2025
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
GUIDELINES
Adopted March 22, 2024
Resolution G-24-31
CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
2025 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM GUIDELINES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction............................................................................................................. 1
1. Background ....................................................................................................... 1
2. Program Purpose and Goals............................................................................ 1
3. Program Schedule ............................................................................................ 2 II. Funding Overview .................................................................................................. 3
4. Funding Source................................................................................................. 3
5. Programming Cycle .......................................................................................... 3
6. Distribution........................................................................................................ 3
7. Matching Requirement...................................................................................... 4
8. Leveraging Funds ............................................................................................. 5
9. Funding for Active Transportation Plans in Disadvantaged Communities.. 5
10. Reimbursement ................................................................................................. 6 III. Eligibility.................................................................................................................. 6
11. Eligible Applicants ............................................................................................ 6
12. Partnering with Implementing Agencies......................................................... 7
13. Eligible Projects ................................................................................................ 8
14. Eligibility Screening Criteria ............................................................................ 9
15. Minimum Request for Funds.......................................................................... 10
16. Justice40 Initiative .......................................................................................... 10
17. Project Type Requirements............................................................................ 11 IV. Project Application............................................................................................... 13
18. Application Submittal Requirements............................................................. 14 V. Project Selection Process.................................................................................... 15
19. Project Evaluation Committee ....................................................................... 15
20. Project Selection Between Applications with the Same Score ................... 16
21. Scoring Criteria ............................................................................................... 17
22. MPO Competitive Project Selection .............................................................. 20 VI. Programming ........................................................................................................ 21
23. Program of Projects........................................................................................ 21
24. Performance Metrics....................................................................................... 22
25. State-Only Funding Designation.................................................................... 23
26. Committed / Uncommitted Funds.................................................................. 24 California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
ii
27. Contingency List ............................................................................................. 25
28. Baseline Agreements...................................................................................... 25 VII. Program / Project Amendments .......................................................................... 26
29. Amendment Requests .................................................................................... 26 VIII.Allocations ............................................................................................................ 29
30. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)/Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transfers.................................................................................................................. 31 IX. Project Delivery .................................................................................................... 31
31. Letter of No Prejudice..................................................................................... 31
32. Timely Use of Funds ....................................................................................... 31
33. Delivery Deadline Extensions ........................................................................ 33
34. Federal Requirements..................................................................................... 33
35. Design Standards............................................................................................ 34
36. Project Inactivity ............................................................................................. 34
37. Project Cost Savings ...................................................................................... 34
38. Project Cancellation........................................................................................ 35
39. Project Reporting ............................................................................................ 36
40. Audits............................................................................................................... 36 X. Roles and Responsibilities.................................................................................. 36
41. California Transportation Commission (Commission) ................................ 36
42. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) .................................... 37
43. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) With Large Urbanized Areas ........................................................................................................................ 38
44. Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs) Outside an MPO with Large Urbanized Areas and MPOs without Large Urbanized Areas ................... 39
45. Project Applicant............................................................................................. 39 XI. Program Evaluation.............................................................................................. 40 XII. Appendix A: Guidance for Plans......................................................................... 41 XIII. Appendix B: Example Projects........................................................................... 44 XIV. Appendix C: California Conservation Corps ATP Program............................. 46 XV. Appendix D: Guidance for 2025 ATP Quick-Build Projects .............................. 49 XVI. Appendix E: Anti-Displacement Resources...................................................... 54 XVII. Appendix F: Active Transportation Resource Center Programming and Allocation Policies ...................................................................................................... 55 XVIII. Appendix G: Links throughout Guidelines...................................................... 58 California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
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I. Introduction
1. Background
The Active Transportation Program (ATP) is a competitive statewide program created to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking.
Senate Bill 99 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, Chapter 359, Statutes of 2013) and Assembly Bill 101 (Committee on Budget, Chapter 354, Statutes of 2013) created the ATP, and Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) (Beall, Chapter 5, Statutes of 2017) directs additional funding from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account to the ATP.
These guidelines describe the policy, standards, criteria, and procedures for the development, adoption, and management of the ATP. The guidelines were developed in consultation with the ATP workgroup. The workgroup includes representatives from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), other government agencies, and active transportation stakeholder organizations with expertise in pedestrian and bicycle issues, including Safe Routes to School programs.
The California Transportation Commission (Commission) may amend the ATP guidelines after conducting at least one public hearing. The Commission must make a reasonable effort to amend the guidelines prior to a call for projects or may extend the deadline for project submission to comply with the amended guidelines.
2. Program Purpose and Goals
Pursuant to statute, the purpose of the program is to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. The goals of the ATP are to:
• Increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking. • Increase the safety and mobility of nonmotorized users. • Advance the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals as established pursuant to Senate Bill 375 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008) and Senate Bill 391 (Chapter 585, Statutes of 2009).
• Enhance public health, including reduction of childhood obesity through the use of programs including, but not limited to, projects eligible for Safe Routes to School Program funding.
• Ensure that disadvantaged communities fully share in the benefits of the program.
• Provide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users.
In addition to the goals listed in statute, the ATP will also consider state goals and provisions set forth in the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI).
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
1 3. Program Schedule
Each program must be adopted not later than the date designated in statute of each odd-numbered year; however, the Commission may alternatively elect to adopt a program annually. The following schedule lists the major milestones for the development and adoption of the 2025 ATP:
ATP Milestones Date
Draft ATP Guidelines presented to Commission January 25-26, 2024 Draft ATP Fund Estimate presented to Commission January 25-26, 2024 Commission hearing and adoption of ATP Guidelines March 21-22, 2024 Commission adopts ATP Fund Estimate March 21-22, 2024
Call for projects March 21-22, 2024
Scoring rubrics posted to Commission website March 29, 2024 Large MPOs submit optional guidelines to Commission May 10, 2024 Commission considers MPO guidelines June 27-28, 2024
Project application deadline June 17, 2024
Staff recommendations for Statewide and Small Urban and Rural components and Quick-Build projects posted November 1, 2024 Commission adopts Statewide and Small Urban and Rural
components and Quick-Build projects December 5-6, 2024
Projects not programmed distributed to large MPOs based on location December 2024
Deadline for MPO Draft project programming
recommendations to the Commission February 21, 2025
Deadline for MPO Final project programming
recommendations to the Commission April 22, 2025
Recommendations for MPO component posted June 2, 2025
Commission adopts MPO-selected projects June 2025*
* Exact date will coincide with the Commission’s adopted 2025 meeting calendar.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
2 II. Funding Overview
4. Funding Source
ATP is funded from various federal and state funds appropriated in the annual Budget Act:
• 100% of the federal Transportation Alternative Program funds, except for federal Recreation Trail Program funds appropriated to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
• $21 million of federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds or other federal funds
• State Highway Account funds.
• Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (SB 1) funds.
In addition to furthering the purpose and goals of this program, all ATP projects must meet eligibility requirements specific to at least one ATP funding source.
5. Programming Cycle
Each ATP programming cycle includes four years of funding. New programming capacity for the 2025 ATP will be for state fiscal years 2025-26, 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29.
6. Distribution
State and federal law segregate the ATP into multiple, overlapping components. The ATP Fund Estimate must indicate the funds available for each of the program components. Consistent with these requirements, the ATP funds must be distributed as follows:
1) Forty percent to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) in urban areas with populations greater than 200,000.
o These funds must be distributed based on total MPO population. The funds programmed and allocated under this paragraph must be selected through a competitive process by the MPOs in accordance with these guidelines. o Projects selected by MPOs may be in large urban, small urban, or rural areas. o A minimum of 25% of the funds distributed to each MPO must benefit disadvantaged communities.
o The following statutory requirements apply specifically to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG):
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
3 SCAG must consult with county transportation commissions, the Commission, and Caltrans in the development of competitive project selection criteria.
The criteria used by SCAG should include consideration of geographic equity, consistent with program objectives.
SCAG must place priority on projects that are consistent with plans adopted by local and regional governments within the county where the project is located.
SCAG must obtain concurrence from the county transportation commissions.
2) Ten percent to small urban and rural areas with populations of 200,000 or less.
Projects are competitively awarded by the Commission in these regions. Federal law segregates the Transportation Alternative Program into separate small urban and rural competitions based on their relative share of the state population. o Small urban areas are those with populations of 5,001 to 200,000. Rural areas are those with populations of 5,000 or less.
o A minimum of 25% of the funds in the Small Urban and Rural programs must benefit disadvantaged communities.
o If a project is eligible for the MPO component, it cannot be eligible for funding in the Small Urban and Rural component.
3) Fifty percent to projects competitively awarded by the Commission on a statewide basis.
o A minimum of 25% of the funds in the statewide competitive program must benefit disadvantaged communities.
o A portion of statewide component funding is used to fund the Active Transportation Resource Center, which is administered by Caltrans and provides statewide technical assistance and support to all current and potential ATP applicants. Procedures for the programming, allocation, and management of ATRC funds are included in Appendix F. Typical Active Transportation Resource Center activities include:
Providing technical assistance, training, resources, and tools to help agencies, especially those in disadvantaged communities, deliver existing and future projects and to strengthen community involvement in future projects.
7. Matching Requirement
The Commission does not require a funding match for ATP. Large MPOs, in administering a competitive selection process, may require a funding match for projects selected through their competitive process.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
4 8. Leveraging Funds
The Commission encourages the leveraging of additional funds for a project by considering leveraging in the evaluation criteria for medium and large infrastructure projects. Leveraged funds are a financial commitment toward the cost of a project from a different funding source. However, applicants are not required to leverage funds.
The Commission will only consider cash funds for leveraging. Funds expended by the local agency for the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED), Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E), and Right-of-Way (R/W) phases will be considered for leveraging even if the funds were expended before the application deadline. Funds expended for ineligible costs and activities (i.e., non-participating funds) are not considered leveraging.
Except for State Transportation Improvement Program funding, the Commission will only consider funds that are not allocated by the Commission on a project-specific basis as eligible funds for leveraging points. The Commission will not consider in-kind, non- infrastructure, staff time, or non-participating funds as eligible for leveraging.
Tribes typically have limited access to other transportation funds that can be used for leveraging. Therefore, applications for the 2025 ATP submitted by Tribal Governments (federally recognized Native American Tribes) and projects within federally recognized Tribal Lands (typically within the boundaries of a Reservation or Rancheria) will be awarded full leveraging points on the corresponding application type.
Applicants must provide a complete (phase-by-phase) project funding plan through construction that demonstrates that the ATP and leveraged funding in the plan (local, federal, state, and private sources) is reasonably expected to be available and sufficient to complete the project. Additionally, applicants must attach a signed letter of commitment indicating the amounts and sources of leveraged funds. The letter of commitment must be signed by the Chief Executive Officer or other officer authorized by the applicant’s governing board. Applicants without a signed letter of commitment will not receive leveraging points. Applicants may also include other documentation to substantiate leveraging, including meeting minutes from a governing body, a budget sheet, a board or council resolution, etc.
9. Funding for Active Transportation Plans in Disadvantaged Communities Funding from the ATP may be used to fund the development of community-wide active transportation plans, including bicycle, pedestrian, safe routes to schools, or comprehensive active transportation plans. All plans must be within a disadvantaged community or, for area-wide plans, encompass at least one disadvantaged community.
A list of the components that must be included in an active transportation plan can be found in Appendix A.
The Commission intends to set aside up to 2% of the funds in the statewide and small urban and rural competitive components for funding active transportation plans in California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
5 predominantly disadvantaged communities. In administering its portion of the program, a large MPO may make up to 2% of its funding available for active transportation plans in disadvantaged communities within the MPO boundaries.
10. Reimbursement
The ATP is a reimbursement program for eligible costs incurred. For an item to be eligible for ATP reimbursement, that item’s primary use or function must meet the ATP purpose and at least one of the ATP goals. Reimbursement is requested through the invoice process detailed in the Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 5, Invoicing. Costs incurred prior to Commission allocation and, for federally funded projects, Federal Highway Administration project approval (i.e., Authorization to Proceed), are not eligible for reimbursement.
III. Eligibility
11. Eligible Applicants
The following entities within the State of California are eligible to apply for ATP funds:
1) Local, Regional, or State Agencies. Examples include city, county, MPO*, and Regional Transportation Planning Agency.
2) Caltrans.*
o Caltrans-nominated projects must be coordinated and aligned with local and regional priorities. Caltrans is required to submit documentation that local communities are supportive of and have provided feedback on the proposed Caltrans ATP project.
o Caltrans must submit documentation to support the need to address the project with ATP funds, rather than other available funding sources, such as the State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP). 3) Transit Agencies. Any agency responsible for public transportation that is eligible for funds under the Federal Transit Administration.
4) Natural Resources or Public Land Agencies. Federal, Tribal, State, or local agency responsible for natural resources or public land administration. Examples include:
o State or local park or forest agencies.
o State or local fish and game or wildlife agencies.
o Department of the Interior Land Management agencies.
o U.S. Forest Service.
5) Public schools or school districts.
