How do I demonstrate an “economic benefit” or a “transit benefit” to FTA’s satisfaction?

While FTA does not set a threshold for satisfying the Economic Benefit or Transit Benefit criteria, it does require project sponsors to demonstrate that the joint development meets the criteria. FTA may decline approval for a joint development if the project sponsor does not sufficiently address...

What are the eligibility criteria for FTA-assisted joint development projects?

Joint development projects are eligible for FTA funding if they meet the following eligibility criteria:

Criterion 1 – Economic Benefit: Projects must either generate a positive economic impact in the community surrounding a transit facility or incorporate private investment to help pay...

If a joint development project replaces a parking facility for transit customers does the joint development need to replace the same number of parking spaces?

No. When surface parking is converted to joint development, FTA does not require the project sponsor to replace parking spaces at a one-to-one ratio.

However, as with any FTA-assisted joint development, the conversion of parking to joint development must benefit transit and...

Does FTA require a competitive procurement process to select a joint development partner?

Any procurements assisted with FTA funds, including those for FTA-assisted joint development, must adhere to certain standards, among which is the requirement for full and open competition. If FTA is not funding the project, FTA encourages project sponsors to engage in fair and competitive...

Is there a dedicated FTA funding program for eligible joint development activities?

No, FTA does not have a dedicated funding program for joint development activities. Rather, eligible joint development expenses can be funded through all of FTA’s capital grant programs, including:

What is “FTA-assisted joint development?”

The definition of “joint development” in FTA Circular 7050.1A is “a public transportation project that integrally relates to, and often co-locates with commercial, residential, mixed-use, or other non-transit development. Joint development may include partnerships for public or private...

What is the difference between joint development and transit-oriented development (TOD)?

The 2007 report, “TOD 101: Transit-Oriented Development and Why Now?” by Reconnecting America and the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, defines transit-oriented development (TOD) like this:

TOD is not just development near transit. It’s development that also:

What is “joint development?”

Simply put, joint development is the simultaneous improvement of a transit system and the surrounding real estate coordinated between the transit agency and real estate developers. Transit agencies actively participate in joint development by contributing either property or funding, and transit...

Joint Procurement Clearinghouse User Guide

This user guide outlines how procurement officers can access and use the Joint Procurement Clearinghouse.

Summary of Manual on Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections to Transit (Report 0111)

This manual summary provides a compendium of best practices to help transit and other transportation professionals improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and access to transit, including information on evaluating, planning for, and implementing improvements to pedestrian and bicycle access...