Smart Growth

Housing Incentive Program (HIP)

MTC's Housing Incentive Program (HIP) was designed to reward local jurisdictions that build housing near transit stops. The key objectives of this program were to (1) increase the housing supply in areas of the region with existing infrastructure and services in place; (2) locate new housing where non-automotive transportation options are viable transportation choices, and (3) establish the residential density and ridership markets necessary to support high-quality transit service.

HIP funds were used for transportation capital projects that supported Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC) goals.  Typical capital projects included pedestrian and bicycle facilities that connected the housing development to adjacent land uses and transit; improved sidewalks and crosswalks linking the housing to nearby community facilities such as schools or public parks; or streetscape improvements that supported increased pedestrian, bicycle, and transit activities and safety.

The dollar amount of HIP funds requested was determined by the density of the qualifying housing development and the number of affordable and market rate bedrooms that were to be provided. The maximum grant amount per jurisdiction was $3 million.

Based on a results of the 2009 evaluation of the TLC Program, HIP was discontinued.  The current TLC Capital Program continues to incorporate incentives to approve new housing by linking TLC awards to the planning and construction of new transit supportive development.

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