6) Tribal Governments – federally recognized Native American Tribes.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
6 o Tribal governments that are awarded funding have several options for contracting, such as a fund transfer to a federal agency or partnering with another eligible entity. Caltrans will work with Tribal governments to determine a Tribe’s preferred contracting option.
7) Private nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations that are responsible for the management of public lands may only apply with projects eligible for Recreational Trails Program funds. Eligible project types include recreational trails and trailheads, park projects that facilitate trail linkages or connectivity to non- motorized corridors, and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors to trails.
Projects must benefit the general public, not only a private entity. 8) Any other entity with responsibility for oversight of transportation or recreational trails that the Commission determines to be eligible. Eligibility should be established with Commission staff before the application deadline. * Caltrans and MPOs, except for MPOs that are also regional transportation planning agencies, are not eligible project applicants for the federal Transportation Alternative Program funds appropriated to ATP. Therefore, funding awarded to projects submitted directly by Caltrans and MPOs is limited to other ATP funds. Caltrans and MPOs may partner with an eligible entity to expand funding opportunities.
12. Partnering with Implementing Agencies
Applicants and/or implementing agencies must be able to comply with all the federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures required to enter into a Local Administering Agency-State Master Agreement (Master Agreement). Refer to the Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 4, Agreements, for guidance and procedures on Master Agreements. The Commission requires project Baseline Agreements (see Section 28) for ATP projects with a total project cost (all funds) of $25 million or greater or a total programmed amount of $10 million or greater of ATP funds.
Eligible applicants that are unable to apply for ATP funds or that are unable to enter into a Master Agreement with the State must partner with an eligible applicant that can implement the project. In addition, eligible applicants that are unfamiliar with the requirements to administer a Federal-Aid Highway Program project are encouraged to partner with an eligible applicant that can implement the project.
If another entity agrees to be the implementing agency and assume responsibility for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility, documentation of the agreement (e.g., letter of intent) must be submitted with the project application, and a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding or Interagency Agreement between the parties must be submitted with the first request for allocation. The implementing agency will be responsible and accountable for the use and expenditure of program funds.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
7 13. Eligible Projects
All projects eligible for programming must be selected through a competitive process and must meet one or more of the ATP goals. See Appendix B for example projects.
The Commission encourages applicants to apply for projects that provide a transformative benefit to a community or a region. The Commission hopes to fund one or more large transformative projects that significantly expand the active transportation opportunities in a community or a region.
1) Infrastructure Projects: Capital projects that will further the goals of the ATP. This typically includes the environmental, design, right-of-way, and construction phases of a capital (facilities) project. A new infrastructure project will not be programmed without a complete Project Study Report (PSR) or PSR equivalent. • The application will be considered a PSR equivalent if it defines and justifies the project scope, cost, and schedule. Though the PSR or equivalent may focus on the project phases proposed for programming, it must provide at least a preliminary estimate of costs for all phases. PSR guidelines are posted on the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) page of the Commission’s website under “Background Information.” Feasibility studies are not considered PSR equivalent documents.
• Further guidance can be found in the Caltrans Project Development Procedures Manual.
• The Commission expects collaboration and cooperation between the implementing agency and Caltrans for all projects on the state highway system. Applicants who are applying for projects on the state highway system should attach a completed State Highway System Project Impact Assessment Form to the application. This form can be obtained from the Caltrans 2025 Active Transportation Program website.
2) Plans: The development of a community-wide bicycle, pedestrian, safe routes to school, or active transportation plan that encompasses or is predominately located in a disadvantaged community. See Appendix A for Plan Project Guidance.
• The first priority for the funding of plans will be for eligible applicants that have neither a bicycle plan, a pedestrian plan, a safe routes to schools plan, nor a comprehensive active transportation plan.
• The second priority for the funding of plans will be for eligible applicants that have a bicycle plan, pedestrian plan, or safe routes to school plan, but not all.
• The third priority for the funding of plans will be for updates to an active transportation plan that is more than five years old.
• The lowest priority for the funding of plans will be for updates to an active transportation plan that is five years old or less.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
8 3) Non-infrastructure (NI) Projects: Education and encouragement programs that further the goals of the ATP. See Appendix B for example NI activities. • NI projects are not limited to those benefiting school students. • NI projects can be start-up programs or new components of existing programs.
• The Commission intends to focus NI funding on start-up projects. A project is considered to be a start-up when no program currently exists. • A project with components added to an existing program must demonstrate how the original program is continuing without ATP funding. • All NI projects must demonstrate how the program is sustainable and will be continued after ATP funding is exhausted.
• ATP cannot fund existing or ongoing program operations. 4) Infrastructure projects with non-infrastructure components: These are capital projects with education or encouragement components. The non-infrastructure component should be mentioned throughout the application and enhance the infrastructure project. When the non-infrastructure component is dependent on the infrastructure project, and its implementation must occur after the completion of the infrastructure project, the project schedule and project programming request must clearly reflect the sequential delivery of both components. 5) Quick-Build Projects: The Commission will consider a small number of quick- build projects for the 2025 ATP. Quick-build projects are interim capital infrastructure projects that further the goals of the ATP. These projects require construction, and are built with durable, low to moderate cost materials but last from one year to five years. See Appendix D for additional details.
14. Eligibility Screening Criteria
Applications will receive an initial screening by the Commission for completeness and eligibility, before being evaluated. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be evaluated. Before evaluation, project applications will be screened for the following:
• Consistency with an adopted regional transportation plan. • Use of appropriate application.
• Supplanting funds: a project that is already fully funded will not be considered for funding in the ATP. ATP funds cannot be used to supplant other committed funds. • Eligibility of project: the project must be one of the five types of projects listed in Section 13 of these guidelines.
• With the exceptions outlined in Section 26 and applicants using the large infrastructure application, an applicant applying for pre-construction phases must also apply for funding in the construction phase.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
9 • Request of at least the minimum request amount as outlined in Section 15 of these guidelines.
• Projects that are already fully funded or projects that are a capital improvement required as a condition for private development approval or permits are not eligible for ATP funding.
• A project applicant found to have purposefully misrepresented information that could affect a project’s score may result in the applicant being excluded from the program for the current cycle and the following cycle.
Projects that are screened out because of the above-listed criteria will not be considered eligible for the ATP and will not be evaluated or given a score. Applicants with projects that are screened out will be notified as soon as non-eligibility has been determined.
15. Minimum Request for Funds
To maximize the effectiveness of program funds and to encourage the aggregation of small projects into one larger comprehensive project, the minimum request for ATP funds that will be considered is $250,000. This minimum does not apply to non- infrastructure projects, safe routes to school projects, recreational trail projects, plans, and quick-build program projects.
MPOs, in administering a competitive selection process, may use a different minimum funding size. Use of a minimum funding request amount greater than $500,000 must be approved by the Commission prior to the MPO’s call for projects.
16. Justice40 Initiative
The Biden-Harris Administration created the Justice40 Initiative under Executive Order 14008 to confront and address decades of underinvestment in disadvantaged communities. The Initiative will bring resources to communities most impacted by climate change, pollution, and environmental hazards. Justice40 is an opportunity to address gaps in transportation infrastructure and public services by working toward the goal that at least 40% of federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities.
At least 40% of federal funds programmed in the Active Transportation Program must benefit communities identified as disadvantaged in the federal Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) or the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) Equitable Transportation Community (ETC) Explorer.
Applicants are required to provide census tract numbers for the project area as part of the application. Commission staff will determine whether a project meets Justice40 eligibility requirements using the CEJST and the ETC Explorer.
The 40% threshold applies to all federal funds in the program and may be higher or lower in individual components.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
10 17. Project Type Requirements
SB 99 specifies that at least 25% of funds must benefit disadvantaged communities within each of the program components. However, the ATP also includes other project types that must meet certain requirements. Below is an explanation of the requirements specific to the project types listed in SB 99.
A. Disadvantaged Communities
For a project to contribute toward the disadvantaged communities funding requirement, the project must clearly demonstrate, with verifiable information, a direct, meaningful, and assured benefit to a disadvantaged community as defined using the criteria outlined below. A project is considered beneficial if it fulfills an important need of a disadvantaged community in a way that provides significant value. The project’s benefits must primarily target a disadvantaged community while avoiding substantial burdens on that community.
MPOs, in administering a competitive selection process, may use different criteria for determining which projects benefit disadvantaged communities if the criteria are approved by the Commission prior to an MPO’s call for projects.
It is incumbent upon the applicant to clearly articulate how the project benefits the disadvantaged community; there is no presumption of benefit, even for projects located within a disadvantaged community. For a project to qualify as directly benefiting a disadvantaged community, the project must:
• Be located within, or be within reasonable proximity to, the disadvantaged community served by the project,
• Have a direct connection to the disadvantaged community, or • Be an extension or a segment of a larger project that connects to or is directly adjacent to the disadvantaged community.
To qualify as a disadvantaged community, the community served by the project must meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Median Household Income: (Table ID B19013) is less than 80% of the statewide median based on the most current Census Tract (ID 140) level data from the 2018-2022 American Community Survey (<$73,524). Communities with a population of less than 15,000 may use data at the Census Block Group (ID 150) level. Unincorporated communities may use data at the Census Place (ID 160) level. Data is available at the United States Census Bureau Website. • CalEnviroScreen: An area identified as among the most disadvantaged 25% in the state according to the CalEPA and based on the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool 4.0 (CalEnviroScreen 4.0) scores (score must be greater than or equal to 40.05). The mapping tool can be found here, and the list can be found under “SB 535 List of Disadvantaged Communities”.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
11 • National School Lunch Program: At least 75% of public school students in the project area are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program for the 2022-2023 school year. Data is available at the California Department of Education website. Applicants using this measure must indicate how the project benefits the school students in the project area. The project must be located within two miles of the school(s) represented by this criteria.
• Healthy Places Index: The Healthy Places Index includes a composite score for each census tract in the State. The higher the score, the healthier the community conditions based on 25 community characteristics. The scores are then converted to a percentile to compare it to other tracts in the State. A census tract must be in the 25
th percentile or less to qualify as a disadvantaged community. The live map and the direct data can both be found on the California Healthy Places Index website.
• Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool: A census tract identified as disadvantaged in at least one of the tool’s ten disadvantaged community categories (climate change, energy, health, housing, legacy pollution, transportation, water and wastewater, workforce development, Tribal overlap, and neighboring disadvantaged tracts). The map can be found on the federal Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool website.
• USDOT Equitable Transportation Community (ETC) Explorer: A census tract identified as among the most disadvantaged 25% in the State according to the ETC Explorer State Results (final index score must be greater than or equal to
3.43447). The map can be found on the United States Department of Transportation website.
• Native American Tribal Lands: Projects located within Federally Recognized Tribal Lands (typically within the boundaries of a Reservation or Rancheria) and projects submitted by tribal governments (Federally Recognized Native American Tribes).
• Other: If an applicant believes that the project benefits a disadvantaged community, but the project does not meet the aforementioned criteria due to a lack of accurate information, the applicant may submit another means of qualifying for consideration. Commission staff will assess and score this question for applicants using the “Other” category to qualify as a disadvantaged community. Suggested alternatives that can be submitted under this category include:
o Census data that represents a small neighborhood or unincorporated area.
The applicant must submit for consideration a quantitative assessment, such as a survey, to demonstrate that the community’s median household income is at or below 80% of the state median household income. o CalEnviroScreen data that represents a small neighborhood or unincorporated area. The applicant must submit for consideration an assessment to demonstrate that the community’s CalEnviroScreen score is at or above 40.05.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
12 o A Regional Definition such as “environmental justice communities,” “equity priority communities,” or “communities of concern.” The Regional Definition must have been developed through a robust public outreach process that includes the input of community stakeholders and must be stratified based on severity. A regional definition of disadvantaged communities must be adopted as part of a regular four-year cycle adoption of a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) / Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) by an MPO or RTPA per obligations with Title VI of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. A regional definition of disadvantaged communities must be used for the region’s broader planning purposes rather than only to apply for ATP funding.
B. Safe Routes to School Projects
For a project to qualify for a Safe Routes to School designation, the project must directly increase safety and convenience for public school students to walk and/or bike to school. Safe Routes to Schools infrastructure projects must be located within two miles of a public school or within the vicinity of a public school bus stop, and the school community, including students, parents, caregivers, teachers, and staff, must be the intended beneficiaries of the project. For Safe Routes to School non-infrastructure, the program must benefit school students, parents, caregivers, teachers, and/or staff and primarily be based at the school.
C. Recreational Trails Projects
Trail projects that are primarily recreational should meet the federal requirements of the Recreational Trails Program, as such projects may not be eligible for funding from other sources. However, trails that serve active transportation purposes (such as multi-use paths, Class I bikeways, etc .) are fully eligible in the ATP and need not meet the Recreational Trails Program requirements.
IV.Project Application
Applications will be available on the ATP online application portal.
There are six different applications available for applicants to complete, depending on the project type and size. It is incumbent on the applicant to complete the application appropriate for their project. Applicants applying for infrastructure projects must utilize the application type based on the entire project cost, not the ATP request amount. All eligible projects must apply with one of the following application types. Applications for plans may not be combined with applications for infrastructure or non-infrastructure projects.
