Open and Slow Streets Grant Program

Opening public streets for walking, biking, and community events.

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Program

Current Phase

Program

Metro has awarded a total of seven cycles of Open and Slow Streets (OSS) grants, as well as a smaller “mini” cycle in 2019. The grant program has grown to a $5 million investment in Cycle Five from 2024-2025. As of 2026, OSS has funded 113 events, spanning 392 miles of open and slow street activities across 44 jurisdictions. The OSS Cycles Six and Seven were combined to address the Board directive to maximize opportunities for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Goals of the program 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. For more on the Metro Board directives that inform this program, please view the 2022 Board Motion and 2023 Board Report.

Status Update

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Open Link

Cycle 8 Submissions Now Open!

In September 2026, the Metro Board of Directors approved $1,000,000 in funding for Cycle 8 of the Open and Slow Streets Grant Program for events taking place from January 2027 to July 2028. The Letter of Interest (LOI) submission period opened on October 15, 2026, and will close at 5:00 PM PST on October 30^th, 2026. Materials are linked below.

Letter of Interest (LOI) Materials

Info Session Materials

Open and Slow Streets Staff Office Hours

Metro staff are available by appointment to meet with prospective applicants to provide assistance and answer your questions about the application process. To set up an appointment, please email openstreets@metro.net.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Slow Streets and Open Streets?

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

Does LA Metro organize or operate the events?

No, grantee agencies are responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing their events.

Are Open or Slow Streets events free to attend?

Yes, Open and Slow Street events funded through the program are free and open to the public.

Who is eligible to apply for funding?

Los Angeles County jurisdictions or municipalities, which include cities, councils of governments, and Los Angeles County agencies with jurisdiction over the streets, where they propose staging an event. Community Based Organizations (CBOs/non-profit organizations) can apply as co-applicants.

Is there a minimum local match required?

Yes, there is a 30% minimum local match requirement on each application. Match can come from in-kind or staff time. Metro hopes to see that cities also commit to a range of resources, not limited to Metro funding.