REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Scott L. MOzier, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: jill m. Gormley, TE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
CHERYL L. BURNS, MPA, Business Manager
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application to the Fresno Council of Governments for the Measure "C" Transit Oriented Development Grant Program Cycle XIV in the amount not to exceed $1,400,000 to support a transit-oriented development project and Authorizing the Execution of Grant Application and Grant Agreement Documents by the Public Works Director or Designee (Council District 3).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Measure C Transit Oriented Development Grant Program Cycle XIV for the Broadway Grid Reconnection Project in the amount not to exceed $1,400,000; and authorize the execution of all grant application and grant agreement documents by the Public Works Director or designee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is requesting authorization to submit a grant application to the Measure C Transit Oriented Development (Measure C TOD) Grant Program Cycle XIV. The Measure C TOD Program was created to support community-based transit projects that are developed through an inclusive planning process with broad private-public partnerships and outreach; improve the range of transportation choices by supporting transit facilities and improving links between facilities and activity nodes; and to support well-designed, high-density housing and mixed uses near transit. The Measure C TOD project provides funding for three types of projects: planning projects, capital improvement projects, and housing in-fill incentive program projects. Staff recommends one application for the Broadway Street Grid Reconnection Project between Merced Street and Tuolumne Street in this cycle of Measure C TOD funding.
BACKGROUND
The Measure C TOD program was created in the 2006 Measure C Extension Plan. The call for projects is administered annually through the Fresno Council of Governments, with final approval by the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) Board. FCTA is the authority responsible for administering Measure C funding. The goals of the Measure C TOD allocation are to support community-based transit projects that are developed through an inclusive planning process with broad public-private partnership and outreach, improve the range of transportation choices by supporting transit facilities, and improving links between facilities and activity nodes, and support well-designed, high-density housing and mixed uses near transit. City and County governments in Fresno County are eligible for the TOD program. Private sector or non-profit organizations can apply for funding through the representation of the local government where the project is located. Projects must be located within 1/2 mile of an existing bus stop or proposed High Speed Rail Station in the latest Regional Transportation Plan.
As described in the 2006 Measure C Extension Expenditure Plan, the TOD program provides funding to three types of competitive projects:
A. Transportation infrastructure improvements to transit facilities to encourage safety and access to transit facilities, support in-fill development or revitalization, reduce traffic congestion at transit stations, and provide for a wider range of transportation choices and improved internal mobility. Funds could be used for preliminary design and environmental studies, engineering, land acquisition, and construction.
B. Planning Program or matching money to identify nodal transit sites on transit corridors for transit-oriented development, planning retrofit for existing neighborhoods, downtowns, commercial cores, and transit station areas and stops in order to create access to transit and mixed use development in transit friendly environments. The community planning process would result in transportation / land-use concept plans; streetscape design concept plans, environmental studies, detailed drawings, construction cost estimates, and implementation plans for specific capital projects.
C. Housing in-fill incentive program would reward local governments for encouraging developers to build compact designs with higher housing densities, affordable, accessible housing, and mixed uses that are characteristic of well-implemented Transit Oriented Design in other cities developments at transit stops. Local government agencies could spend funds to supplement development fees or on a capital project that supports new housing development connections to transit.
There is a total of $1,400,000 available for the Measure C TOD Cycle XIV Call for Projects, but only projects with high scores can be awarded grant funds. Projects must receive a minimum score of 70 points in order to be considered for funding. Grant scoring is weighted in favor of projects that can present a strong nexus to transit-oriented development, proximity/support for high-density land use characteristics, transportation infrastructure that increases accessibility to transit, TOD friendly parking policies, green features, and affordable housing.
The Broadway Grid Reconnection Project (Project) proposes to acquire and open to traffic Broadway Street between Tuolumne Street and Merced Street, thereby restoring the north Downtown street grid and deliver a safe, TOD-supportive complete street connection that directly serves new housing, affordable housing, and multimodal access to transit. The Project is the final missing link to restore the north Downtown grid and complete a cohesive, walkable TOD area. Funding from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Infill Infrastructure Grant Catalytic Qualifying Infill Area Program (IIGC) is already committed for surrounding projects, including housing, parking structure, and street and sidewalk improvements on Tuolumne. If awarded, the Measure C TOD funds would support the right-of-way acquisition and engineering phases of the Broadway Grid Reconnection Project.
Applications are due on March 3, 2026. Projects selected for funding by the scoring committee will receive final approval by the Fresno County Transportation Authority Board on June 10, 2026. Projects selected for funding must be able to enter into an agreement with FCTA within a year of the award.
The City Attorney’s office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Adoption of the subject resolution of support for the grant application is not considered a project in terms of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not included because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
This resolution will have no impact on the General Fund. No matching funds are required. Should the grant be awarded, Measure C TOD funds will be incorporated into the City of Fresno annual budget for the fiscal year(s) in which they will be available for reimbursement.
Attachment:
Resolution
Project Location Map