The six application types are:
A. Large Project, Infrastructure only or Infrastructure/Non-infrastructure:
• Projects with a total project cost of greater than $10 million will be considered a large project and must use the Large Project application. Caltrans and California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
13 Commission staff may conduct onsite field reviews on a selection of projects that qualify as large projects. Field reviews are not indicative of the project’s likelihood of receiving funding.
• Projects that qualify for the large application do not need to apply for construction and may apply for pre-construction phases only.
B. Medium Project, Infrastructure only or Infrastructure/Non-infrastructure:
• Projects with a total project cost of more than $3.5 million and up to $10 million will be considered a medium project and must use the Medium Project application.
C. Small Project, Infrastructure only or Infrastructure/Non-infrastructure:
• Projects with a total project cost of $3.5 million or less will be considered a small project and must use the Small Project application.
D. Non-infrastructure only.
E. Plan:
• Applicants can only apply for a plan with the Plan application. This application cannot be combined with any other type of project. Plan projects must be within or encompass a disadvantaged community.
F. Quick-Build:
• Applicants should refer to Appendix D for more information on applying for a quick-build project.
18. Application Submittal Requirements
Applications must be submitted using the online ATP application portal. Applicants to the 2025 Active Transportation Program are not required to submit hardcopies to the Commission.
The Commission requires:
• All project applications must include the signature of the Chief Executive Officer or other officer authorized by the applicant’s governing board. • Projects that will be implemented by an agency other than the applicant must submit documentation of the agreement between the project applicant and the implementing agency with the project application.
• A project application must also include documentation of all other funds committed to the project.
• All applications for projects within 500 feet of a freeway or roadway with a traffic volume over 125,000 annual average daily traffic (AADT) must include a description of any project design elements intended to minimize exposure to air pollution and an explanation of the circumstances that make locating project components in close California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
14 proximity to heavily traveled freeways or roadways unavoidable or an explanation of why this location was chosen. This item will not be scored.
In addition to submitting a project application to the Commission, a copy must also be sent to the agencies listed below. These agencies may require a hardcopy or electronic version. Check with the agency for their preference.
• Regional Transportation Planning Agency or County Transportation Commission within which the project is located.
• The MPO (a contact list can be found at the Transportation Planning Website.) V. Project Selection Process
The ATP has a sequential selection process. Commission staff will first select projects to be recommended for funding in the statewide component based on score, eligibility and deliverability, and program capacity. Then, each of the remaining projects will be eligible for funding in either the small urban and rural component or the MPO component based on project location. Commission staff will next select projects to be recommended for funding in the small urban and rural component based on score, eligibility and deliverability, and program capacity. Projects located within the boundaries of one of the ten largest MPOs must be considered for funding in the MPO component if the project was not selected for funding in the statewide component. Each of the ten largest MPOs will select projects to be recommended for funding as described in Section 22. The Commission will consider and vote whether to adopt the recommendations made in the statewide, small urban and rural, and MPO components.
19. Project Evaluation Committee
Commission staff will form a multidisciplinary project evaluation committee to assist in evaluating project applications. In forming the project evaluation committee, staff will seek participants with expertise in bicycling and pedestrian transportation, expertise in Safe Routes to Schools projects, and expertise in projects benefiting disadvantaged communities. Additionally, staff will seek a geographically balanced representation from state agencies, large MPOs, regional transportation planning agencies, local jurisdictions in small urban and rural areas, and non-governmental organizations.
Priority for participation in the evaluation committee will be given to those who do not represent a project applicant or will not benefit from any submitted projects. Except for Caltrans, no more than two evaluators from one agency will be chosen to ensure a broader representation of evaluators. If more than two individuals from an agency would like to be evaluators, excess volunteers will be placed on the alternate list and asked to be evaluators should positions become available. Consultants will not be considered for participation in the evaluation committee.
Commission and Caltrans staff will collaborate with the Department of Parks and Recreation to review and select projects to be funded with federal Recreational Trails Program funds.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
15 A. Project Evaluation Process
All eligible project applications received will be evaluated by an evaluator team comprised of two volunteers, one from northern California and one from southern California, if possible. All evaluators are required to participate in an ATP evaluator training and sign a conflict-of-interest form before receiving applications to review. The conflict-of-interest form requires the potential evaluator to list any projects that could present a conflict of interest and to certify that the evaluator can and will review project applications objectively.
Evaluators will not be assigned applications from any applicant located within the county or counties) where they live and work. Evaluator team members agree on consensus scores by question for each application based on the Scoring Rubric developed by Commission staff, Caltrans, and the ATP workgroup. Evaluators submit consensus score forms to Commission staff. Evaluators must include meaningful comments on each consensus score form that explain the given consensus scores. Any consensus score forms without meaningful comments will be returned to the evaluator team for completion.
Simultaneously with evaluator team scoring, Commission staff will read and score every application to provide a check score for evaluators. Caltrans staff review project layouts, maps, and estimates to ensure PSR equivalency and consistency with the proposed scope. Every consensus score is compared to the check score. This process allows for Commission staff to identify errors or discrepancies with scoring. Commission and Caltrans staff will meet with every team to discuss their scores, even if there are no issues.
B. Scoring Rubrics
Each application type has a complementary scoring rubric that outlines the scoring criteria for each question. Evaluator teams must use the correct scoring rubric when reviewing an application. The scoring rubrics provide a consistent framework, ensuring that projects are evaluated on the same standards. The Commission anticipates publishing a scoring rubric for each project application type by March 29, 2024 to allow applicants to utilize the rubric when writing applications.
20. Project Selection Between Applications with the Same Score If two or more project applications receive the same score and it is the funding cut-off score, the following criteria will be used to determine which project(s) will be funded in the following priority order:
1) Project readiness including, but not limited to, completed environmental documents.
2) Highest score on the highest point value question (questions with the highest point value may vary by application type).
3) Highest score on the second highest point value question.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
16 21. Scoring Criteria
Proposed projects will be scored and ranked based on applicant responses to the scoring topics below. The chart below references the scoring topics and points allotted to the different types of applications, as well as the maximum number of points allowed for each scoring topic by application type. If a scoring topic is left blank, it is not applicable to that application type.
Infrastructure Only (Inf.), Infrastructure & Non-Infrastructure (I + NI), Non-Infrastructure Only, and Plan Application Scoring Criteria:
Scoring Topic Large
Inf. /I + NI
Medium
Inf. /I + NI
Small
Inf. /I + NI Plan Non-Infrastructure
Only
Benefits to
Disadvantaged
Communities (DAC)
10 10 10 30 10
Need 38 40 52 20 40
Safety 20 25 25 10
Public Participation &
Planning
10 10 10 25 15
Scope and Plan Layout
Consistency and Cost
Effectiveness
7 Scope and Plan Layout
Consistency
5 3 10
Context Sensitive &
Innovation
5 5 5
Transformative
Projects
5 Evaluation and
Sustainability
10 Leveraging 5 5
Implementation & Plan
Development
25 Corps (0 or -5) (0 or -5) (0 or -5) (0 or -5)
Past Performance 0 to -10 0 to -10 0 to -10 0 to -10 0 to -10 Total 100 100 100 100 100
A. Benefit to Disadvantaged Communities. The benefit provided to the disadvantaged community affected by the project. The score will be impacted by 17 California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
the project location in relation to the disadvantaged community, the severity, and the direct benefit the project will provide. Applicants must also explain how anti- displacement policies and actions are being implemented to discourage gentrification of the community being impacted by the project. If displacement is not an issue, applicants must explain why it is not a concern for the community.
See Appendix E for anti-displacement resources.
B.Need. Potential for increased walking and bicycling, especially among students, including the identification of walking and bicycling routes to and from schools, transit facilities, community centers, health care facilities, employment centers, and other destinations; potential to promote equity of access to shared public infrastructure for people of all ages and varying abilities; and potential to increase and improve the connectivity and mobility of non-motorized users.
C.Safety. Potential for reducing the number and/or rate or the risk of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and injuries, including the identification of safety hazards for pedestrians and bicyclists, with consideration of safety concerns for students, older adults, and persons with disabilities. If the project includes bicycle improvements, applicants must also discuss the considerations made when evaluating and selecting the project’s bikeway facility type.
D.Public Participation and Planning. Identification of the community-based public participation process that culminated in the project proposal, which may include noticed meetings and consultation with local stakeholders. Project applicants must clearly articulate how the local participation process (including the participation of disadvantaged community stakeholders and community-based organizations) resulted in the identification and prioritization of the proposed project. If there is significant opposition to the project, applicants should summarize any major points of concern raised by the opposition and provide a response. Additionally, for large infrastructure and large infrastructure/non-infrastructure combination projects, applicants will be awarded points for the inclusion of the project in an adopted active transportation plan or similar plan. Eligible plans must be developed through a comprehensive public process.
E. Scope and Plan Layout Consistency and Cost Effectiveness. Evidence that the application, scope, and plan layout are consistent with one another and depict what is being proposed. A project’s cost effectiveness is the relative costs of the project in comparison to the project’s benefits.
F. Scope and Plan Layout Consistency. Evidence that the application, scope, and plan layout are consistent with one another and depict what is being proposed.
G.Implementation and Plan Development. Specific to applicants using the “plan” application form. Evidence that the plan will lead to the implementation of the identified projects.
H.Context-Sensitive Bikeways/Walkways and Innovative Project Elements. The “recognized best” solutions appropriate for the local community context will be California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
18 considered. Applicants should discuss how the project advances a lower-stress environment or a low-stress network. Additionally, applicants should provide a description of the innovative features of the project or explain why the context of the project best lends itself to standard treatments/features.
I. Transformative Projects. Evidence of the transformative nature of the project will help to inform the score. Applicants should describe how nearby projects and local policies and ordinances will contribute to the project’s transformative nature.
In addition, applicants should address the potential for the project to support existing and planned housing, especially affordable housing, and how the project will advance local transportation and land use goals. Applicants are encouraged to apply for the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) Prohousing Designation Program and to describe how local policies align with prohousing criteria. If housing is not an issue for the community, the applicant should explain why it is not a concern.
J. Evaluation and Sustainability. How will the effectiveness of the program be measured and sustained after completion?
K.Leveraging. Leveraging of non-ATP funds (excluding in-kind contributions) on the ATP project scope proposed.
L. Corps. Use of the California Conservation Corps or a certified local community conservation corps, as defined in Section 14507.5 of the Public Resources Code, as partners to undertake or construct applicable projects in accordance with Section 1524 of Public Law 112-141. Points will be deducted if an applicant does not seek Corps participation or if an applicant intends not to utilize a Corps in a project in which the Corps can participate. An exception applies for applicants using the Plan application type.
a. General information and instructions for consulting with the Corps on ATP projects can be found at the California Conservation Corps website or at the California Association of Local Conservation Corps website. b. The California Conservation Corps can be contacted at [email protected]. c. Certified local community conservation corps can be contacted at [email protected].
d. Direct contracting with the California Conservation Corps or a certified local community conservation corps without bidding is permissible, provided that the implementing agency demonstrates cost effectiveness per 23 CFR 635.204 and obtains approval from Caltrans. A copy of the agreement between the implementing agency and the proposed conservation corps must be provided to Caltrans.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
19 e. Funded projects will be required to report on the use of the California Conservation Corps or a certified local community conservation corps as noticed in the application.
f. Applicants must consult with the Corps every ATP cycle and for each application submitted. Applicants may not use Corps consultation from previous ATP cycles or from other ATP applications to satisfy this requirement.
M. Past Performance. Applicant’s performance on past ATP projects. Points may be deducted for poor past performance on an ATP project. Poor past performance includes, but is not limited to non-use of the Corps as committed to in a past ATP award or adverse audit findings on a past ATP project that are the fault of the applicant. The Commission will assess the need to deduct points for the failure to deliver any phases of an ATP project programmed in a prior cycle.
22. MPO Competitive Project Selection
Projects not selected for programming in the statewide competition must be considered by the MPOs in administering a competitive selection process.
An MPO may delegate its project selection to the Commission if it uses the Commission’s statewide competition project selection criteria, weighting, minimum funding request amount, match requirement, and definition of disadvantaged communities.
With Commission approval, an MPO may use a different project selection criteria or weighting, minimum funding request amount, match requirement, and/or definition of disadvantaged communities for its competitive selection process. Prior Commission approval is required for a minimum funding request requirement of $500,000 or greater, or different match requirement than in the statewide competitive program.
