Applications for Smart Growth America's 2026-2027 Community Connectors program cohort are now open through July 14, 2026! The program helps cities reconnect communities that have been separated or harmed by transportation infrastructure. This year, the program will work with communities focused on redesigning divisive and dangerous arterial roads in order to reconnect their neighborhoods and improve the safety of all road users.
The Community Connectors program is open to teams consisting of a local government agency and community-based organization from cities with populations of approximately 50,000 to 500,000 people. The three chosen teams will participate in a year-long cohort between August 2026 and June 2027, which consists of training and support to design and implement a temporary street safety pilot project. The project is funded with a $25,000 grant to implement the street safety demonstration project, up to $20,000 in in-kind support from outside engineering experts to support their project’s design, and a travel budget for the two-day convening in fall 2026.
The Connected Communities program aims help each team:
- Make dangerous streets and roads safer and start repairing damage and division.
- Develop new skills that can be used on future projects.
- Learn more about Complete Streets.
- Build trust and lasting partnerships.
- Share lessons with others.
Visit the Connected Communities webpage to learn more and apply to the program. Applications are due on July 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m Eastern time.
For additional resources on funding and program opportunities for transportation safety professionals, advocates, and community members who want to create more equitable, walkable, and bikeable communities, visit our Funding and Programming Opportunities page.