Livable Centers Call for Planning Study Partners

2024 Livable Centers Call for Planning Study Partners Call

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) has released the call for proposals from local governments and other eligible study sponsors to conduct Livable Centers planning studies during the fiscal years 2025-2028. The proposed studies should be in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, or Waller counties.

Livable Centers Study Types

Livable Center studies, which are focused on land-use and transportation, aim to reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality. They encourage a complementary mix of land uses designed to facilitate walkability, connectivity, and accessibility via various transportation modes.

Study types will include:

• Livable Centers Studies - Serve as small area plans and fulfill all four Livable Centers Program goals which include creating multi-modal travel choices, resilient quality places, and equitable infrastructure investments while promoting economic generators and housing choice with complementary transportation planning at a neighborhood or district level.

• Focused Livable Centers Studies - Targets small areas such as a community-node or destination and must meet two Livable Centers Program goals to create multi-modal travel choices, resilient quality places, and one additional Livable Centers goal that best fits the needs of the study sponsor.

Livable Centers Implementation can take many forms, including on-the-ground projects, policies, and programs. Ultimately, Livable Centers are places where people can live, work, and play with less reliance on their cars.

Livable Centers Study Funding Requirements

Sponsoring agencies must demonstrate their financial commitment to the contribution fund level required for the proposed study. Based on the Livable Centers Need Index (LCNI) for the proposed study area, sponsor’s cash contribution requirements will be defined by a percentage of the total study cost, not to exceed 20% of total study cost.

Details regarding match may be found in the Application Guidance Document.

Livable Centers Call for Planning Study Partners Timeline

How to Apply

H-GAC Livable Centers Call for Planning Study Partners applications must be submitted online using the online application portal. Three steps are required to submit your application:

1. Complete the Online Application Portal registration form.
2. Complete a Notice of Intent to Apply form within the Online Application Portal.
3. Complete a Livable Centers Call for Planning Study Partners Application form within the Online Application Portal.

If you wish to submit multiple applications, you will only need to complete the registration form once. Each application will require a Notice of Intent to Apply and Application form.

Notice of Intent to Apply Deadline

Applicants are required to notify H-GAC of their intent to apply no later than May 9, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Intent to apply must include proposed study area location. Please note you must complete the Notice of Intent to Apply before you can submit an application.

Submitting an Application Deadline

The deadline to submit an application is July 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted.

Application Assistance - Pre-Submittal Q&A Meeting

H-GAC staff provided a presentation on the process and required steps on March 14, 2024. Staff was available to answer questions, including clarifying questions regarding Livable Center studies and Focused Livable Centers studies.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the H-GAC Livable Centers Call for Planning Study Partners or your application, please contact us at [email protected].