The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recently approved ten new planning grants totaling $500,000 through its Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC) program to support community-oriented transportation projects in Brentwood, Colma/Daly City, Cordelia, Fremont, Healdsburg, Larkspur, Millbrae, Santa Rosa, Walnut Creek, and an unincorporated area of western Contra Costa County. MTC established the TLC program in 1998 to provide incentives for pedestrian- and transit-oriented developments, streetscape improvements, and other projects that strengthen the link between transportation, land use, and community goals.
Ten Bay Area Projects Selected
Published: February, 2003
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recently approved ten new planning grants totaling $500,000 through its Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC) program to support community-oriented transportation projects in Brentwood, Colma/Daly City, Cordelia, Fremont, Healdsburg, Larkspur, Millbrae, Santa Rosa, Walnut Creek, and an unincorporated area of western Contra Costa County. MTC established the TLC program in 1998 to provide incentives for pedestrian- and transit-oriented developments, streetscape improvements, and other projects that strengthen the link between transportation, land use, and community goals.
The ten projects approved were selected from among a pool of 26 applications totaling over $1.5 million in requests. Each project will be developed by community groups and local jurisdictions, and will involve public outreach and participation as part of the planning process. In all cases, the MTC funds will supplement funding provided by the project sponsor.
"There’s a tremendous amount of creativity at the local level all across the Bay Area," noted MTC Vice Chair and Marin County Supervisor Steve Kinsey. "That’s reflected in the strong demand for TLC funding and the wide variety of projects that will be able to move forward with the help of these grants."
"Look at the list of new planning grants and you’ll see that money is going to several projects designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle access to transit facilities," observed MTC Commissioner and Suisun City Mayor Jim Spering, who spearheaded establishment of the TLC program during his tenure as MTC Chair from 1997 to 1999. "But look closer and you’ll see that each one is unique. TLC encourages local solutions to local problems instead of imposing a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach."
The TLC program, which is intended to help Bay Area municipalities plan and construct community-oriented transportation projects, includes three separate components: planning grants, capital grants for project implementation, and Housing Incentive Program grants for cities and/or counties that propose housing developments adjacent to transit service.
Informational materials explaining the Transportation for Livable Communities program and the Housing Incentive Program—and their respective project application procedures—are available through the MTC-ABAG Library by e-mail (library@mtc.ca.gov), fax (510/464-7852), or telephone (510/464-7836). Information about the program also may be obtained from MTC’s web site at www.mtc.ca.gov.
