FTA opens grants for transit-oriented development planning

The Federal Transit Administration is opening the door for communities nationwide to plan transit-oriented development projects, announcing $28.5 million in competitive grants this week. Local governments and transit agencies have until July 10 to submit applications for planning studies that integrate land use and transportation around new transit corridors.

The funding supports comprehensive planning for projects like light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit, and other fixed-guideway systems. Eligible planning studies must examine ways to boost economic development and ridership, improve pedestrian and bicycle access, foster multimodal connectivity, engage private sector partners, and enable mixed-use development near transit stations. Applications with a substantial focus on affordable housing may qualify for up to 100 percent federal funding, while other projects can receive up to 80 percent federal cost-share.

For Milwaukee, this represents an opportunity to advance transit planning that could reshape how residents access jobs, housing, and services. As the region considers future transit investments, this grant program could fund the planning work needed to maximize the community benefits of any new transit corridors—particularly in underserved neighborhoods where improved transit access could address both mobility and housing affordability challenges.

Communities interested in applying should visit Grants.gov and search for opportunity ID FTA-2026-003-TPE-TODP for full eligibility requirements and application instructions.