An MPO may also elect to have a supplemental MPO-specific call for projects. The projects received in this call must be considered along with those not selected for funding in the statewide competitive program. As part of the supplemental call for projects, MPOs may allow applicants to down-scope or provide a scalability plan for statewide-submitted projects. An MPO may recommend a quick-build project for programming; however, all quick-build project applications must be submitted in the manner outlined in Appendix D. MPOs that choose to administer a competitive selection process must use a multidisciplinary advisory group, similar to the Project Evaluation Committee described in Section 19, to assist in evaluating project applications. The Commission will provide a checklist to the MPOs that includes what the MPO must submit with its programming recommendations to the Commission, including:
• List of the members of its multidisciplinary advisory group. • Description of unbiased project selection methodology.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
20 • Programming template provided by Caltrans and Commission staff with the following elements:
o List of all projects evaluated and regional competition scores o Projects recommended with implementing agency name, project name, county, total project cost, request amount, fiscal years, phases, State-only funding requests, state and federal funding split, and amount benefiting disadvantaged communities.
o Project type designations such as Non-infrastructure, Safe Routes to School, etc.
• Board resolution approving the program of projects.
• Project Programming Requests (PPRs).
• Copies of all applications received by the MPO if the MPO conducted a supplemental call for projects. Applications that were submitted to a supplemental call for projects that were recommended for programming by an MPO will not be considered for programming unless the application is received by February 21, 2025. Commission staff and Caltrans staff will review all applications for eligibility and deliverability.
The Commission also may require each MPO to participate in a teleconference between Commission staff, Caltrans staff, and MPO staff to review submittal completeness and accuracy.
If Commission staff determines that an MPO submittal is not complete or accurate enough for Commission staff approval, then Commission staff may elect to postpone consideration of that MPO’s program until the submittal is deemed complete and accurate.
VI. Programming
23. Program of Projects
Consistent with statutory requirements, the Commission will adopt a program of projects for the ATP no later than June 30 of each odd-numbered year after conducting at least one public hearing. The ATP must be developed consistent with the fund estimate.
Projects programmed by the Commission in ATP will not be given priority in other programs under the Commission’s purview.
If the program of projects adopted by the Commission does not program the full capacity identified in the fund estimate for a given fiscal year, the balance will remain available to advance programmed projects. Subject to the availability of funds, a balance not programmed in one fiscal year will carry over and be available for projects in the following fiscal year.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
21 The program of projects for each fiscal year will include, for each project, the amount to be funded from the ATP and the estimated total cost of the project. In the case of a large project delivered in segments, the program of projects will include the total cost of the segment for which ATP funds are requested.
Project costs in the ATP will include costs for each of the following phases:
• project approval and environmental document (PA&ED);
• plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E);
• right-of-way (R/W);
• construction (CON); and
• construction non-infrastructure (CON-NI), if applicable.
For projects anticipated to be delivered using the design-build or design-sequencing contracting method, the construction phase may include costs for design and right-of- way. The cost of each project phase will be listed in the ATP no earlier than in the fiscal year in which the particular project phase can be implemented.
Implementing agencies with projects programmed from prior cycles that do not meet Project Study Report (PSR) equivalency requirements will be required to take corrective action prior to the allocation of funds.
24. Performance Metrics
Successful applicants must submit the required performance metric data for their projects, as noted below.
A. Interim Count Methodology Guidance
The Interim Count Methodology Guidance (Interim Guidance) was developed by Caltrans in collaboration with the ATP Technical Advisory Committee. The Interim Guidance is intended to guide ATP applicants and project awardees in meeting the minimum expectations for conducting user counts, surveys, and evaluation requirements for active transportation projects funded through the ATP. The Interim Guidance covers various topics that represent central steps to ensure that ATP applicants and awardees can provide consistent and uniform project-user data. Topics include determining the type of count data collection needed, as well as how to determine count locations and estimating the total volume within the project limits.
The Count Guidance must be used for all ATP-funded projects that receive a construction phase allocation from the Commission. The Interim Count Methodology Guidance is available on the Caltrans website. The timeframes for conducting user counts are outlined in Section 4 of the Interim Count Methodology Guidance.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
22 B. California Active Transportation Benefit-Cost Tool The California Active Transportation Benefit-Cost Tool was developed by the Commission, Caltrans, and the UC Davis BicyclingPlus Research Collaborative to estimate the expected benefits of the adopted Active Transportation Program.
The tool estimates benefits such as safety, mode shift, reductions in vehicle miles traveled, and total reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission will use the tool to provide a program-level summary of benefits for the 2025 Active Transportation Program. Successful applicants, including those with MPO-selected projects, must submit the relevant data to Commission and Caltrans staff by the deadline established by Commission staff.
C. Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Benefits Calculator To further show the benefits of the ATP funding, Commission staff will utilize the analysis provided by the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Benefits Calculator. This tool estimates outputs such as vehicle miles traveled, air pollution, and greenhouse gas reductions for new facilities and bike shares.
Successful applicants, including those with MPO-selected projects, must submit the relevant data to Commission and Caltrans staff by the deadline established by Commission staff.
Agencies that fail to provide the performance metric data listed above may face disciplinary consequences including, but not limited to:
• A written warning
• A required appearance before the Commission
• Placement on a Watch List
Agencies that continue to fail to provide performance metric data may be subject to:
o Ineligibility for future allocations and programming actions o Reduced reimbursements
25. State-Only Funding Designation
Some of the funds in the ATP are federal funds. ATP projects programmed as part of the statewide and small urban and rural competitions with capital construction values of $1,000,000 or more in ATP funding must be federal-aid eligible. Refer to the update to the Federal-Aid Project Funding Guidelines for more information. Agencies may request State-only funding at the time of application. Such a request does not guarantee a State-only funding designation.
Caltrans will post a project list indicating whether projects recommended for funding are funded with state-only funding or federal funding on the Caltrans Active Transportation Program website within 60 days of program adoption.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
23 In the MPO component, it is the responsibility of each MPO to designate projects for State-only funding when submitting their programming recommendation. The recommendations are not to exceed the allotted State-only funds specified in the adopted 2025 ATP Fund Estimate. If a project is not designated for State-only funds in the adopted MPO component and later requires State-only funding, the MPO must modify the State-only fund designations among all its programmed projects so that the State-only fund designations do not exceed the allotment in the adopted 2025 ATP Fund Estimate. The MPO must inform Caltrans of any changed State-only funding designations before submitting an allocation request for any affected project and inform the Commission which State-only-funded project(s) will be converted to federal funds.
All programmed quick-build projects will be designated for State-only funding.
26. Committed / Uncommitted Funds
The Commission will program and allocate funding to projects in whole thousands of dollars and will include a project only if it is fully funded from a combination of ATP funds and other committed funds. The Commission will only propose to fund projects with uncommitted funds in the following two situations:
• The project is at the funding cut-off for an MPO in their MPO component, and there are not enough available funds in that MPO’s program to fund the full project. The applicant must demonstrate how it intends to fund the construction of a useable segment, consistent with the project application. • Projects requesting funding for the pre-construction phases only that fall into the large infrastructure category as defined in the Project Application, Section IV of these Guidelines. The applicant must demonstrate the means by which it intends to fund the construction of a useable segment, consistent with the project application.
Uncommitted funds may only be from a future cycle of the ATP, the Local Partnership Program (formulaic or competitive), the Solutions for Congested Corridors Program, the Trade Corridors Enhancement Program, or a federal discretionary grant program. The applicant must indicate its plan for securing a funding commitment, explain the risk of not securing that commitment, and its plan for securing an alternate source of funding should the commitment not be obtained. If a project with uncommitted funds is programmed, all funding commitments for that phase must be secured prior to July 1 of the fiscal year in which the project is programmed, or the project will be removed from the program.
The Commission will regard funds as committed when they are programmed by the Commission or when the agency with discretionary authority over the funds has made its commitment to the project by ordinance or resolution. For federal formula funds, including the Surface Transportation Program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, and federal formula transit funds, the commitment may be by Federal approval of the Federal Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. For California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
24 federal discretionary funds, the commitment may be by federal approval of a full funding grant agreement or by grant approval.
27. Contingency List
The Commission may identify a contingency list of projects to be amended into the program in the event a programmed project has returned award savings or is deleted from the program. This contingency list will be in effect only until the adoption of the next programming cycle.
28. Baseline Agreements
In accordance with the SB 1 Accountability and Transparency Guidelines, the Commission requires Baseline Agreements for ATP projects with a total project cost of $25 million or greater (all funds) or a total programmed amount of $10 million or greater in ATP funds, including large infrastructure projects that are programmed with ATP funds in pre-construction phases only and that meet these thresholds. Baseline agreements establish the agreed-upon benefits, project scope, schedule, and cost of a project for which the Commission has approved funding. These agreements provide a foundation for project monitoring and reporting and identify the agency responsible for reporting on the progress made toward the implementation of the project.
The Commission will approve baseline agreements at a regular Commission meeting within four months after a project has been adopted into the ATP, except in instances in which a project has not received environmental clearance at the time of programming.
Projects that have not received environmental clearance at the time of programming will be expected to have a baseline agreement approved within six months after the Lead Agency files a notice of exemption or files a notice of determination pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
The following documents must be completed and submitted to Caltrans as part of the baseline agreement package:
• A signed baseline agreement
• An approved ATP application
• A completed Project Programming Request (PPR)
• Completed environmental documents (CEQA and NEPA, if required) • A completed Benefits Form
The Commission may delete a project for which no baseline agreement is executed.
The Commission will not consider approval of a project allocation, except for the environmental project phase and the non-infrastructure project phase for infrastructure/non-infrastructure combination projects, without an approved baseline agreement. The SB 1 Accountability and Transparency Guidelines are available on the Commission’s website.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
25 VII. Program / Project Amendments
29. Amendment Requests
Implementing agencies who wish to request project amendments must obtain approval from all partner and funding entities before submitting these requests to the Commission. Implementing agencies must submit amendment requests in a timely manner and include documentation that supports the requested change and its impact on the scope, cost, schedule, public support, and benefits.
Caltrans shall coordinate all amendment requests and utilize the Project Programming Request (PPR) form to help document the change. Implementing agencies must notify Caltrans in writing of proposed project amendments.
Project amendments will be considered for ATP as follows:
• Scope Changes – the Commission may consider changes to the scope of the project only as described below.
• Funding Distribution Changes – the Commission may consider a request to move funds between phases after a project has been programmed only as described below.
• Project Segmenting – the Commission may consider a request to segment a project into two or more segments only as described in subsection C below.
Schedule changes to a project will not be considered, however, time extensions are allowed as specified in Section 32. The ATP will not fund any cost increases to a project, except for Caltrans-implemented projects as outlined in Section VIII. If there is a change in the cost estimate, the implementing agency must notify Caltrans as soon as possible. The written notification should explain the change and the plan to cover the increase.
The standard processing time for amendment requests is a minimum of 60 days prior to the Commission meeting for which they seek action.
A. Scope Changes
The Commission will consider changes to the approved scope submitted in the project application to assist agencies in implementing their ATP projects and maximize the overall benefits of the ATP. An agency requesting a scope change must submit a request to Caltrans that includes the following:
• An explanation of the proposed scope change.
• The reason for the proposed scope change.
• The impact the proposed scope change would have on the overall cost of the project.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
26 • An estimate of the impact the proposed scope change would have on the potential of the project to increase walking and bicycling as compared to the benefits identified in the project application (increase or decrease in benefit). • An estimate of the impact the proposed scope change would have on the potential of the project to increase the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists as compared to the benefits identified in the project application (increase or decrease in benefit).
• An estimate of the impact of the proposed scope change on benefits to disadvantaged communities, if applicable (increase or decrease in benefit). • An explanation of the methodology used to develop the estimates. • Evidence of public support for the new scope.
• Revalidation of the environmental document(s), if needed. • How the scope change impacts the project schedule.
• For projects in which the original ATP scope has been or will be completed through a different project or funding source, the implementing agency must submit an explanation of the overlapping scopes of the projects and/or change in funding source. If the scope change is approved, the agency must continue to report on any items that were in the original ATP scope but were or will be completed through a different project or funding source. • Identification of any funding sources used to complete the project that were not included in the project application.
• Identification of any savings expected due to a reduced or modified scope. • An explanation of how the scope change affects the project budget, and how increases will be funded, or savings will be utilized.
• For projects programmed in the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) component, evidence of MPO approval and the MPO rationale for their approval.
Caltrans will review the proposed scope change and forward the proposal along with Caltrans’ written analysis and recommendation to the Commission for the Commission’s consideration.
Commission staff may accept or deny minor scope changes and will present those that are accepted to the Commission as a part of the project allocation request. Minor scope changes are those that stay true to the project proposed in the application, with little or no impact on project benefits, strong public support, or increase the benefits of the project. If Commission staff denies approval of a minor scope change request, Caltrans, in collaboration with the requesting agency, may resubmit the scope change request as a major scope change for the Commission’s consideration.
Caltrans will present recommendations to approve or disapprove major scope changes to the Commission as a project amendment agenda item at a regularly scheduled Commission meeting. Commission staff may recommend denying a scope change if the California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
27 request dramatically changes the project scope and intent from what was approved in the application, or if there is a loss in benefits. The Commission may approve or deny the scope change request, regardless of staff and Caltrans’ recommendations.
Scope change requests must be submitted as soon as practicable following identification of the needed change, and prior to the allocation of any additional project phases. Scope change requests must be submitted prior to an agency requesting the allocation of construction funds, except in instances where there are contract bid cost savings, as described in Section 37 of these Guidelines.
