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TOC Technical Assistance Program
The Transit Oriented Communities Technical Assistance Program (TOC TAP) is a competitive funding program that will support building municipal staff capacity in TOC areas and fund TOC feasibility studies and plans in LA County.
Program Background
In 2018, the Metro Board approved the Transit Oriented Communities Policy (TOC Policy) which affirmed Metro’s commitment to incorporate equity, community development and land use considerations in how Metro plans and delivers the public transportation system in LA County.
The TOC Policy included the following goals:
1. Increase transportation ridership and choice
2. Stabilize and enhance communities surrounding transit
3. Engage organizations, jurisdictions, and the public
4. Distribute transit benefits to all
5. Capture the value created by transit
In 2020, the Metro Board adopted the TOC Implementation Plan which established a series of actions for Metro to implement directly, or through partnership with others, to realize equitable TOCs. The TOC Technical Assistance Program is one such program. Please review the TOC Technical Assistance Program Guidelines to assess eligible activities, applicants, and requirements.
Eligible TOC Activities
In the near-term, Metro is focusing technical assistance funding around the following core TOC program areas:
| Activity | Distance from Major Transit Stop* | Eligible Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable Housing (Production, Preservation, and Tenant Protections) | Within half mile | LA County Jurisdictions |
| Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), with a TOC Focus | Within half mile | LA County Jurisdictions |
| Community Stabilization | Within half mile | LA County Jurisdictions |
| Active Transportation | Within half (walk) or three (wheel/roll mode) miles | LA County Jurisdictions |
| First/Last Mile | Within half (walk) or three (wheel/roll mode) miles | LA County Jurisdictions |
| Measure M Metro Active Transportation (MAT) (For further support of MAT recipients) | N/A | LA County Jurisdictions, Caltrans, State & Federal agencies, transit agencies and JPAs (if sponsored) |
*Major Transit Stop Definition
Major Transit Stop, per California Public Resource Code 21064.3, which may be amended from time-to-time, is defined as:
(a) An existing rail or bus rapid transit station (PRC 21060.2)
(b) A ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service.
(c) The intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning an afternoon peak commute periods.
Per the intent of the TOC Policy, Major Transit Stop shall also include an environmentally-cleared fixed guideway transit station. A planned fixed-guideway station may also be considered if its location is the only alternative under consideration for a transit corridor in the planning stages.
Equity
Metro calls on Program Recipients to incorporate equity as a process and an outcome in funding requests. Additionally, Metro will prioritize resources in Equity Focus Communities and other high-need communities, based on socio-economic factors, as deemed relevant.
For more information on Equity Focused Communities or other equity measurement sources, see the FAQs.
How to Apply
TOC Technical Assistance Program Round 2 is expected in Fall 2022.
1. Review the Program Guidelines to assess eligible activities, projects, and requirements.
2. Download and complete the Technical Assistance Program application.
3. Submit completed application to Metro staff at tocimplementation@metro.net.
Program funding is subject to annual budget programming. Applicants can apply for up to $200,000. Total available funding for Round 2 is $1 million.
Round 1 recording of Metro staff TOC TAP Application training
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Contact Us
For more information on the TOC Technical Assistance Program, contact Metro at tocimplementation@metro.net.
Sign up for TOC Implementation Program updates here.
