important links and resources
US Dept. of Transportation
- Stay informed by signing up for the SS4A email update list
- See extensive FAQ page
- Watch the webinar series on the how/why/what of SS4A program
- Vision Zero Toolkit (FHWA)
- SS4A Technical Assistance center
Local Infrastructure Hub
Take a look at the resources from the Local Infrastructure Hub – including successful applications, recorded webinars & fact sheets.
If you have received an SS4A grant and are looking for support on roadway safety strategies or implementation, you can request one-on-one coaching from USDOT using this form.
Learn more about Vision Zero Network
Photo credits:
USDOT, Andrew Bowen, Travis Estell, Seattle DOT, Tim Durkan, Will Porada on Unsplash, Jeanne Clark, Hackney Council, City of Missoula, Rethinking the Future, Sport&Impianti, BikePortland
Special thanks to those who contributed to developing this resource, including Eric Tuvel & Niko Letunic