For more information on quick-build project scope change requirements, see Appendix D of these Guidelines.
B. Funding Distribution Changes
Agencies may request to move fund amounts between programmed phases, including Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED), Plans, Specs and Estimates (PS&E), Right of Way (R/W), and Construction (CON). Moving funds between phases will not increase the total programmed amount. The agency must show that the project remains fully funded and that the benefits of the project will remain the same or increase. All Funding Distribution Change requests must be considered by the Commission for approval.
When preparing a request for a Funding Distribution Change, agencies should consider the following:
• The request must be made prior to the state fiscal year in which the funds have been programmed.
• The funds that are part of the request cannot have been allocated. • Funds programmed in construction cannot be moved out of construction. • An agency may only request a Funding Distribution Change once during the life of the project. Agencies should consider waiting until after the environmental review has been completed to submit a Funding Distribution Change.
The notification to Caltrans must include:
• A revised Project Programming Request that outlines the proposed Funding Distribution Change.
• The reason for the proposed Funding Distribution Change. • The impact the proposed change would have on the overall cost of the project.
The project must remain fully funded.
• A discussion of whether the Funding Distribution Change will affect the benefit of the project as described in the project application.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
28 C. Project Segmenting
The Commission will consider project segmenting requests that aid in the overall delivery of the project.
When preparing a request to segment a project, agencies should consider the following:
• In segmenting a project, phases or segments may not be reprogrammed to later years.
• An agency may only request to segment a project once during the life of a project.
• Segmenting must be approved prior to construction allocation. An allocated phase cannot be segmented.
An agency wishing to segment a project must submit a request to Caltrans that includes the following:
• An explanation of the proposed project segmentation.
• The reason for the proposed project segmentation.
• A map clearly showing each project segment or phase.
• Separate PPRs for each project segment.
Caltrans will review the proposed project segmenting request and forward the proposal along with Caltrans’ written analysis and recommendation to Commission staff for the Commission’s consideration.
VIII. Allocations
When an agency is ready to implement a project or project phase, the agency will submit an allocation request to Caltrans. The typical time required, after receipt of the request, to complete Caltrans review and recommendation and Commission allocation is 60 days. Allocation request deadlines are outlined on the Caltrans Active Transportation Program website.
Caltrans will review the request and determine whether or not to recommend the request to the Commission for action. The recommendation will include a determination of project readiness, the availability of appropriated funding, the availability of all identified and committed supplementary funding, and the consistency with the project’s Baseline Agreement, if applicable. When Caltrans develops its construction allocation recommendation, the Commission expects Caltrans to verify that a project’s plans, specifications, and estimate are complete, and match the application scope or approved scope amendment, environmental and right-of-way clearances are secured, and all necessary permits and agreements are executed. The Commission will only consider an allocation of construction funds to projects that are ready to advertise. Projects using the design-build or design-sequencing contracting methods shall be considered ready for allocation upon completion of environmental clearance. Readiness for projects to be California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
29 transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or Federal Transit Administration (FTA) shall be consistent with BIA’s or FTA’s definition of readiness for transfer.
In compliance with Section 21150 of the Public Resources Code, the Commission will not allocate funds for a non-infrastructure project or plan, or for design, right-of-way, or construction of an infrastructure project, prior to documentation of environmental clearance under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As a matter of policy, the Commission will not allocate funds, other than for the environmental phase, for a federally funded project prior to documentation of environmental clearance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Exceptions to this policy may be made in instances where federal law allows for the acquisition of right-of-way prior to completion of NEPA review.
The Commission will approve the allocation in whole thousands of dollars and only if the allocation is necessary to implement the project as included in the adopted ATP. The ATP does not fund cost increases. If there is a cost increase to the project, the implementing agency must submit an updated PPR form that identifies the cost increase and the fund source that will cover the cost increase. If funding is not identified to cover the cost increase, the project component will be lapsed. Caltrans-implemented projects are the only exception to this provision. The Commission will consider funding a cost increase for Caltrans-implemented projects if all other cost-saving measures, such as scope modifications, have been exhausted and the project cannot proceed without additional funds. The additional funds will be apportioned from the subsequent ATP cycle. Caltrans cost increase requests must be approved by the Commission in the same manner as project cost increases for other Commission programs.
Applicants that have partnered with an implementing agency must include a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding or Interagency Agreement between the project applicant and implementing agency with the allocation request.
The Commission will consider the allocation request if the funds are available and the allocation is necessary to implement the project as included in the adopted ATP. All allocations are dependent on the availability of ATP funds. If there are insufficient program funds to approve an allocation, the Commission may delay the allocation of funds to a project until the next fiscal year without requiring an extension.
To ensure the timely use of all program funds, the Commission will, contingent upon availability, advance allocate funds to projects programmed in a future fiscal year on a first-come, first-served basis. Should requests for advance allocations exceed available capacity, the Commission will give priority to projects programmed in the current year.
Allocation requests for a project in the MPO-selected portion of the program must include a recommendation by the MPO.
Any scope change requests must be presented to Caltrans for consideration prior to allocation in the manner described in Section 29.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
30 30. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)/Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transfers
An implementing agency may request to transfer programmed ATP funds to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) if the BIA or FTA has greater expertise to administer a project, or if there may be cost savings associated with a project that has multiple components. The implementing agency shall notify Caltrans as early as possible following programming, so that funding eligible for transfer from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to the BIA or FTA can be assigned to the project in a timely manner. Caltrans shall make a recommendation to the Commission regarding the readiness of the project for allocation using the same criteria used by the BIA or FTA. The implementing agency should submit the BIA or FTA transfer form to Caltrans along with their allocation request. Caltrans shall add a “BIA Transfer” or “FTA Transfer” notation to the vote box for projects that will require a BIA or FTA Transfer.
Projects with BIA and FTA transfers must comply with the Active Transportation Program Guidelines and the SB 1 Accountability and Transparency Guidelines.
IX. Project Delivery
31. Letter of No Prejudice
The Commission will consider approval of a Letter of No Prejudice to advance a project programmed in the ATP. Approval of the Letter of No Prejudice will allow the agency to begin work and incur eligible expenses prior to allocation. The Letter of No Prejudice Guidelines are available on the Commission’s website.
32. Timely Use of Funds
ATP allocations are requested by project phase, Environmental Phase (PA&ED), Design Phase (PS&E), Right-of-Way Phase (R/W), Construction Phase (CON), and Construction Non-Infrastructure (CON-NI), as applicable. Each allocation must be requested in the fiscal year that the phase is programmed. When funds are not allocated within the fiscal year they are programmed or within the time allowed by an approved extension, the funds will lapse, and the phase will be deleted from the Active Transportation Program.
The Commission may extend the deadline only once for each allocation phase and only if it finds that an unforeseen and extraordinary circumstance beyond the control of the responsible agency that justifies the extension has occurred. The extension will not exceed the period of delay directly attributed to the extraordinary circumstance and cannot exceed twelve months. If extraordinary issues exist that require a longer extension, the implementer may request up to 20 months for allocation only. Extension requests for a project in the MPO-selected portion of the program must include a recommendation by the MPO, consistent with the preceding requirements.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
31 Funds allocated for Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED), Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E), and Right-of-Way (R/W) costs must be expended by the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the funds were allocated. The implementing agency must invoice Caltrans for these costs no later than 180 days after the expenditure or completion deadline.
Construction contracts must be awarded and executed within six months of construction allocation. The Commission may extend the contract award deadline only once if it finds that an unforeseen and extraordinary circumstance beyond the control of the responsible agency that justifies the extension has occurred. The extension will not exceed the period of delay directly attributed to the extraordinary circumstance and cannot exceed twelve months.
After the award of the contract, the implementing agency has up to 36 months to complete (accept) the contract. At the time of construction fund allocation, the implementing agency may request, and the Commission may approve extending the deadline for completion of work and the liquidation of funds if necessary to accommodate the proposed expenditure plan for the project.
The Commission may extend the deadlines for expenditures for project development or right-of-way, or for contract completion no more than one time, only if it finds that an unforeseen and extraordinary circumstance beyond the control of the responsible agency has occurred that justifies the extension. The extension will not exceed the period of delay directly attributed to the extraordinary circumstance and cannot exceed more than 12 months for project completion and 12 months for expenditure.
Except for the allocation of funds, the request to extend the deadline for any of the above must be received by Caltrans prior to the expiration date. For the allocation of funds, the time extension must be approved by the Commission by June 30 th of the year
the funds are programmed; otherwise, the funds will lapse. Additional guidance on ATP timely use of funds expectations and policies can be found on the Caltrans Local Assistance website.
Projects with a right-of-way phase programmed must commence the right-of-way phase within ten years of receiving Project Approval and Environmental Document and/or Plans, Specifications, and Estimates funding through ATP, and must commence construction within ten years of receiving right-of-way funding through ATP. Projects without a right-of-way phase programmed must commence construction within ten years of receiving Project Approval and Environmental Document and Plans, Specifications, and Estimates funding through ATP. Otherwise, the implementing agency must repay the ATP funds, and the repaid funds may be made available for redistribution in the subsequent programming cycle.
If there are insufficient funds, the Commission may delay the allocation of funds to a project until the next fiscal year without requiring an extension. It is incumbent upon the implementing agency to develop accurate project cost estimates. If the amount of a contract award is less than the amount allocated, or if the final cost of a phase is less than the amount allocated, the savings generated will be returned to the ATP.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
32 Caltrans will track the delivery of ATP projects and submit to the Commission the required reports showing the delivery of each project phase.
33. Delivery Deadline Extensions
The Commission may extend a delivery deadline, as described in Section 32, upon the request of the implementing agency. No deadline may be extended more than once.
However, there are separate deadlines for allocations, contract award, expenditures, and project completion. Each project phase has its own deadline. The Commission may consider the extension for each deadline separately.
All requests for project delivery deadline extensions shall be submitted directly to Caltrans for processing prior to the expiration date. The extension request should describe the specific circumstance that justifies the extension and identify the delay directly attributable to the circumstance. Caltrans will review and prepare a written analysis of the proposed extension requests and forward the written analysis and recommendation to the Commission for action.
34. Federal Requirements
Unless fully programmed for state-only funding, project applicants must comply with the provisions of Titles 23 and 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and the processes and procedures for federally funded projects contained in the Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual and the Master Agreement with Caltrans. Below are examples of federal requirements that must be met when administering ATP projects. • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and documentation are required for all projects. Refer to the Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 6: Environmental Procedures, for guidance and procedures on complying with NEPA and other federal environmentally related laws. • Project applicants may not proceed with the final design of a project or request “Authorization to proceed with Right-of-Way” or “Authorization to proceed with Construction” until Caltrans has signed a Categorical Exclusion, a Finding of No Significant Impact, or a Record of Decision. Failure to follow this requirement will make the project ineligible for federal reimbursement.
• If the project requires the purchase of right of way (the acquisition of real property), the provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 apply. For more information, refer to the Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 13, Right of Way. • If the project applicant requires consultation services that include but are not limited to the services of architects, landscape architects, land surveyors, or engineers, the procedures in Chapter 10, Consultant Selection, of the Local Assistance Procedures Manual must be followed. The naming of a partner in the application does not negate this requirement.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
33 • Contract documents are required to incorporate applicable federal requirements such as Davis Bacon wage rates, competitive bidding, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises/Equal Employment Opportunity provisions, etc. For more information, refer to the Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 9, Civil Rights and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Chapter 12, Plans, Specifications, and Estimates.
• Failure to comply with federal requirements may result in the repayment of ATP funds to the State.
35. Design Standards
Streets and Highways Code Section 891 requires that all city, county, regional, and other local agencies responsible for the development or operation of bikeways or roadways where bicycle travel is permitted utilize all minimum safety design criteria established by Caltrans, except that an agency may utilize other minimum safety design criteria if specific conditions are met, as described in Streets and Highways Code Section 891(b). The Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 11, Design Guidance, describes statewide design standards, specifications, procedures, guides, and references that are acceptable in the geometric, drainage, and structural design of Local Assistance projects.
For capital projects off the state highway system, the project applicant will be responsible for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility. If another entity agrees to assume responsibility for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility, documentation of the agreement must be submitted with the project application, and a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding or Interagency Agreement between the parties must be submitted with the request for allocation.
All facilities constructed using ATP funds cannot revert to non-ATP use for a minimum of 20 years or its actual useful life as documented in the project application, whichever is less, without the approval of the Commission. The exception to this is ATP-funded quick-build projects.
36. Project Inactivity
Once funds for a project are encumbered, project applicants are expected to invoice on a regular basis (for federal funds, see 23 CFR 630.106 and the Caltrans’ Inactive Obligation Policy). Failure to do so will result in the project being deemed “inactive” and subject to de-obligation if proper justification is not provided.
37. Project Cost Savings
Savings at contract bid may be used to expand the project scope only if the expanded scope provides additional quantifiable active transportation benefits. The expanded scope must be approved by Commission staff prior to contract award. All other contract bid savings will be returned proportionally.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
34 Savings at project completion must be returned proportionally except when an agency has, subsequent to project programming, committed additional funds to the project to fund a cost increase. In such instances, savings at project completion may be returned to other fund types first, until the proportions match those at programming. Any additional savings at project completion must be returned proportionally.
