VTA is seeking proposals from Santa Clara County municipalities, jurisdictions, arts, cultural, education, nonprofit and community organizations to support VTA’s vision of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC). 

What is a TOC?

The Valley Transportation Authority has a strategy for a sustainable path of development in Santa Clara County: Transit-Oriented Communities are vibrant, livable places near transit, with homes, jobs, parks, and shops that connect well to the surrounding neighborhoods, where traveling by bus, light rail, bike, scooter, skateboard, or on foot is safe, reliable, and convenient. By locating an increased share of the county’s future growth within one-half mile of transit and creating greater access to social and economic opportunities, we can enhance VTA’s investments and grow in a balanced, sustainable, and equitable way.

Grant Goals

The goal for the grant is to grow innovative and robust partnerships between VTA and local public agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and other diverse stakeholders to advance implementation of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities in Santa Clara County. Selected projects will empower and strengthen communities, increase transit ridership, reduce the need for car trips, and support intensive mixed-use, mixed-income development around light rail stations and transit hubs. Eligible projects support collaboration and will be located within ½-mile of existing and planned VTA light rail stations, VTA transit centers, BART stations, and commuter rail stations served by Caltrain, ACE, and/or Capitol Corridor. 

The deadline for applications will be May 22, 2024.  Through a competitive process, 14-20 projects are expected to be selected to receive up to approximately $15,000 to $175,000. Selected projects are planned to commence between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

VTA will hold virtual and in-person informational sessions in April and May to walk through the Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Program, how to fill out the application, and address common questions regarding the application.

Learn more about our Transit-Oriented Communities Program Grant.

Eligible Activities

Grant funding is available for applications that advance the following Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Program Areas:

A.- Planning and Policy Implementation
Advancing adoption and implementation of policies, plans, and regulations to enable equitable Transit-Oriented Communities.

Examples of Eligible Activities:

• Station area planning
• Transit access planning and evaluation of mobility needs
• Equitable development and implementation plans
• Technical assistance and support for local agency staff to advance alignment with Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Transit-Oriented Communities Policy

B.- Community Resilience

Supporting community organizations in playing greater roles in implementing equitable transit-oriented communities

Examples of Eligible Activities:

• Implementation of anti-displacement efforts, including activities that advance acquiring, rehabilitating or preserving affordable housing, and housing preservation pilot projects
• Small business and commercial preservation and support
• Technical assistance and support for planning and development
• Programs that encourage and facilitate use of transit and other active transportation modes for individuals with limited incomes

C,- Education & Engagement

Increasing community leadership and participation to implement Transit-Oriented Communities policies, plans and regulations, and increasing support for equitable, culturally relevant engagement practices,

Examples of Eligible Activities:

• Advocacy campaigns for Transit-Oriented Communities-supportive policies and investments
• Community-based capacity building through the use of Promotores(as)
• Translation and interpretation services
• Food and childcare at community meetings
• Housing and homeowner application readiness workshops

D.- Placemaking, Arts, and Activation

Improving the transit rider and community experience through publicly accessible arts and culture projects right next to transit that reinforce local culture, history, or value, and/or community beautification that enhances the safety and accessibility of transit,

Examples of Eligible Activities:

• Place-based arts and culture projects within the public realm that enhance station areas and community culture and identity, such as murals and public art adjacent to transit
• Universal/inclusive signage design
• Projects that improve access in transit station area with a focus on pedestrian experience, such as crossing guards, park/trail clean-ups, graffiti-removal
• Festival-style events, such as outdoor street festivals or performance