MDOT recently published an updated process for designating transit-oriented developments (TODs). 

MDOT, in collaboration with the State’s Sustainable Growth Subcabinet, recently published a new application process for State Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Designation. Established in 2008, State TOD Designation is a designation program for local jurisdictions or multicounty agencies with land use and planning responsibility. State TOD Designation comes with several benefits, including eligibility for MDOT’s upcoming TOD Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund, bonus points in competitive rounds of DHCD’s LIHTC program, and additional points in the DGS RFP scoring process. The new process requires the local jurisdiction to apply for State TOD Designation through the application form. Early consultation with MDOT’s Office of Real Estate and Economic Development is encouraged prior to submission.

Existing State TOD Designations (pictured) will retain their designation and will only need to re-apply if their Designation Agreement has an expiration date. The new process for TOD Designation comes as a result of the Equitable and Inclusive TOD Enhancement Act passed in 2023 and has been designed to encourage the implementation of dense, mixed-use development around the State’s transit assets.

Counties with questions should direct them to MDOT’s TOD Coordinator Alex Walinskas at awalinskas@mdot.maryland.gov