Any amount allocated for environmental may also be expended for design. In addition, a local agency may expend an amount allocated for environmental, design, right of way, construction (infrastructure), or construction (non-infrastructure) for another allocated project phase, provided that the total expenditure shifted to a phase in this way is not more than 20 percent of the amount actually allocated for either phase. This means that the amount transferred by a local agency from one phase to another may be no more than 20 percent of whichever of the phases has received the smaller allocation from the Commission.
If an implementing agency requests an allocation of funds in an amount that is less than the amount programmed, the balance of the programmed amount may be allocated to a programmed project advanced from a future fiscal year. Project savings, including savings from projects programmed in the MPO component, will return to the overall ATP and be available to a programmed project advanced from a future fiscal year.
38. Project Cancellation
If an implementing agency elects to cancel a project, the agency must cease all invoicing and relinquish any remaining funds to the program. The implementing agency must submit a letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Public Works Director, or other officer authorized by its governing body addressed to the Commission’s Executive Director that includes the following information:
• Reason for project cancellation
• Efforts made to avoid cancellation
• Lessons learned from challenges faced
The appropriate Regional Transportation Planning Agency should be copied on the letter.
Commission staff may schedule a follow-up meeting with all parties involved to discuss the project cancellation.
Project cancellations in the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED), Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E), and Right-of-Way (R/W) phases require repayment of the reimbursed ATP funds if the investment does not result in a physical improvement within ten years. Project cancellations directly related to compliance with another federal and/or state law, such as NEPA and CEQA, do not require repayment. If an implementing agency determines that repayment is not required on a project canceled in the PA&ED, PS&E, or R/W phase, the implementing agency must submit a written request to Caltrans. Caltrans will review the request, obtain FHWA concurrence California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
35 for federally funded projects, and forward the request and a written recommendation for the Commission’s consideration.
39. Project Reporting
The purpose of all required reports is to ensure that the project is executed on time and within budget, and that it delivers the scope and benefits identified in the project application. The ATP adheres to the program accountability requirements set forth in the SB1 Accountability and Transparency Guidelines. The reporting provisions specified in the SB 1 Accountability and Transparency Guidelines apply to all projects programmed in the ATP.
All implementing agencies must submit regular progress reports, a completion report, and a final delivery report to Caltrans. Implementing agencies should refer to the Local Assistance website for details. Implementing agencies must submit photographs of the completed project as part of the Completion Report. Photos showing people using the completed facility are best. If there are recognizable faces in the photos, the agency must include a photo release waiver with the report. Photographs of the completed project should be at least 300 dots per inch (DPI). Implementing agencies will also be encouraged to submit photographs of the project with progress reports when significant project milestones are achieved.
An agency implementing a project in the MPO-selected portion of the program is required to also submit copies of all its reports to the MPO. However, all agencies are encouraged to submit copies of their reports to their MPO or RTPA.
Projects with a Bureau of Indian Affairs or Federal Transit Administration transfer must comply with the reporting requirements set forth by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the Federal Transit Administration.
40. Audits
The audit requirements outlined in the SB 1 Accountability and Transparency Guidelines apply to all projects programmed in the ATP.
X. Roles and Responsibilities
41. California Transportation Commission (Commission)
The Commission’s responsibilities include:
• Adopting guidelines and policies for the ATP.
• Adopting the ATP fund estimate.
• Screening project applications and determining eligibility, in consultation with Caltrans.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
36 • Evaluating, scoring, and ranking projects, including forming and facilitating the Project Evaluation Committee.
• Adopting a program of projects, including:
o The Statewide component of ATP,
o The Small Urban and Rural component of ATP, and
o The MPO-selected component of the program, based on the recommendations of the MPOs.
o Ensuring that at least 25% of the funds benefit disadvantaged communities. • Maintaining a contingency list of projects to be amended into the program in the event a programmed project is delivered under the programmed amount or if a project fails, approving and recommending such amendments for Commission approval. This contingency list will be in effect only until the adoption of the next statewide program.
• Posting recommendations and the final adopted list of approved projects on the Commission’s website.
• Allocating funds to projects.
• Publishing a Status Report of the ATP annually to increase the transparency of the program and show the progress of the programmed projects. • Approving or denying amendment requests.
• Approving or denying time extension requests.
• Evaluating the program and reporting to the legislature.
42. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Caltrans has the primary responsibility for the administration of the adopted ATP.
Responsibilities include:
• Preparing and providing statewide program and procedural guidance.
Conducting outreach through various networks such as, but not limited to, the ATP website, and at conferences, meetings, or workgroups. • Developing and providing program training.
• Soliciting project applications for the program.
• Performing eligibility and deliverability reviews of ATP projects at the Commission’s request and informing the Commission of any identified issues in writing and before consensus scores are submitted by the evaluators. • Assisting as needed in functions such as facilitating project evaluation teams and evaluating applications.
• Notifying successful applicants of their next steps after each call for projects.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
37 • Recommending project allocations (including funding type) to the Commission. • Making project amendment recommendations to the Commission. • Tracking and reporting on project implementation, including project completion. • Creating reports required by the Commission and soliciting implementing agencies to submit required reports in a timely manner. • Performing audits of selected projects in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards.
• Serving as the main point of contact in project implementation, including administering the contract(s) for the Active Transportation Resource Center. • Assisting Commission staff as needed.
43. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) With Large Urbanized Areas MPOs with large, urbanized areas are responsible for overseeing a competitive project selection process in accordance with these guidelines. The responsibilities include:
• Ensuring that at least 25% of the funds in each MPO benefit disadvantaged communities.
• If using a different project selection criteria or weighting, minimum funding request amount greater than $500,000, match requirement, or definition of disadvantaged communities for its competitive selection process, the MPO must obtain Commission approval prior to the MPO’s call for projects. • If electing to have a supplemental MPO-specific call for projects, the projects within the MPO boundaries that were not selected through the statewide competition must be considered along with those received in the supplemental call for projects. An MPO must notify the Commission of their intent to have a supplemental call no later than the application deadline. • An MPO electing to have a supplemental MPO-specific call for projects must submit copies of all applications received by the MPO. Projects recommended for programming by an MPO will not be considered for funding unless the application is received by the designated deadline.
• In administering a competitive selection process, an MPO must use a multidisciplinary advisory group to assist in evaluating project applications. • In administering a competitive selection process, an MPO must explain how the projects recommended for programming by the MPO include a broad spectrum of projects to benefit pedestrians and bicyclists. The explanation must include a discussion of how the recommended projects benefit students walking and cycling to school.
• An MPO choosing to use the same project selection criteria and weighting, minimum funding request amount, match requirement, and definition of disadvantaged communities as used by the Commission for the statewide California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
38 competition may delegate its project selection to the Commission. An MPO delegating its project selection to the Commission must notify the Commission by the application deadline and may not conduct a supplemental call for projects. • If electing to have a contingency list of projects to be amended into the program in the event a programmed project is delivered for less or fails, approving and recommending such amendments for Commission approval. This contingency list will be provided to the Commission and will be in effect only until the adoption of the next statewide program.
• Recommend allocation requests for a project in the MPO-selected portion of the program.
• Determining which projects to advance and make that recommendation to the Commission in consultation with Commission staff and Caltrans. • Submitting an annual assessment of its portion of the program in terms of its effectiveness in achieving the goals of ATP.
In addition, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) must follow the statutory requirements applying specifically to them as outlined in Section 6 of these guidelines.
44. Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs) Outside an MPO with Large Urbanized Areas and MPOs without Large Urbanized Areas The Regional Transportation Planning Agencies and MPOs (outside the ten large MPOs) may make recommendations or provide input to the Commission regarding the projects within their boundaries that are applying for ATP funding.
45. Project Applicant
Project applicants nominate ATP projects for funding consideration by submitting an application by the deadline. If awarded ATP funding for a submitted project, the project applicant (or partnering implementing agency if applicable) has contractual responsibility for carrying out the project to completion and complying with reporting requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and these guidelines.
For infrastructure projects off the state highway system, the project applicant will be responsible for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility. If another entity agrees to assume responsibility for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility, documentation of the agreement must be submitted with the project application, and a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding or Interagency Agreement between the parties must be submitted with the request for allocation.
For all projects receiving SB 1 funds, the implementing agency must include signage stating that the project was made possible by Rebuilding California Funds. All projects receiving Federal Trust funds (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding) must use California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
39 the Investing in America logo in alignment with the Investing in America Signage Guidelines. Construction project identification signage should be in compliance with applicable federal or state law, and Caltrans’ manual and guidelines, including but not limited to the provisions of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Implementing agencies should refer to the Construction Project Funding Identification Sign website for construction sign details and requirements for projects regardless of funding source.
XI. Program Evaluation
The Active Transportation Program will be evaluated for its effectiveness in increasing the use of active modes of transportation in California. Applicants that receive funding for a project must collect and submit data to Caltrans as described in the “Project Reporting” section.
The Commission will include in its annual report to the Legislature a discussion on the effectiveness of the program in terms of planned and achieved improvement in mobility and safety, and will include a summary of its activities relative to the administration of ATP.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
40 XII. Appendix A
Active Transportation Plan for Disadvantaged Communities Guidance for Plans
A city, county, county transportation commission, regional transportation planning agency, MPO, school district, or transit district may prepare an active transportation plan (bicycle, pedestrian, safe-routes-to-school, or comprehensive). An active transportation plan prepared by a city or county may be integrated into the circulation element of its general plan or a separate plan that is compliant or will be brought into compliance with the Complete Streets Act, Assembly Bill 1358 (Chapter 657, Statutes of 2008). An active transportation plan must include, but not be limited to, the following components or explain why the component is not applicable:
A. Mode Share: The estimated number of existing bicycle trips and pedestrian trips in the plan area, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of all trips, and the estimated increase in the number of bicycle trips and pedestrian trips resulting from the implementation of the plan.
B. Description of Land Use/Destinations: A map and description of existing and proposed land use and settlement patterns which must include, but not be limited to, locations of residential neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers, public buildings, major employment centers, major transit hubs, and other destinations.
Major transit hubs must include, but are not limited to, rail and transit terminals and ferry docks and landings.
C. Pedestrian Facilities: A map and description of existing and proposed pedestrian facilities, including those at major transit hubs and those that serve public and private schools.
D. Bicycle Facilities: A map and description of existing and proposed bicycle transportation facilities, including those at major transit hubs and those that serve public and private schools.
E. Bicycle Parking: A map and description of existing and proposed end-of-trip bicycle parking facilities. Include a description of existing and proposed policies related to bicycle parking in public locations, private parking garages and parking lots, and in new commercial and residential developments. Also, include a map and description of existing and proposed bicycle transport and parking facilities for connections with and use of other transportation modes. These must include, but not be limited to, bicycle parking facilities at transit stops, rail and transit terminals, ferry docks and landings, park and ride lots, and provisions for transporting bicyclists and bicycles on transit or rail vehicles or ferry vessels.
F. Wayfinding: A description of existing and proposed signage providing wayfinding along bicycle and pedestrian networks to designated destinations.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
41 G. Non-Infrastructure: A description of existing and proposed bicycle and pedestrian education and encouragement programs conducted in the area included within the plan.
H. Collision Analysis: The number and location of collisions, serious injuries, and fatalities suffered by bicyclists and pedestrians in the plan area, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of all collisions and injuries, and a goal for collision, serious injury, and fatality reduction after implementation of the plan.
I. Equity Analysis: Identify census tracts that are considered disadvantaged or low- income and identify bicycle and pedestrian needs of those disadvantaged or low- income residents, including lack of connectivity to key destinations, mobility challenges, public health concerns, and safety issues.
J. Community Engagement: A description of the extent of community involvement in the development of the plan, including disadvantaged and underserved communities.
K. Coordination: A description of how the active transportation plan has been coordinated with neighboring jurisdictions, including school districts within the plan area, and is consistent with other local or regional transportation, air quality, housing, or energy conservation plans, including, but not limited to, general plans and a Sustainable Community Strategy in a Regional Transportation Plan, and local or regional housing plans or process improvements that are adopted or in development.
L. Prioritization: A description of the projects and programs proposed in the plan and a listing of their priorities for implementation, including the methodology for project prioritization and a proposed timeline for implementation.
M. Funding: A description of future financial needs for projects and programs that improve safety and convenience for bicyclists and pedestrians in the plan area.
Include anticipated cost, revenue sources, and potential funding for bicycle and pedestrian uses.
N. Implementation: A description of steps necessary to implement the plan and the reporting process that will be used to keep the adopting agency and community informed of the progress being made in implementing the plan.
O. Maintenance: A description of the policies and procedures for maintaining existing and proposed bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including, but not limited to, the maintenance of smooth pavement, ADA level surfaces, freedom from encroaching vegetation, maintenance of traffic control devices including striping and other pavement markings, and lighting.
