FY 2026 Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning

The Federal Transit Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, administers competitive grant programs designed to improve public transportation systems and support sustainable community development. Through the Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning, the agency seeks to align transportation investments with land use planning to promote efficient, accessible, and economically vibrant communities. This program reflects the FTA’s broader mission to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and foster equitable access to transit services across the United States. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support comprehensive or site-specific planning efforts that integrate land use and transportation around major transit capital projects. Eligible planning activities must be connected to either a new fixed guideway project or a core capacity improvement project as defined under federal transit law. The program emphasizes outcomes such as increased transit ridership, improved economic development, enhanced multimodal connectivity, and better access for pedestrians and bicyclists. Projects are also expected to explore opportunities for mixed-use development and private sector engagement in areas surrounding transit stations. Funding under this program is intended strictly for planning-related activities and not for capital construction. Allowable uses include technical studies, corridor planning, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure needs assessments, and strategies to support transit-oriented development. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed work will advance integrated planning goals and produce actionable outcomes that can inform future transit investments. While specific spending restrictions are governed by federal guidelines, all funded activities must directly relate to improving land use coordination with transit systems. Eligibility for the program is limited to entities that are existing FTA grantees at the time of the funding announcement. Applicants must either be the project sponsor of an eligible transit capital project or an organization with land use planning authority within the relevant transit corridor. In cases where these responsibilities are held by separate entities, a formal partnership must be established and documented. This requirement ensures that both transportation and land use perspectives are incorporated into the planning process. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov system using the designated funding opportunity number. Submissions require completion of all required forms and documentation as outlined in the official notice of funding opportunity. The process does not accept paper or fax submissions, and applicants are responsible for ensuring timely submission before the stated deadline. While specific evaluation criteria are detailed in the full notice, proposals are generally assessed based on alignment with program goals, technical merit, and potential for measurable impact. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Approximately 35 awards are expected to be made from a total funding pool of over $28 million. The program requires cost sharing, indicating that applicants must contribute matching funds in accordance with federal requirements. For additional information or technical assistance, applicants may contact the FTA Office of Planning and Environment via the provided program email. The program appears to be part of a recurring federal initiative, suggesting future funding rounds may be offered in subsequent fiscal years.

Align planning proposal with transit integration, economic development, and multimodal access goals