USDOT announces $13.4 million grant for transit-oriented development planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has unveiled a $13.4 million grant opportunity through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. These funds aim to invigorate local planning around transit hubs, fostering sustainable, liveable and equitable communities.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) weaves together public transportation, land use and housing, creating communities seamlessly connected to transit and pedestrian pathways. This approach reduces transportation costs, carbon footprints, as well as enhances access to jobs and services.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said: “Transit-oriented development helps shape communities where you can conveniently access jobs, groceries, medical care, good schools, affordable housing and more.”

With a proven track record, FTA’s TOD programme has allocated over $104 million since 2015, energising communities to harness transit-based prospects. Past awardees like Phoenix and Tempe have harnessed these funds for inventive projects that transform areas surrounding transit routes into sustainable neighbourhoods, expanding housing opportunities. TOD initiatives extend beyond transportation, diminishing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, curbing emissions and bolstering mobility.

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FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said: “Transit-oriented development reduces reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, improves mobility and reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. It helps promote transit ridership by creating more opportunities for people to access rail stations, transit centres and bus stops.” 

The Pilot Program for TOD Planning aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision of lowering costs, combating climate change and ensuring fair benefits distribution. Applications prioritising environmental justice, air quality improvement, support for unhoused populations and affordable housing will receive special consideration.

The application process welcomes existing FTA grant recipients, encompassing project sponsors for eligible transit endeavours and entities with land use planning authority within project corridors. Collaborative efforts between transit project sponsors and land use planning authorities are vital for community-oriented outcomes.

The application deadline is 10 October 2023. The programme echoes the Biden-Harris Administration’s Housing Supply Action Plan, aiming to augment quality housing availability, gradually alleviating nationwide housing cost burdens.