REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adopt a Resolution of Local Support and Findings for the City’s Application for Transit-Oriented Communities Implementation Grants
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Services and Infrastructure
DISCUSSION
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is releasing approximately $20 million for local planning and policy development related to MTC’s Regional Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy. (Attachment 1)
The TOC Policy supports the region's transit investments by creating communities around transit stations and along transit corridors that not only enable transit ridership, but also are places where Bay Area residents of all abilities, income levels, and racial and ethnic backgrounds can live, work and access services.
There are four components within the TOC Policy to help achieve these goals:
• Increasing residential and commercial densities around station areas;
• Adopting housing policies from related to housing production, preservation and protection (also known as the three P’s);
• Adjusting minimum and maximum parking ratios as well as transportation demand management policies; and
• Planning for station access that includes active transportation uses and mobility hub infrastructure.
MTC is providing grants to fund technical assistance and staff time to create and implement policies that will help jurisdictions to comply with each policy area.
The City is applying for technical assistance grants relating to all four components of the TOC Policy. Applications for technical assistance grants are due November 22, 2024.
As a part of the grant application process, MTC is requesting a resolution of local support from the City Council, including certain findings and representations. At their November 6 meeting, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt the resolution.
Key findings and representations in the Resolution include:
1. Potential City commitment of matching funds dependent of the grant requirements
2. Acknowledgement that any awarded funding is fixed at the approved amount and any cost increases in the project must be funded otherwise
3. Commitment to comply with any grant funding deadlines
4. Project will comply with grant application and MTC guidelines
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
This action does not have a cost to the City, except for associated staff time in preparation of the agenda materials.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Adopt a Resolution of Local Support for the City’s application for technical assistance grants related to Association of Bay Area Government’s Transit-Oriented Communities Policy; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents related to applying for and accepting the technical assistance grants.
Staff
Reviewed by: Reena Brilliot, Acting Director, Community Development Department
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Transit-Oriented Communities Policy
2. Resolution of Local Support