Consider applying for supplemental or demonstration grants.

Robin Hutcheson emphasized the competitiveness of implementation grants. Therefore, if a city has already received a planning grant, supplemental and demonstration grants are a good option to consider. She clarified that cities do not need to wait until their Action Plan is complete to apply for supplemental or demonstration grants. However, she recommended aligning with higher-jurisdiction Action Plans when possible to strengthen the case. She also advised cities to stay organized and clearly explain how the new application builds on their planning efforts.

Use data to tell a story.

Applicants must calculate and include their community’s five-year average annual fatality rate. Justin Edwards noted that even if the fatality rate is low, additional data—such as census figures on children, housing or travel patterns—can strengthen the case. Visual aids like maps or tables help clearly communicate safety concerns while preserving narrative space for other priorities.

Explore creative ways to secure matching funds.

Matching funds are an important part of the application. Emily Winburn highlighted that cities can combine in-kind contributions, staff time, state partnerships and contractor hours towards the match.  This flexibility can make assembling a competitive application more feasible for resource-constrained communities.

Tailor applications to this administration’s priorities.

Robin discussed how applications that propose reducing vehicle lane capacity or may be viewed less favorably by the U.S. Department of Transportation.  Applicants should be strategic in framing street design changes. Justin suggested using demographic data, such as birth and marriage rates, to strengthen the narrative and align with DOT priorities.

Read and re-read the NOFO.

All speakers stressed the importance of carefully reading the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and meeting all requirements. Strong applications are often rejected over technicalities. Meeting the criteria precisely is essential.

Resources Shared During the Webinar and in Discussion: 

• Safe Streets and Roads for All: What’s New in the 2025 Grant Program: This overview details eligible uses for 2025 grant funding, recommendations for aligning municipal applications with federal administration policy priorities and key program updates that successful applicants will reflect in their applications. 
• Average Annual Fatality Rate Calculation: Find an example on how to document and obtain the necessary data and calculate the Average Annual Motor Vehicle-Involved Roadway Fatalities for inclusion in a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant application. 
• 2025 Safe Streets for All Bootcamp Resources: This detailed slide deck provides municipal leaders with in-depth information and tools to support leaders in developing a strong grant application tailored to your jurisdiction. Provided is a grant program overview, instructions for application submission, budget guidance and tools to strengthen core components of your grant application. 
• U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets for All Grant Program Webinar Series: The U.S. Department of Transportation hosted a series of webinars on the Safe Streets for All grant program. The series focuses on implementation grants, action plans, and supplemental planning and demonstration activities. Watch these webinars to learn more about the grant program and what type of funding your municipality should apply for.
• Quick Builds, Lasting Change: Tampa’s Bold Approach to Traffic Safety: Learn more about how The City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and their MPO have secured over $50 million in Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grants to implement innovative traffic safety improvements through the Quick Build Program, enabling rapid deployment of low-cost safety measures. In partnership with state and local agencies, Tampa is leading its largest-ever roadway safety investment, already seeing a decline in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities less than three years into the program.