The Revitalizing Main Streets (RMS) grant program is dedicated to improving active transportation safety and strengthening the vital connection between people and their main streets, which serve as central economic hubs. This initiative across Colorado fosters physical activity and boosts local economies in towns and cities by funding key infrastructure upgrades. These improvements are designed to make walking and biking more accessible and appealing, creating lasting benefits that reinforce community bonds and enhance the vibrancy of main streets.
Building on the proven success of the Safer Main Streets program, the RMS program was developed to implement a statewide strategy for promoting active transportation in our downtown areas and main streets. Launched as a key component of Colorado’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, the program initially received a $30 million allocation from the state legislature in March 2021. Further reinforcing its commitment, Colorado Senate Bill 260 in June 2021 added a substantial $85 million in funding, distributed over the next decade, to ensure the long-term revitalization of main streets.
The RMS grant program aims to achieve several key goals focused on enhancing main streets:
- Promote active transportation and healthier lifestyles by enhancing the appeal of downtowns, mixed-use centers, and community spaces within main streets.
- Support local economic development and create more opportunities for businesses to flourish along main streets.
- Encourage innovative and community-focused uses of public spaces to draw people to main streets.
- Improve community access to right-of-way areas, ensuring safe accommodation for all modes of transportation within main streets.
- Provide safe and equitable access to opportunities and mobility for residents of all ages, incomes, and abilities, with a focus on vulnerable users of main streets.
Grant Opportunities for Main Street Revitalization
Currently, Grant Opportunity 2, focusing on Small Multimodal & Economic Resiliency Projects, is open for applications. The upcoming deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, February 26th, 2025.
RMS Grant Opportunity 2 Application
Enviroscreen Tool Directions
Eligibility and Essential Information for Applicants
Eligibility for the RMS grant program is limited to entities that can directly receive federal transportation funds. This includes local governments, CDOT, and other governmental agencies. For comprehensive details regarding eligibility and program guidelines, please refer to the following resources:
RMS Rules, Eligibility and Selection Process
RMS Program Frequently Asked Questions
Important Dates and Support for Your Application
For applicants seeking additional information or guidance, office hours are held every Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. (excluding State holidays). This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity on the application process for main street revitalization projects.
- Join via Open Office Hours Zoom
- Meeting ID: 837 8067 1406
- Password: RMS
Celebrating Grant Awardees and Main Street Success Stories
Discover more about the communities across Colorado that have already benefited from the Revitalizing Main Streets grant program. Explore the map below to learn about the diverse projects underway and the positive impacts on main streets statewide.
RMS 2024 Awards
