$60 million available to plan transit-focused, sustainable communities in San Francisco area

California’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is making $60 million available to support planning and capital projects across the San Francisco Bay Area.  

The grants will be distributed through two key programs: the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) program and the Climate Initiatives Program, both of which encourage public transit use, sustainable community development and improved air quality. 

The TOC program is providing $20 million for advancing planning and capital projects that promote affordable housing and sustainable transportation options. Eligible projects include zoning for affordable housing, parking reform and projects that improve access to public transportation. The deadline to apply is Nov. 22. 

RELATED: California grants $789 million to transit-oriented affordable housing projects

The Climate Initiatives Program will provide $40 million for projects designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and advance strategies to build a complete-streets network. This program supports innovations in sustainable mobility and infrastructure, including efforts to increase electric vehicle (EV) charging availability, implement bike-sharing or e-scooter programs and develop more sustainable transportation networks. Applications are due by Friday, Dec. 20. 

The grants are available for both planning and implementation phases and are expected to help local governments and transit agencies develop long-term sustainability goals.  

Communities should include equity-focused approaches in their proposals, ensuring that low-income and underserved neighborhoods benefit from these investments. The MTC will prioritize projects that are ready to implement and that show clear benefits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting equitable transit-oriented development. 

Local governments, transit agencies and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply through MTC’s Technical Assistance Portal, which also includes guidelines, eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria.  

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