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Metro Open Streets Grant Program

Open Streets initiatives temporarily close streets to automobile traffic and open them to cyclists, pedestrians and other modes of non-motorized transportation. Slow Streets, which began during the pandemic, include installations designed to reduce traffic volume and significantly lower speeds on roadways, allowing people to walk, bike, and play safely in the streets.

Overview

Open Streets initiatives temporarily close streets to automobile traffic and open them to cyclists, pedestrians, and other modes of non-motorized transportation. Open Streets have become an innovative advancement in the movement toward livable cities. They are an increasingly common strategy in regions seeking innovative ways to encourage mode shift to sustainable modes of transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and improve economic and public health.

Created in 2013, the Open Streets Grant Program has the following goals:

Offer opportunities to experience public transportation, walking, and biking, potentially for the first time.
Encourage the adoption of sustainable transportation modes for the future.
Promote community engagement to develop policies and infrastructure for multiple modes of transportation.

To date, Metro has funded five cycles of Open Streets events, which have taken place in 39 different jurisdictions. These events have resulted in approximately 328 miles of street closures for 70 events.

Open & Slow Streets Cycle 6 and 7

The combined cycles 6 and 7 of the Open & Slow Streets Grant Program provides $10 million for open and slow streets events in Los Angeles County with a special focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games major events. Metro’s Open and Slow Streets goals include helping people experience public transportation, walking, and biking potentially for the first time, encouraging the adoption of sustainable transportation modes, and promoting community engagement to develop policies and infrastructure for multiple modes of transportation with an emphasis on advancing equity. In addition to these goals, this cycle also focuses on uplifting arts, culture, and recreation during the upcoming major events and spreading the spirit of these events to communities across LA County. For more on the Metro Board directives that inform this program, please view the 2022 Board Motion and 2023 Board Report.

Status

The application period for the Cycle 6 and 7 Open & Slow Streets Competitive Grant Program is now closed. Metro accepted applications between August 24, 2025 and October 10, 2025.

A Metro-led evaluation panel is currently reviewing applications. Metro anticipates presenting Cycle 6 & 7 grant award recommendations to the Metro Board of Directors for approval in late 2025.