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Colorado: Department of Local Affairs Announces Inaugural Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure Grant Awards

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STATEWIDE – The Governor's Office announced that the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), in partnership with Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), awarded over $13.3 million total from the inaugural Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure (TOCI) grant. The awards will aid four communities in upgrading infrastructure that will support up to 720 units of affordable housing. Additionally, three of the projects advance crucial transit infrastructure that support ridership of rapid bus transit and light rail.

"Building more housing Coloradans can afford near transit centers is an important way to increase housing options, protect our environment, and save Coloradans time and money. These investments will help local communities embrace new housing near transportation options and increase the quality of life for Coloradans. We have taken historic actions in Colorado to remove government barriers that block new housing from being built and I am thrilled to see these laws in action, helping build more homes Coloradans can afford," said Governor Polis.

"At DOLA, we are proud to support local efforts to create and enhance vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods where expanded walkability and transit connectivity make it easier for residents to reach their jobs and daily essentials," said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of DOLA. "DOLA worked with partner agencies and local communities every step of the way to develop a program that aligns with each community's unique needs and housing potential and bolsters the great work these jurisdictions are already doing."

"Colorado's investments in multimodal infrastructure along the main streets of every community have paid dividends for safety, brought new customer opportunities for local businesses, and have helped make the places we live more vibrant. These first grants will make daily trips more convenient for nearby residents, and we look forward to delivering similar improvements in more communities throughout Colorado," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.

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"We're excited to see these communities demonstrating leadership in embracing strategic growth," said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. "These projects will provide valuable case studies that show how Coloradans can access low-cost and low-carbon housing and transportation options. These types of local policies and projects will make our investments in public transit not only more effective and cost-efficient but will also help us reach our climate goals."

As outlined in HB24-1313: Transit Oriented Communities, the TOCI program is available to 32 jurisdictions along the Front Range that are subject to the legislation. Grant funds may be used to upgrade infrastructure and support regulated affordable housing in locally-designated Transit Centers and Neighborhood Centers within certified Transit-Oriented Communities.

Awards Summary
  • Fort Collins Switchgrass Crossing Infrastructure: $792K - The city, in partnership with the developer Volunteers of America, will use grant funds to support onsite infrastructure upgrades for Switchgrass Crossing, a 45-unit infill affordable housing development for aging adults 55+ at 30-60% Area Median Income (AMI), or those earning $27K - $54K for a household of one. The development is adjacent to one of the city's bus rapid transit stations. Infrastructure upgrades include utility connections, stormwater upgrades, and an on-site detention pond.
  • Longmont Downtown Transit Hub at 1st & Main: $4M - The city, in partnership with RTD, will use grant funds to support the development of a transit hub featuring 10 bus bays, 40 bike and scooter parking spots, 700 parking spaces, up to 300 housing units, and mixed-use commercial space. Grant funds will support first floor construction of the parking structure, including utility, site improvements, earthwork, masonry, and labor.
  • Denver Broadway Station Pedestrian Bridge Project: $4M - The city and county will use grant funds to construct a pedestrian bridge that crosses I-25, light rail, and commercial rail lines. The bridge will link six long-severed neighborhoods to the Broadway Station transit hub and support redevelopment in the expanded walkshed, such as the proposed 175-unit, Archway Gates affordable housing development, which would serve 60% AMI households, or those earning up to $59K annually for a household of one.
  • Wheat Ridge Ridge Road Infrastructure Project: $4.5M - The city, in partnership with Foothills Regional Housing, will use grant funds to improve three public roadways to support 200 infill affordable units serving households averaging 60% AMI, or those earning up to $59K annually for a household of one. Improvements will include new sidewalks, connecting to the transit hub, landscaping, lighting, utilities, drainage, and pedestrian safety improvements.

TOC and Program Resources

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During this pilot round, DOLA's TOCI Grant Program Staff provided more than 48 hours of technical assistance to prepare potential applicants; this included 12 informational meetings, four pre-application meetings, two TOC working group presentations, numerous outreach emails, and monthly Engage DOLA webinars.

This successful funding round was made possible by close collaboration between DOLA, CEO, and CDOT. The three agencies worked together to develop program guidelines that are streamlined and consistent across existing state requirements. In addition, DOLA's grant staff collaborated with the Energy Office on guidance and review of required Housing Opportunity Goal reports. As projects move forward, CDOT will provide direction for applicants and grantees about permitting, easements, and ROW infrastructure plans related to CDOT roads.

DOLA staff continue to provide local governments with technical assistance for the TOCI grant program, as well as meeting requirements for the TOC law. This includes webinars, meetings, one-on-one assistance, and a comprehensive tool and resource library available on the State Land Use and Housing Legislation website.

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