Vision Zero Traffic Safety Program
At a glance
- Police Department authorized to apply for National Safety Council Fiscal Year 2026 Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grant (up to $200,000, no matching funds)
- Grant supports Vision Zero Safe System Approach to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries
- Funding focuses on enforcement equipment and personnel, not infrastructure
- Council debate on balance between enforcement versus infrastructure interventions; Hernandez expressed disapproval of enforcement focus
- Pilot program locations to be determined; application due January 16, 2026
Vision Zero Commitment
City of Phoenix commitment to Vision Zero Safe System Approach prioritizes safety of all road users, especially most vulnerable. Initiative to reduce preventable crashes, address disparities in traffic safety, and promote shared responsibility on road.
Grant Details
National Safety Council program administered in partnership with U.S. Department of Transportation supports innovative, evidence-based strategies to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Two-year contract term from date of approved award. Application deadline January 16, 2026.
Proposed Use of Funds
Police Department proposed comprehensive program to be scaled/replicated, contributing to broader goal of eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.
Enforcement Focus
- New equipment for major intersections with high fatality crash volume
- Portable drug and alcohol testing devices
- Overtime pay for enforcement personnel
- Educational outreach on speeding and driving under the influence
Assistant Chief Ed DeCastro stated funds allocated specifically to reduction of fatalities in major intersections with high crash volume, with particular equipment and portable breath/alcohol tests. Additional funds distributed for overtime pay to enforce projects.
Council Discussion
Enforcement Versus Infrastructure
Hernandez sought clarification whether funds directed toward enforcement measures versus infrastructure or interventions. Assistant Chief DeCastro agreed funds are enforcement-focused. Hernandez asked whether anything specific from Vision Zero program incorporated beyond enforcement. Assistant Chief DeCastro responded Vision Zero includes educational outreach on speeding and DUI; staff will continue providing community outreach on slower speeds in neighborhoods.
Hernandez expressed disapproval of item.
Vision Zero Scope
Hodge Washington requested additional information from Streets Department on Vision Zero and traffic safety. Wanted clarification that Vision Zero involves multiple components including education beyond enforcement. Assistant City Manager Lori Bays confirmed Vision Zero has multiple components with enforcement being one.
Hodge Washington requested information on pilot program locations. Assistant Chief DeCastro provided multiple locations for pilot.
Community Concerns
Public commenter Leonard Clark expressed concern with road rage and provided feedback on appropriate fund use.
Decision
Passed 8-1 on January 7, 2026 via Ordinance S-52533.
Yes (8): Hodge Washington, Pastor, Robinson, Stark, Waring, O'Brien, Gallego, and one additional council member
No (1): Hernandez
Absent (1): Guardado
Log
2026-01-07 - City Council
- Item 70: Authorization to Apply for National Safety Council Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grant (Ordinance S-52533) passed 8-1, with Hernandez dissenting
- 2026-11-04 - 2026-11-04 - City Council Formal Meeting: Item 59, speed limits at 10 locations, ordinance G-7554, adopted.