The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced a grant opportunity in June 2020 to help Revitalize Main Streets (RMS) across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small-scale grants (up to $50K) were available to communities, aimed at implementing quick-win projects that would improve the local economy and enhance healthy, multimodal transportation infrastructure. Awarded projects ranged from temporary outdoor dining parklets to bicycle and pedestrian trail improvements. The results have been astounding and impactful. To date, over $2.5 million has been awarded to nearly 60 communities. This has provided a much-needed boost to the local economy and small businesses, struggling to stay open while adhering to the necessary public health protocol.
The Colorado Main Street program, housed within the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), has been an advocate and participant of this program since announced. Through this program, local governments across Colorado have implemented safe, reopening strategies that have improved our communities' health and vitality.
Panelists will present their innovations, adaptations, and successes during summer 2020 and then pivoted to adapt for the harsh Colorado winter, highlighting the impact this has had on their community.