Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program
Forecasted
Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program supports Washington communities with planning and infrastructure that reconnect highway-divided neighborhoods for safer walking, biking and rolling.
Funder: Washington State Department of Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10 million statewide for 2025–2026; approximately $20,000–$200,000 for quick-build projects; no match required
Summary: Supports community-centered planning and infrastructure that reconnect Washington communities divided by highways for safer walking, biking and rolling.
Key Information: Projects must serve communities of focus on current or former state highways and complete pre-application tribal consultation.
Description
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) administers the Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program to improve active transportation connectivity along and across current and former state highways. Established by the Washington State Legislature in 2022, the program honors Spokane community advocate Sandy Williams. It focuses on communities facing barriers to opportunity, environmental health disparities and historic disinvestment.
Funding supports community-centered planning, quick-build improvements, design and construction. Projects can include greenways, sidewalks, protected bike lanes, accessible crossings, Complete Streets and speed management. The program seeks safer, more comfortable access to schools, transit, health centers, parks, grocery stores and other community destinations. Priorities include community-led decisions, equity and environmental justice, partnerships with community-based organizations, and improvements that also address displacement, climate resilience and broader social and economic needs.
