DEED is accepting applications from local government authorities for the designation of Transit Improvement Areas (TIA).

TIAs were created to designate land parcels near bus rapid transit, light rail transit and commuter rail stations. Upon designation, TIAs would be eligible to receive loan dollars to help fund projects that increase the effectiveness of transit by incorporating commercial, residential, or mixed-use development and provide for safe, pedestrian-friendly use.

Currently, there are no state funds available. However, with the recent availability of federal funds targeted towards transit and sustainable communities, DEED has been requested to make designations with the intention of leveraging applications for other sources of funding.

Eligible Applicants: Applications are only encouraged from applicants seeking federal funding or those that find applying would be beneficial for other immediate funding purposes.

Eligible applicants include:

• Statutory or home rule charter cities
• Counties
• Joint powers boards

Qualifying Plans: Parcels must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for designation as a Transit Improvement Area:

• The entire transit Improvement Area must be within a half-mile radius of the transit station.
• The transit station must support at a minimum one of the following modes: bus rapid transit, light rail transit, or commuter rail.
• The transit station must be operational by the year 2020.
• The TIA plan must incorporate transit with commercial, residential, or mixed-use development.
• Plans with a residential component must provide a minimum of 12 units per acre or a density bonus that allows for an increase in the number of residential units.

Due by 4 p.m. day of deadline.