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 movement toward livable cities. They are an increasingly common strategy in regions seeking innovative ways to encourage mode shift to sustainable modes of transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and improve economic and public health.

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

1. Offer opportunities to experience public transportation, walking, and biking, potentially for the first time.
2. Encourage the adoption of sustainable transportation modes for the future.
3. Promote community engagement to develop policies and infrastructure for multiple modes of transportation.

To date, Metro has funded four cycles of Open Streets events, which have taken place in 38 different jurisdictions. These events have resulted in approximately 248 miles of street closures for 70 events.