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Report regarding three separate resolutions authorizing the submittal of three grant applications to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 3 Transportation Demand Management Program Funding and similar grant applications requiring less than a total of $1,220,000 in local match funds. (John Wilson, Senior Engineer)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt three separate resolutions authorizing the submittal of three grant applications to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 3 Transportation Demand Management Program Funding and similar grant applications requiring less than a total of $1,220,000 in local match funds.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) 2025 Call for Projects under the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program offers funding opportunities for projects that improve multimodal mobility and reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips. Grant categories include Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Planning and Design, TDM Planning, and TDM Competitive projects.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Planning & Design refers to the use of advanced technologies-such as real-time data, traffic control software, and connected vehicle systems-to optimize transportation network performance. These systems play a critical role in achieving TDM goals by improving travel reliability, safety, and efficiency for all users, particularly transit riders and emergency responders. Through SMCTA’s grant opportunity, funding is available for planning and design of ITS systems for improving highway / transit capacity.
Funding is also available for TDM Planning, which includes funding for developing TDM plans and policies that identify projects and actions for local jurisdictions to lead. In the final category, TDM Competitive Projects, funding is available for projects, programs, or subsidies that support alternative congestion relief and transportation demand management goals.
Per the grant guidelines, SMCTA states that eligible sponsors (i.e., cities such as the City of South San Francisco) are eligible to submit up to three grant applications per Call for Projects cycle. The City’s Engineering Division and Planning Division are preparing the maximum-allowed three grant applications.
City staff are preparing the following three distinct scopes:
1. Eastern Neighborhoods Signal Priority (ITS & TDM Competitive):
This project will implement Advanced Signal Priority (ASP) for transit and emergency vehicles in neighborhoods generally east of Airport Boulevard. The scope includes project development, design, and construction of a technology-agnostic ASP solution. Potential approaches may involve software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms or dual-mode GPS hardware, along with signal controller upgrades and field infrastructure improvements to ensure long-term functionality and scalability. The estimated total project cost is $1,100,000. The maximum grant award is $500,000. The remaining $600,000 will be provided by unallocated East of 101 Traffic Impact Fees.
2. Western Neighborhoods Signal Priority (ITS & TDM Competitive):
This project mirrors the eastern effort but focuses on neighborhoods west of Airport Boulevard. By deploying ASP technologies, the City aims to improve emergency response times and transit reliability across key corridors serving hillside communities and transit-dependent populations. The estimated total project cost is $1,100,000. The maximum grant award is $500,000. The remaining $600,000 will be provided by the unallocated Citywide Traffic Impact Fees.
3. TDM Implementation Program (TDM Planning):
The City is proposing the development and deployment of a comprehensive TDM Implementation Program, which would allow for comprehensive implementation of the existing TDM Ordinance. The proposed program includes the following elements: defining and instituting a fine structure for non-compliant sites; conducting outreach in advance of fine implementation; and implementing trip cap monitoring for the area east of Highway 101. The estimated total project cost is $220,000. The maximum grant award is $200,000. The remaining $20,000 will be provided by ECD’s Professional and Specialized Service FY 2025-26 budget.
Collectively, these projects will improve the efficiency of citywide signal operations, support transit and emergency services, relieve traffic congestion, promote sustainable transportation choices, and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emissions. These outcomes directly align with South San Francisco’s Shape SSF 2040 General Plan and the Active South City Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan vision for innovation, equity, and climate action.
FISCAL IMPACT
SMCTA requires a local match of at least 10% of the award amount. The total requested grant funding across the three proposed projects is $1,200,000, requiring a maximum City match of $120,000. The City intends to provide an overmatch of $1,100,000 to complete the projects.
There is no fiscal impact to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 operating budget. Sufficient funds are available through unallocated Citywide Traffic Impact Fees, East of 101 Neighborhood Traffic Impact Fees, and ECD’s Professional & Specialized Service FY 2025-26 budget to meet the local match requirement.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
These grant applications advance several goals, policies, and actions of the Shape SSF 2040 General Plan, including:
• Mobility and Access Element
o Goal MOB-2: A connected multimodal network that provides safe and efficient options for all users contributes to the goal of providing a multimodal network with convenient choices for everyone.
o Policy MOB-2.1.4: Improve signal coordination and traffic management to increase the efficiency of citywide transportation and is supported by the policy to implement transit speed, reliability, and access improvements.
o Action MOB-3.1.1: Update and implement TDM Ordinance. Implement, monitor, and enforce compliance with the City’s TDM Ordinance. Maintain consistency with C/CAG’s requirements. Periodically update the TDM ordinance as transportation conditions change. Incorporate a fine structure for noncompliance.
o Action MOB-3.1.2: Implement an East of 101 Trip Cap. Implement an East of 101 area trip cap with triennial monitoring and corrective actions if exceeded. Implement project-specific trip caps for large campus developments.
o Policy MOB-3.2: Technology-based solutions that improve transit speed and reliability are supported by this policy to optimize traffic operations on City streets.
• Climate Protection Element
o Goal CP-1: A city that reduces transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by increasing non-auto mode share contributes to the goal of a carbon neutral community by 2045.
o Policy CP-1.5: Promoting mode shift through active transportation and transit improvements requires additional funding, which is supported by this policy to seek funding to support greenhouse gas reductions.
• Innovation and Technology (Cross-Cutting Principle)
o The City supports the use of “state-of-the-art solutions” to improve mobility and sustainability outcomes.
By leveraging grant funds to modernize transportation infrastructure and initiate a TDM Implementation Program, the City advances its commitment to safety, climate action, and equitable mobility options for residents and workers.
CONCLUSION
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt three separate resolutions authorizing the submittal of three grant applications to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 3 Transportation Demand Management Program Funding and similar grant applications requiring less than a total of $1,220,000 in local match funds.
Associated Documents
Legistar Files 25-730, 25-731, 25-732: Resolutions Authorizing Grant Applications