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

The Federal Transit Administration, a modal administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation, administers competitive grant programs designed to improve public transportation systems and related infrastructure across the United States. As part of its mission to enhance mobility, sustainability, and economic development, the agency periodically releases funding opportunities that support planning and implementation efforts aligned with federal transportation priorities. The Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning is one such initiative, intended to encourage strategic planning that integrates land use and transit investments. This funding opportunity provides competitive grants to support comprehensive or site-specific planning efforts associated with new or existing transit capital projects. The program emphasizes transit-oriented development, which typically involves creating compact, walkable, mixed-use communities centered around high-quality transit systems. The goal is to maximize access to public transportation while promoting economic development, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to opportunities. Planning activities funded under this program may include corridor-level studies, station area planning, zoning updates, and community engagement processes. The total funding available for this program is $28,492,618, and awards are distributed through a competitive selection process. While the specific award amounts per recipient are not detailed in the provided notice, applicants are expected to propose budgets aligned with the scope and scale of their planning projects. Funding is generally intended to support planning-related activities rather than capital construction, and expenditures must align with federal guidelines for allowable costs. The notice does not explicitly mention cost-sharing or matching requirements, so such requirements, if applicable, would need to be confirmed in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity. Eligibility for this program typically includes public entities such as state and local governments, transit agencies, and potentially other public-sector stakeholders involved in transportation and land use planning. The program is national in scope, allowing applicants from across the United States to compete. The intent is to support communities at various stages of transit project development, particularly those seeking to integrate land use planning with transportation investments to achieve long-term community benefits. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov “APPLY” function, and no alternative submission methods such as mail or fax are accepted. Applicants are required to locate the funding opportunity using the specified Funding Opportunity ID or Assistance Listing Number and complete all required forms and documentation within the Grants.gov system. The process likely involves submitting detailed project narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation, although the exact application components are outlined in the full NOFO. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. This is a firm deadline, and late submissions are not accepted. The notice does not specify an application opening date, suggesting that the opportunity is currently open as of the publication date. Additionally, while the notice does not explicitly state whether the program is recurring, similar federal planning grant programs are often offered annually or periodically, indicating the possibility of future funding cycles. For additional information, applicants are directed to contact April McLean-McCoy at the Office of Planning and Environment via email. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity is available on the Federal Transit Administration’s website and through the Grants.gov portal, where applicants can access detailed guidance, eligibility criteria, and application requirements. The timeline for award announcements and project performance periods is not specified in the provided text but would typically follow federal grant award procedures.