Open Streets initiatives temporarily close streets to automobile traffic and open them to cyclists, pedestrians and other modes of non-motorized transportation. Open Streets have become an innovative advancement in the livable cities movement. They are an increasingly common strategy in regions that are seeking innovative ways to encourage mode shift to sustainable modes of transportation, reduce traffic congestion, achieve economic and public health improvement.

Created in 2013, the Open Streets Grant Program has the following goals:

1. Provide opportunities for riding transit, walking and riding a bike, possibly for the first time
2. Encourage future mode shift to more sustainable transportation modes 
3. Promote civic engagement to foster the development of multi-modal policies and infrastructure at the city/community level