A Vision for Sustainable Growth in Silicon Valley
Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Bay Area News Group.
Bay Area News Group advertising leadership oversees sponsored, native, and paid content on this platform, ensuring its quality, relevance, and helpfulness for our audience.
Articles attributed to this byline are authored by paying advertisers. The editorial team did not contribute to these pieces, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the editorial staff. Refer to our partner statement to better understand the nature of the relationship.
The sponsor retains responsibility for the content and holds the copyright to their material.
As more people call Silicon Valley home, Santa Clara County is on track to lead housing and job growth in the Bay Area. Focusing future development on transit corridors allows the region to use land and infrastructure more efficiently, reduce traffic, and meet the pressing demand for affordable housing.
Defining Transit-Oriented Communities
At the heart of this initiative are Transit-Oriented Communities (TOCs). These neighborhoods feature diverse housing options and offer easy access to local businesses, employment opportunities, and essential services, such as schools and libraries. The result is thoughtful design vibrant cultural landscape that preserves and celebrates local heritage.
These walkable areas around transit stations provide safe environments and convenient places for people of all incomes and backgrounds to live, work, and play.
In 2022, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) adopted a TOC Policy aimed at developing equitable and sustainable communities around stations in collaboration with local agencies and residents.
The primary goals are to boost transit use, reduce car trips, and maintain the integrity of existing neighborhoods through dense, mixed-use, and mixed-income development near transit stations and corridors.
Progress and Future Plans
VTA is committed to seeing Santa Clara County thrive through these initiatives.
TOCs are anchored by transit-oriented developments constructed on VTA-owned land adjacent to transit stops. These individual projects, such as an apartment or office building, not only create affordable housing options but also generate revenue for public transit services.
Since the 1990s, VTA has completed two projects: one at Almaden Station, which added 250 housing units, including 50 affordable units, and another at Ohlone/Chynoweth Station, which created 196 affordable housing units. In 2016, VTA identified over two dozen additional sites for future development.
Currently, residents are expected to begin moving into a new development this summer. The first phase of the Tamien Station Transit-Oriented Development Project will feature 135 affordable studios and apartments. Once fully completed, the project will comprise 477 apartments, with 55% of the units designated as affordable housing. It will also include a childcare center and provide direct access to Tamien Station, which serves VTA light rail, bus services, and Caltrain.
Grant Program to Foster Community Development
Last year, VTA launched the Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Program. This program aims to grow innovative and robust partnerships between VTA and local public agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and other diverse stakeholders to advance vibrant, equitable, and connected communities.
The grant program encompasses several program areas grants, which include Planning and Policy Implementation, Community Resilience, Education & Engagement, and Placekeeping, Arts, & Activation.
In 2024, 14 projects were selected through a competitive process, each receiving between $25,000 and $150,000 in funding.
The projects range from municipal initiatives—such as the City of Santa Clara developing form-based zoning standards for the Santa Clara Station Area Plan— to beautifying outdoor concrete pillars near the Gilroy Transit Center. The Gilroy Arts Alliance is working with middle school artists to inspire collaboration and leadership during their formative years.
Looking ahead, the 2025 TOC Grant Program will make $750,000 available in total funding, with proposals being evaluated by a panel of multidisciplinary VTA staff and a community member. Initial selections will be made in the summer, with final awards announced in the fall.
As development near transit continues to reshape Silicon Valley, you can explore how VTA is empowering residents to shape the future of their neighborhoods, reduce congestion, and facilitate access to affordable housing. For more information, visit the VTA TOC website and stay updated on the transformative changes coming to Santa Clara County.