REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for Allocation of Transportation Development Act Article 3, Pedestrian and Bicycle Project Funding for Fiscal Year 2026/27
Report
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), as the County of Santa Clara Congestion Management Agency (CMA), is soliciting project proposals from cities for Fiscal Year 2026/27 Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA) grant funding. TDA funds may be used for bicycle or pedestrian-related improvement projects and funding is derived from a quarter cent of the general sales tax collected statewide. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) delegated authority to the VTA, as the local CMA, to coordinate how funds are spent within the County. An authorizing Resolution (Attachment 1) is required for the City of Santa Clara to apply for TDA funds from the VTA. VTA will submit a consolidated application to MTC for its final approval. Once MTC approves the allocation of funds, local agencies have three years to complete projects and submit a claim for reimbursement. The TDA grant program guarantees annual funds for each City and allows funds to be saved up to four years.
DISCUSSION
The City has approximately $416,545 of guaranteed TDA funds available in Fiscal Year 2026/27. Staff recommends that these funds be used to supplement funding for the Measure I Bicycle Wayfinding project. This project is a multi-phase effort to implement Citywide wayfinding signage for bicycle routes. Phase I of the project will include a study to evaluate and assess potential wayfinding routes proposed by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), conduct community outreach, and develop proposed wayfinding sign designs and standards for sign installation. Phase II will involve installing signs based on available project funding. At the BPAC meeting on January 26, 2026, the BPAC discussed and supported staff’s recommendation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed action of applying for grant funding is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378(b). Appropriate environmental review consistent with CEQA will be completed prior to specific project action.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Fiscal Year 2026/27 TDA grant funding application submitted by staff will request funding in the amount of approximately $416,545 to supplement funding for the Measure I Bicycle Wayfinding project. A budget amendment to appropriate this funding within the City’s Capital Improvement Budget will occur after the City receives confirmation from the VTA that MTC has approved the allocation of funds for the project.
It is estimated that the City will receive notification from the MTC in November 2026. There are no local match requirements for this project.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and 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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
At the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting on January 26, 2026, the BPAC discussed and supported staff’s recommendation to supplement funding for the Measure I Bicycle Wayfinding project with Fiscal Year 2026/27 TDA funding.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for Allocation of Transportation Development Act Article 3, Pedestrian and Bicycle Project Funding for Fiscal Year 2026/27.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENT
1. Resolution