What are livable centers?
Livable centers are diverse types of central locations for different communities. They may often be called urban centers, employment centers, activity centers, multimodal centers, historic town centers, station areas, neighborhood centers, transit centers, activity centers, or centers and nodes. Livable centers does not refer to a formal designation in Metro Vision.
Program overview
The Livable Centers Small-area Planning program is DRCOG-led technical assistance funded through the fiscal years 2024-2027 Transportation Improvement Program. Small-area planning projects will identify ways to enhance and increase livability in connected multimodal centers. This program can fund a wide range of small-area plans, analyses or studies addressing land use, housing or transportation in a center or node on the region’s multimodal transportation system. The goals of this program are derived from Metro Vision to:
- Increase housing and employment in connected centers.
- Support the investment in multimodal enhancements and transit access along corridors connecting centers.
- Promote investment and reinvestment in existing communities.
- Increase opportunities for diverse housing accessible by multimodal transportation.
- Improve access to and from the region’s developed and emerging housing and employment centers.
- Improve multimodal access to employment, commerce, educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for residents of all ages, incomes and abilities.
Program highlights
- Total funding: $2.5 million is identified as a set-aside in the 2024-2027 Transportation Improvement Program.
- Current cycle: $1.25 million is available for the 2024-2025 application cycle, which opens August 14, 2024.
- Fully funded: A local match is not required. Projects will be fully funded using federal funding and state toll credits, thanks to a partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
- Small-area planning projects: DRCOG will procure consultant services for planning and analysis.
- Project management: DRCOG staff will manage procurement, serve as project manager and handle intergovernmental agreements with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
- Collaboration and partnership: Project sponsors and DRCOG staff will work together in close partnership to support community needs and goals.
How to submit a letter of interest
A letter of interest form will be available on DRCOG website upon the solicitation opening on August 14, 2024.
The project sponsor will also provide a letter of understanding from the project's senior leadership acknowledging a commitment to attend monthly meetings, share relevant data and support community engagement. Throughout the project, the sponsor will review deliverables, act as a liaison with local officials and help present updates to the board or council. This partnership with DRCOG will be essential for achieving shared goals and making a positive impact.
Evaluation process
Proposals will be reviewed for the following:
- Alignment with program goals and Metro Vision.
- Benefits to marginalized communities.
- Connection to DRCOG Regional Transportation Plan priorities.
- Project readiness and local support.
- Innovation and transferability.
Timeline
- Informational webinar: 11 a.m., August 14.
- Letters of interest solicitation: August 14 - October 7.
- Project selection and approvals: November - December 2024.
- Consultant procurement: February - March 2025.
- Project kickoff: May 2025.
More questions?
- Attend the informational webinar on August 14, 2024 or watch the recording later.
- Email Senior Planner Kaitlyn Service to schedule a meeting.
Additional resources
View the TIP Set-aside policies for more detail on eligible project types and eligible project locations. Information for this program begins on page 61.
Contact
Kaitlyn Service, AICP
Senior Planner
303-480-6836