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Priority Development Area (PDA) Grants

MTC offers several programs in support of the designation of Priority Development Areas (PDAs), including grants, technical assistance and staffing assistance.

Dublin-Pleasanton BART station, with a Wheels Bus in the foreground and new housing construction in the background.

In order to meet the region’s long-range goals of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and more affordable housing for all, MTC supports the adoption of Priority Development Areas (PDAs) — through grants, technical assistance and staffing assistance.

PDA Planning Program Grants

Note: The current application period is closed.

The PDA Planning Program funds Specific Plans that result in intensified land uses around public transit hubs and bus and rail corridors in the Bay Area. Successful applications will propose plans that:

  1. Increase housing supply, including affordable housing, and jobs;
  2. Boost transit ridership and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
  3. Increase walking, bicycling, carpooling and carsharing by effectively managing parking and driving while promoting multimodal connections; and
  4. Retain and expand community assets, and locate key services and retail within the planning area.

Past Planning Program Grant Awards

In May 2021, MTC Resolution No. 4202, Revised approved $6.7 million in planning grants to local governments as part of the One Bay Area Grant Program (OBAG2). View the list of these and previous PDA Planning grant awards.

PDA Technical Assistance Program

Note: The current application period is closed.

The PDA Technical Assistance Program provides customized consultant assistance to complete discrete projects that allow a city to overcome specific policy or planning challenges to the adoption or implementation of PDA plans.

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Affordable housing and anti-displacement policies
  • Design guidelines, form-based codes, and placemaking
  • VMT-based transportation impact standards
  • Parking and Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
  • Infrastructure and housing finance

Past Technical Assistance Program Grant Awards

In May 2021, MTC Resolution No. 4202, Revised approved $1.2 million in planning grants to local governments as part of the One Bay Area Grant Program (OBAG2). View the list of these and previous PDA Technical Assistance awards.

Staff Contact

Mark Shorett, PDA Program Manager
Phone: (415) 820-7994
Email: mshorett@bayareametro.gov