Shawnee County adopts Vision Zero-style safety resolution tied to federal Safe Streets grant

The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 24 approved a resolution adopting a Vision Zero policy and a comprehensive safety action plan to comply with requirements for the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program.

Courtney House, director of public works, explained the county requested SS4A grant funds to create a comprehensive safety action plan and that adopting the resolution is one of the program requirements. House said the policy has two primary goals: "that we strive for 0 fatalities and serious accidents on the county road system by 2055" and adopting the comprehensive safety action plan. He noted the plan is nearly complete and offered to present the draft at a Thursday meeting for commissioners and staff to review.

Commissioners discussed the value of a briefing on the draft plan and asked staff to coordinate with the appropriate contacts to present details. Commissioner comments emphasized the multi-step nature of the effort and the need to review the specifics and the timeline. The board voted 3-0 to adopt the resolution and the plan as the county's formal policy commitment for the grant application.

What happens next: staff will finalize the comprehensive safety action plan materials for further review, pursue SS4A funding as appropriate, and provide a presentation for commissioners to review the draft action steps and metrics.

Provenance: Discussion begins at SEG 377 with the presentation of resolution 2025-99 and concludes at SEG 452 with the recorded vote approving the resolution.