P. Resolution: A resolution showing the adoption of the plan by the city, county, or district. If the active transportation plan was prepared by a county transportation commission, regional transportation planning agency, MPO, school district, or California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
42 transit district, the plan should indicate the support via resolution of the city(s) or county(s) in which the proposed facilities would be located.
A city, county, school district, or transit district that has prepared an active transportation plan may submit the plan to the county transportation commission or transportation planning agency for approval. The city, county, school district, or transit district may submit an approved plan to Caltrans in connection with an application for funds for active transportation facilities that will implement the plan.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
43 XIII. Appendix B
Example Projects
This is a list of projects considered generally eligible for ATP funding. It is not intended to be comprehensive; other types of projects that are not on this list may also be eligible if they further the goals of the program. Individual components or elements of an otherwise eligible project may not be eligible.
Infrastructure Projects:
• Development of new bikeways and walkways that improve mobility, access, or safety for non-motorized users.
• Improvements to existing bikeways and walkways that improve mobility, access, or safety for non-motorized users.
o Elimination of hazardous conditions on existing bikeways and walkways. o Preventative maintenance of bikeways and walkways with the primary goal of improving the active transportation operations/usability, extending the service life of the facility.
• Installation of traffic control devices to improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Safe Routes to School projects that improve the safety of children walking and bicycling to school, in accordance with Section 1404 of Public Law 109-59. • Safe routes to transit projects, which will encourage transit by improving biking and walking routes to mass transportation facilities and school bus stops. • Safe routes for seniors projects that increase walking and biking among older adults and create routes that connect to activities that improve quality of life. • Secure bicycle parking at employment centers, park and ride lots, rail and transit stations, and ferry docks and landings for the benefit of the public. • Bicycle-carrying facilities on public transit, including rail and ferries. • Establishment or expansion of a bike share program.
• Recreational trails and trailheads, park projects that facilitate trail linkages or connectivity to non-motorized corridors, and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors to trails.
• Bicycle highways that provide fast, direct connections between major destinations, aimed primarily at commuters.
• Complete low-stress bicycle networks that connect key community destinations through low-speed, low-traffic streets, separated paths, and protected bikeways. • For quick-build projects, please refer to Appendix D.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
44 Plan Projects:
• Development of a community-wide bike, pedestrian, safe routes to schools, or active transportation plan in a disadvantaged community.
Non-Infrastructure Projects:
o Education and encouragement programs to increase bicycling, walking, or other non-motorized rolling. Program activities could include any of the following: development and implementation encouragement days, such as bike-to-work, bike-to-school, walk-to-work, and walk-to-school days. o Conducting pedestrian and bicycle safety education programs, such as bike rodeos, mock cities, classroom or physical education curriculum about walking and biking, school or community-wide bicycle clinics, etc. o Development of community walking and biking maps, including school route/travel plans.
o Development and implementation of walking school bus or bike train programs.
o Demonstration projects or events directly linked to the promotion of a new infrastructure project or designed to promote walking and biking on a daily basis.
o Building community partnerships that emphasize activities directly related to improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
o School crossing guard training.
o Conducting NI program evaluation (such as administering surveys, evaluating knowledge or improved skills, or tracking participation) o Conducting walkability and/or bikeability audits.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
45 XIV. Appendix C
Active Transportation Program Guidelines
California Conservation Corps and
Certified Local Community Conservation Corps
These guidelines are the policies and procedures specific to the most recently adopted Active Transportation Program (ATP) that is directed to the California Conservation Corps and certified Local Community Conservation Corps. The final fiscal year for California Conservation Corps and certified Local Community Conservation Corps was fiscal year 2021-22. The 2025 Active Transportation Program does not direct any funding to the California Conservation Corps and Certified Local Community Conservation Corps.
Authority and Purpose
Senate Bill 1 (Beall, Chapter 5, Statutes of 2017), signed by the Governor on April 28, 2017, directs $100 million annually from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account to the ATP beginning in the 2017-18 fiscal year. In addition, Assembly Bill 97 (Ting, Chapter 14, Statutes of 2017) directs $4 million of the $100 million annually, beginning in the 2017-18 fiscal year for the next five years, to the California Conservation Corps for active transportation projects to be developed and implemented by the California Conservation Corps and certified Local Community Conservation Corps. The availability of these funds is subject to annual appropriation by the Legislature. Not less than 50% of these funds shall be in the form of grants to certified Local Community Conservation Corps, as defined in Section 14507.5 of the Public Resources Code. Unless otherwise specified in these guidelines, the Commission will follow the most recently adopted ATP Guidelines.
Active Transportation Program Goals
The purpose of ATP is to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation by achieving the following goals:
• Increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking, • Increase safety and mobility for non-motorized users, • Advance the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, pursuant to Senate Bill 375 (0f 2008) and Senate Bill 341 (of 2009),
• Enhance public health,
• Ensure that disadvantaged communities fully share in the benefits of the program and provide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
46 Eligible Project Types
Eligible projects include projects that meet the goals of ATP as listed above and may be part of an existing bicycle or pedestrian transportation plan, safe routes to school plan, active transportation plan for disadvantaged communities, or multi-use or recreational trail plan. Examples of typical project work can be found in the Commission’s ATP Guidelines.
The California Conservation Corps and certified Local Community Conservation Corps will consider, but not be limited to, projects with the following elements:
• Repair, remove and replace sidewalks
• Sign installation
• Irrigation
• Landscaping
• Demolition and deconstruction
• Tree planting
• Trail construction
• Bike locker and bike rack installation
• Fencing
• Outreach and education
When the California Conservation Corps or a certified Local Community Conservation Corps elect to partner with an ATP eligible applicant to implement the project, the California Conservation Corps and/or certified Local Community Conservation Corps will only consider those projects where at least 75% of the project cost includes items where the California Conservation Corps and/or certified Local Community Conservation Corps can participate.
Environmental Review
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Sections 21102 and 21150, the Commission must consider the environmental impacts of a project prior to making an allocation of funds.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance documentation for the proposed California Conservation Corps and certified Local Community Conservation Corps projects must be provided as follows:
For projects that are exempt from CEQA, documentation of the exemption must be provided with the project application and included with funding recommendations submitted to Caltrans ATP Managers for review. Project lists being submitted to the Commission for consideration of a lump sum allocation must cite the date the CEQA exemption was cleared.
For projects that are not exempt from CEQA, and for which an environmental document has been prepared and approved, documentation of the CEQA clearance must be California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
47 provided with the project application. The Commission must consider the environmental document and approve the project for future funding via the issuance of an e-resolution.
E-resolutions must be obtained at a Commission meeting that is either prior to, or concurrent with, the lump sum allocation request.
For more information on the process by which to obtain an e-resolution see the Commission website. Allocation requests will be brought forward for Commission consideration by Caltrans Local Assistance.
If the project is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) it is the Commission’s policy that documentation of NEPA clearance is provided with the project application and prior to allocation of funds.
Allocation
The California Conservation Corps’ list of projects recommended for funding will be submitted for approval and lump sum allocation by the Commission pursuant to the schedule identified in these guidelines and in accordance with this section.
The Commission will allocate the funds to Caltrans as a lump-sum and Caltrans will sub-allocate funding to the California Conservation Corps.
For projects exempt from CEQA, at the time of allocation, the date of the CEQA exemption determination by the lead agency must be noted in the list of projects being approved for allocation.
For projects not exempt from CEQA, and for which an environmental document has been prepared and approved, an e-resolution must be issued by the Commission prior to the list of projects being approved for allocation pursuant to Section IX of the 2021 Active Transportation Program Guidelines.
The Commission’s expectation is that consistent with the requirements of the overall Active Transportation Program, the Corps will administer these funds to the recipients on a reimbursement basis. The availability of these funds is subject to annual appropriation by the Legislature. The California Conservation Corps will submit an allocation request to Caltrans. The California Conservation Corps is responsible for the expenditures of all allocated funds. Costs incurred prior to Commission allocation are not eligible for reimbursement.
Reporting
The California Conservation Corps is required to submit semi-annual project status reports for the program as well as project completion reports within six months of construction contract acceptance or the project becoming operable (open to the public) and a final delivery report within 180 days of the conclusion of all remaining project activities to Caltrans. Refer to the most recent Commission ATP Guidelines for reporting requirements.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
48 XV. Appendix D
Guidance for the 2025 ATP Quick-Build Projects
The 2025 ATP will include a Quick-Build Project Program evaluated separately from other project types. The Commission included Quick-Build Project Pilot Programs in the 2021 and 2023 ATP cycles. While the pilot programs showed that there is interest in and need for these projects, more program refinement is needed before formally integrating quick-build projects into the overall ATP. Specifically, Commission staff continues to work with stakeholders to strengthen understanding of the quick-build concept and refine evaluation criteria. The Commission anticipates dedicating a maximum of $7,000,000 to quick-build projects in the 2025 ATP. The Commission may select several quick-build projects, or none.
What are Quick-Build Projects?
Quick-build projects are interim capital improvement projects that further the goals of the ATP. These projects require minor construction activities and are typically built with durable, low-to-moderate-cost materials. They are typically designed to last from one year to five years, but could last longer if the materials are maintained and the project continues to be supported by the community. These projects have moderate design flexibility to anticipate adjustments that may occur based on community feedback.
The purpose of a quick-build project is to immediately implement safety needs, allowing a community to benefit quickly from improvements made, and/or allow the people affected by the project to provide input and test the project improvements before they are permanently constructed.
Quick-build projects are distinguished from temporary demonstration projects by the types of materials used and the intended duration of the project. In addition, quick-build projects have a data collection and study period that lasts from the beginning of the project through completion. A testing period of at least six months is required. Unlike traditional capital projects, quick-build projects can be adjusted; they can be changed based on community input and further technical analysis over time. If the quick-build project is successful, it will later be made permanent. If it is not successful, it can be easily deconstructed. Quick-build projects are intended to remain in place until capital upgrades are possible. For an overview of the differences between demonstration, quick-build and traditional capital projects, refer to the Quick-Build Supplemental Guidance on the Caltrans Active Transportation Program website.
Quick-build projects considered for funding in the ATP must be supported by the jurisdiction in which they are located. Government leadership and involvement is required.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
49 Project Materials
Quick-build projects should be constructed with durable, low-to-moderate cost materials. These materials are generally semi-permanent, meaning they are adhered to the ground, but are still moderately flexible so they can be adjusted based on community feedback. In general, quick-build materials do not require excavation to install. For a list of example quick-build materials, refer to the Quick-Build Supplemental Guidance, which is available on the Caltrans Active Transportation Program website.
Community Engagement and Data Collection
Ongoing community engagement and data collection are critical components of evaluating the success of a quick-build project. All quick-build projects considered for funding in the ATP are expected to collect data to inform the approach for the project.
Applicants should plan to collect data before and after the quick-build project is installed, and to adjust the project based on community feedback. Data collection should last through the duration of the project, (pre-construction through completion) and the project must include a community testing period of at least six months. During the testing period, the implementer must conduct ongoing community engagement to obtain feedback on the project and inform project changes.
Methods implementers could consider when conducting ongoing community engagement include:
• Brief intercept surveys in the project area
• Project workshops or hearings
• Brief questionnaires for project users
• Social media campaigns that encourage public feedback Examples of metrics that can be evaluated include:
• Vehicle speeds and volumes
• Adherence to traffic laws
• Average travel time and delay for all road users
• Mode shift
• User perceptions of the level of traffic stress and safety • User perceptions of driver behavior
• Number of collisions and injuries before and after the quick-build project More information on community engagement can be found in the Quick-Build Supplemental Guidance.
Project Delivery Methods
Quick-build projects involve an iterative community engagement and project design process and may be better delivered through the design-build method instead of the California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
50 traditional design-bid-build method. Applicants must indicate that they intend to use the design-build delivery method in their application. If the project is expected to be delivered using the design-build method, the applicant may include the cost of design in the construction phase.
Funding Overview
ATP funding is available for the construction phase only. As noted above, if the project is expected to be delivered using the design-build method, the applicant may include the cost of design in the construction phase. Applicants must specify the delivery method that they wish to use in the application. The project must have environmental clearance or categorical exemption at the time of programming. A project that is in a plan that cleared CEQA and NEPA, where applicable, qualifies.
Funding will be available for programming in fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Reporting Requirements
Quick-build projects must adhere to reporting requirements set forth in the ATP guidelines. Quick-build projects are not required to submit reports in CalSMART; however, quarterly reports are required, and more frequent reports and updates may be required if requested.
Quarterly reports must include:
• A summary of engagement activities conducted and data collected during the reporting period. The agency must include documentation of these activities, such as photographs, questionnaire responses, or sign-in sheets. • Documentation of any layout changes, including layout plans and photographs.
Implementing agencies must submit a Completion Report after the project testing and data collection period is complete. The report must include:
• A summary of engagement activities and how public engagement shaped any changes to the project. The agency must include documentation of these activities, such as photographs, questionnaire responses, or sign-in sheets. • Documentation of any layout changes, including layout plans and photographs. • A narrative on project outcomes and lessons learned.
