Revitalizing Main Streets (RMS)

The Small Multimodal and Economic Resiliency Grant (Opportunity 2), administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) under the Revitalizing Main Streets (RMS) program, supports projects that enhance active transportation infrastructure and contribute to the economic and social vitality of downtown areas across Colorado. The program encourages the creation of environments that promote walking, biking, and community gathering while fostering local economic growth. CDOT, acting as the steward of these state funds, has established clear criteria and processes to ensure equitable and effective use of funding. This grant opportunity is designed to help communities implement infrastructure improvements that increase accessibility, safety, and vibrancy in public spaces. Eligible projects may include expanding ADA-accessible sidewalks, adding separated bike lanes, increasing street landscaping, reducing vehicular speed limits, installing parklets, and incorporating public art to enhance pedestrian environments. However, the grant does not cover costs related to planning, design, engineering, or professional services. All projects must be shovel-ready and capable of substantial completion within 12 months from authorization. Eligible applicants include local governments, business improvement districts, councils of governments acting on behalf of local jurisdictions, and universities or colleges. Nonprofits may partner with eligible entities but cannot apply independently. All projects must be located entirely within Colorado. If a project intersects with state rights-of-way, a CDOT Special Use Permit is required prior to application. Applicants must own or have an easement for the project site, except for projects located in CDOT rights-of-way. Applications can be submitted at any time to cdotmainstreets@state.co.us, but will be reviewed on a bi-monthly cycle. The scheduled deadlines for 2025 are the last Wednesdays of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Applications must include commitments to follow federal and state laws, local procurement codes, and relevant documentation for property access. Approved applications become the project’s official scope of work. Applications are scored using a 100-point rubric, with a minimum score of 80 required for consideration. Evaluation criteria include support for downtown vitality (35%), enhancement of active transportation and safety (35%), equity improvements for disproportionately impacted communities (20%), and evidence of community support or inclusion in planning documents (10%). Final award decisions may also account for geographic equity. A multi-agency review committee from CDOT, the Department of Public Health and Environment, the Colorado Energy Office, and the Department of Local Affairs conducts the reviews. Selected applicants will enter into a formal agreement with CDOT and must comply with all reporting and reimbursement protocols. This is a reimbursement-based grant, requiring awardees to pay invoices before seeking reimbursement. Awardees must also submit a close-out report with photos, a narrative of lessons learned, and potentially additional data on project outcomes. For further information or to submit applications, interested parties should contact CDOT via cdotmainstreets@state.co.us.

Applications must be complete or will be returned. Include permits and easements early.