Apply for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Planning Grants. This program is a rare opportunity for landscape architects to significantly increase safe, accessible, integrated transportation networks across the nation.

First, this funding is not for everyone. Notably, State Departments of Transportation are not eligible to receive these funds. Instead, funding could go to landscape architects who either work for or partner with the following entities:

• Political subdivisions of a state:
• Counties, cities, towns, transit agencies, and other special districts.
• Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).
• Federally recognized Tribal governments.

These grants will fund projects in multimodal planning, nature-based traffic-calming, Safe Routes to Schools, community engagement, and more. Specifically, landscape architects could be empowered to:

• Create or update Comprehensive Safety Action Plans
• Conduct road safety audits and collect pedestrian casualty data
• Lead MUTCD demonstrations and studies
• Design behavioral or operational activity pilot programs
• Organize community stakeholder engagement and collaboration

DOT is accepting applications in three rounds throughout this year. Specifically, landscape architects should apply in the following cycles:

• First round due prior to April 4, 2024 at 5pm ET
• Second round due prior to May 16, 2024 at 5pm ET
• Third and final round due prior to August 29, 2024 at 5pm ET

ASLA maintains a member-only list of federal grant opportunities that are especially relevant to landscape architects. Access the list.Become a member.