If there are recognizable faces in the photos, the agency must include a photo release waiver with the report. Instructions on what to report on, where and when to submit reports will be provided to successful quick-build project applicants.
All reports must be submitted to Commission staff and Caltrans.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
51 Time Extensions
The Commission will only consider quick-build project time extensions in unforeseen and extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the implementing agency. The agency must justify the extension request. Implementing agencies may request to extend a delivery deadline as described in Section 31 of these Guidelines. Approved time extensions are limited to three months per delivery deadline, including allocation, award, and completion.
Scope Changes
Quick-build projects are expected to be flexible and to change based on community testing and feedback. Implementing agencies must submit new project layouts during each reporting period to reflect adjustments made based on community feedback.
Quick-build projects that propose to make substantial changes that differ significantly from the anticipated project scope must follow the Project Amendment process outlined in Section 28 of these guidelines. Substantial changes include but are not limited to a change in project location or the removal of the project. Implementing agencies should inform Caltrans of any potentially significant changes.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the 2025 ATP Quick-Build Program, applicants must meet with Commission staff prior to application submittal to determine eligibility. Potential applicants must email [email protected] by May 17, 2024 to schedule a meeting.
The Quick-Build Program application will be available on the online application portal on the CTC website. Applications must be submitted by June 17, 2024.
Quick-Build Project Examples
Quick-build projects could include elements such as:
• Protected intersections using painted curb extensions, temporary refuges, and pavement markings.
• Planter, parking, or delineator protected bike lanes. • Temporary transit platforms.
• Interim shared space and slow streets using barricades.
Resources
• Active Transportation Resource Center: 2021 Active Transportation Symposium Panel Discussion on Quick-Build Projects
• Barr Foundation: Quick and Creative Street Projects
• California Bicycle Coalition and Alta Planning + Design: Quick-Build Guide - How to Build Safer Streets Quickly and Affordably
• Caltrans: Active Transportation Program Quick-Build Supplemental Guidance California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
52 • City of Burlington Public Works: Quick Build Design + Material Standards • Tactical Urbanist’s Guides: Tactical Urbanism Materials and Design Guide • Transportation Research Board: TRB Webinar – Pop-Up Power, Research and Practice on Quick-Build Bike Facilities
• San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency: 2022 Safe Streets Evaluation Summary
• People for Bikes: Quick Build for Better Streets
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
53 XVI. Appendix E
Anti-Displacement Resources
Definitions
• Anti-displacement – refers to various strategies, programs, and laws that intend to counteract the displacement pressures felt by individuals. Some examples include, but are not limited to, rent assistance, subsidized housing, tenant protections, legal assistance to at-risk renters, rent stabilization, foreclosure prevention programs, and eviction prevention programs.
• Displacement – refers to a situation in which households or businesses are involuntarily forced to relocate. Direct displacement may occur due to economic (foreclosure, rent increases, eviction, etc.) or physical reasons (environmental catastrophe, demolition of existing housing, etc.). Indirect or “exclusionary” displacement prevents people or businesses from moving into a neighborhood (i.e., excluded) because of high rents or other conditions they are unable to control or prevent, such as policies that prohibit overnight parking, which may affect unhoused individuals who sleep in their vehicle. Displacement effects can include homelessness, loss of community, loss of access to jobs and services, and loss of economic opportunity, and disproportionately affects historically marginalized groups Resources
• California Department of Housing and Community Development Final 2020 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice – Report detailing impediments to fair housing and recommendations for anti-displacement strategies. • California Air Resources Board White Paper on Anti-Displacement Strategy Effectiveness – Report on various strategies that can be used to mitigate displacement with an assessment of their effectiveness. • Urban Displacement Project – Comprehensive website with reports, data mapping, and resources for California local, regional, and state entities. • Framework for Evaluating Anti-Displacement Policies – Criteria that can be utilized to better understand the ways that policy tools can be used to address the needs of vulnerable groups impacted by displacement. • Greening Without Gentrification – Ongoing University of California, Los Angeles study that identifies and classifies parks-related anti-displacement strategies. • Transit-Oriented Development Without Displacement: Strategies to Help Pacoima Businesses Thrive – Research study focused on commercial anti- displacement strategies that can support a predominantly immigrant-owned small business community.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
54 XVII. Appendix F
Active Transportation Resource Center
Programming, Allocation, and Management
The Active Transportation Resource Center (ATRC) provides technical assistance, training, guidance, and tools to ATP applicants, implementers, and active transportation stakeholders statewide. The ATRC is administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in collaboration with the California Transportation Commission (Commission), the California Department of Public Health, and other partners. The purpose of Appendix F is to set expectations for the programming, allocation, and management of ATRC funds allocated in fiscal year 2025-26 or after. Funds allocated to Caltrans for the Active Transportation Resource Center prior to fiscal year 2025-26 are subject to the timely use of funds and project delivery policies outlined in Article IX of these guidelines.
Programming
Caltrans may request funding be programmed for the ATRC from the Statewide component of each ATP cycle. The request must be submitted to Commission staff by the Statewide and Small Urban and Rural application deadline.
The request for funding shall include a work plan that, at a minimum, must include:
• The amount of funding requested per fiscal year.
• The purpose for the funding requested, including all activities and contracts proposed under the work plan. Each activity and/or contract must include:
o A detailed scope of work
o A detailed budget that includes the total estimated cost, who will be providing the service or the activity, and an estimated schedule o A summary of expected benefits
o A list of projected outputs
In addition to the work plan, the request shall include information on prior ATP funds programmed and allocated. The information shall include:
• Amount allocated by cycle and date
• A summary of all existing contracts and activities that were funded by prior allocations.
• A summary of the total commitments made and what remains uncommitted. • Total expenditures to date.
• Delivery dates and anticipated completion dates
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
55 • Summary of benefits and outcomes achieved or anticipated ones Commission staff will review the work plan and provide a programming recommendation to the Commission as part of the Statewide component.
Annual Report
Beginning in fiscal year 2025-26, Caltrans must present an annual report on Active Transportation Resource Center activities to the Commission each fiscal year by June
30. At a minimum, the report must include:
• A summary of all funds programmed, allocated, and expended to date. • A summary of funds programmed, allocated, and expended during the fiscal year.
• A summary of milestones, outputs, and benefits from activities conducted during the fiscal year.
Annual Allocation Request
Caltrans may request an annual allocation each fiscal year by June 30 of the preceding fiscal year. The request must include an annual work plan of how the funds will be utilized. At a minimum, the work plan must include:
• The requested annual allocation amount.
• The purpose for the funding requested, including all activities and contracts proposed under the work plan. Each activity and/or contract must include:
o A detailed scope of work
o A detailed budget that includes the total estimated cost, who will be providing the service or the activity, and an estimated schedule o A summary of expected benefits
o A list of projected outputs
Timely Use of Funds
Funds allocated to Caltrans for the Active Transportation Resource Center prior to fiscal year 2025-26 are subject to the Timely Use of Funds policies outlined in Section 31 of these guidelines. Funds allocated to Caltrans in fiscal year 2025-26 or after are not subject to the Timely Use of Funds policies outlined in Section 31 of these guidelines and are subject to the policies outlined below:
• Caltrans may request an allocation for an amount that is less than the programmed amount. Caltrans must explain why they could not request the allocation of these funds as outlined in the original work plan. The remaining California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
56 funds not allocated in the annual allocation may be rolled over to a future fiscal year.
• Allocated funds not expended within the delivery schedule provided in the work plan may be rolled into another fiscal year for expenditure. These will be reported in the annual report with an explanation of the delay.
If the Commission determines that Caltrans is not expending funds in a timely manner, the Commission may take corrective action, including but not limited to the actions listed below:
• Deny a request to roll over unallocated funds into a future fiscal year and deprogram these funds.
• Deny a request to roll over unexpended funds into the following fiscal year and deallocate these funds.
• Deny any future programming or allocation actions.
Work Plan Amendments
Caltrans must inform Commission staff in writing of any changes to the work plan.
Changes that provide no change or increase the expected benefits may be outlined at the time the annual allocation is requested. Changes that reduce expected benefits, such as the elimination of a proposed contract or activity, require scope change amendment and may result in the following:
• An appearance by Caltrans before the Commission.
• The deprogramming or deallocation of funds.
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
57 XVIII. Appendix G
Links throughout Guidelines
II. Funding Overview
• Active Transportation Resource Center: https://caatpresources.org/ III. Eligibility
• Project Study Report (PSR) Guidelines:
https://catc.ca.gov/programs/state-transportation-improvement-program • Caltrans Project Development Procedures Manual:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/design/manuals/pdpm.html
• Caltrans 2025 Active Transportation Program Website:
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/local-assistance/fed-and-state-programs/active- transportation-program/cycle7
• United States Census Bureau: https://data.census.gov/ • CalEnivroScreen Mapping Tool:
https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-40 • SB 535 List of Disadvantaged Communities:
http://www.calepa.ca.gov/EnvJustice/GHGInvest/
• California Department of Education Student Poverty Data:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sd/sd/filessp.asp
• Health Places Index Live Map: https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/ • Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool:
https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#6.35/45.551/-96.741 • USDOT Equitable Transportation Community Explorer:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/0920984aa80a4362b8778d779b090723/p age/Homepage/
• Recreational Trails Program:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/ IV. Project Application
• Active Transportation Program Online Application Portal • Commission Website: https://catc.ca.gov/programs/active-transportation-program V. Project Selection Process
• Prohousing Designation Program: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/planning-and-community- development/prohousing-designation-program
• California Conservation Corps: https://ccc.ca.gov/what-we-do/funding- opportunities/active-transportation-program/
California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
58 • California Association of Local Conservation Corps: https://mylocalcorps.org/active- transportation-program/
• Interim Count Methodology Guidance: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/local-assistance/fed- and-state-programs/active-transportation-program/general-and-technical-information VI. Programming
• California Active Transportation Benefit-Cost Tool:
https://activetravelbenefits.ucdavis.edu/
• Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Benefits Calculator:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/auction-
proceeds/sgc_ahsc_tool_030221.xlsx
• Caltrans Local Assistance Active Transportation Program Website:
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/local-assistance/fed-and-state-programs/active- transportation-program
• SB 1 Accountability and Transparency Guidelines: https://catc.ca.gov/-/media/ctc- media/documents/programs/senate-bill-1/final-accountability-guidelines-adopted- march-2023-a11y.pdf
IX. Project Delivery
• Letter of No Prejudice Guidelines: https://catc.ca.gov/-/media/ctc- media/documents/ctc-reports/other-reports/adopted-lonp-guidelines-101817- a11y.pdf
X. Roles and Responsibilities
• Investing In America Signage Guidelines: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp- content/uploads/2023/02/Investing-in-America-Brand-Guide.pdf • Construction Project Funding Identification Signs:
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/safety-programs/pfi
Appendix D
• 2021 Active Transportation Symposium Panel Discussion on Quick-Build Projects:
https://caatpresources.org/train_s21_si.html
• Barr Foundation – Quick and Creative Street Projects:
https://www.barrfoundation.org/climate/quick-creative-street-projects-measuring-the- impact-in-mass
• California Bicycle Coalition and Alta Planning + Design Quick-Build Guide:
https://altago.com/wp-content/uploads/Quick-Build-Guide-White-Paper-2020-1.pdf • Active Transportation Program Quick-Build Supplemental Guidance:
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/local-
assistance/documents/atp/cy6/cy-6-finalquickbuild-supplementalguidance-v2.pdf • City of Burlington Public Works – Quick Build Design + Material Standards Guide:
https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/sites/default/files/QUICK_BUILD%20GUIDE_0.pdf California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
59 • Tactical Urbanist’s Guides: http://tacticalurbanismguide.com/guides/ • Transportation Research Board Webinar – Pop-Up Power, Research and Practice on Quick-Build Bike Facilities: https://webinar.mytrb.org/Webinars/Details/1711 • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency – 2022 Safe Streets Evaluation Summary:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/bb81a196850341e48eda68d0fff5be39 • People for Bikes – Quick Build for Better Streets:
https://www.peopleforbikes.org/reports/quick-builds-for-better-streets-a-new-project- delivery
Appendix E
• California Department of Housing and Community Development Final 2020 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy- research/plans-reports/docs/final2020ai.pdf
• California Air Resources Board White Paper on Anti-Displacement Strategy Effectiveness: https://www.urbandisplacement.org/wp-
content/uploads/2021/08/19RD018-Anti-Displacement-Strategy-Effectiveness.pdf • Urban Displacement Project: https://www.urbandisplacement.org/ • Framework for Evaluating Anti-Displacement Policies:
https://sites.utexas.edu/gentrificationproject/files/2019/09/Part-2.-Framework-for- Evaluating-Anti-Displacement-Policies.pdf
• Greening Without Gentrification: https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/project/prads/ • Transit-Oriented Development Without Displacement: Strategies to Help Pacoima Businesses Thrive: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3gr006rd California Transportation Commission Adopted March 22, 2024 2025 Active Transportation Program Guidelines
60