Now in its third year, the 2026 Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Grant Program empowers residents to shape the future of their cities and towns by building partnerships that strengthen communities, reduce the need for car trips, and support mixed-use, mixed-income development around transit stations.
With $750,000 in local funding available, public agencies, charities, universities, cultural institutions, neighborhood associations, environmental groups, and other nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply.
Exciting Update for the Program
This year, the eligibility criteria have expanded to include VTA Frequent Bus corridors, allowing more neighborhoods across the county to benefit.
Get Ready to Apply
The application deadline is June 12, 2026. Before submitting a proposal, all applicants must attend a pre-application workshop. VTA hosts both virtual and in-person sessions in May and June:
May 12 — Online | Register
May 14 — In-person, Center for Employment Training (CET) | Register
May 20 — Online | Register
May 26 — In-person, Gilroy Library | Register
June 2 — Online | Register
At each workshop, staff will review the guidelines and application process. These sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions and shape proposals.
Learn More
Funding is available for applications that advance the following TOC Grant Program Areas:
A. Planning and Policy Implementation
Advancing adoption and implementation of long-range plans, policies, standards and codes to achieve three key goals: (1) focus Santa Clara County future growth so it is equitable, sustainable, and within one-half mile of transit stations and centers; (2) align with VTA and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission TOC policies, and (3) integrate art and equitable engagement policies and programs into existing and upcoming planning efforts.
B. Community Resilience
Supporting community organizations in three key areas: (1) increasing the stability and resilience of communities located near transit by supporting efforts that protect existing residents and preserve affordable housing; (2) advancing community-driven implementation of equitable TOCs through preservation-focused strategies; (3) building the capacity of emerging community development partners to lead preservation, acquisition, rehabilitation, and long-term stewardship of unsubsidized affordable housing.
C. Education & Engagement
Support neighborhood leadership and equitable engagement in TOCs by providing accessible information and highlighting resources that empower community members to shape equitable and well-connected TOCs. It also seeks to highlight transit as an essential service within thriving TOCs by amplifying community voices and stories and promoting inclusion of all community members.
D. Placekeeping, Arts, and Activation
Improving the transit rider and community experience through vibrant and engaging public spaces that utilize arts and cultural expression or community beautification. The goal is to foster a sense of community, encourage interaction across generations and backgrounds, and promote placekeeping, which preserves local culture, history, or value, and position transit stations and transit hubs as safe, accessible, attractive cultural destinations.
Visit our TOC Grant Program page to explore eligibility, timelines, and upcoming workshops.
Together, let's build Transit-Oriented Communities!