Mobility Trust Fund:Private Dollars for the Public Realm

For only $180, get a full year of unrestricted access to APA's extensive learning library. Kickstart your journey by subscribing to Passport, then take the next step by enrolling in the courses that pique your interest.

Sign in for Options



Certification Maintenance


CM | 0.75

Course Details

Traditionally, developers have been responsible for constructing and installing improvements in the public right-of-way (ROW) needed to support their development or mitigate transportation impacts. This system does not offer a way to contribute to broader mobility improvements that could improve access to the site and the community.

The DOMI Mobility Trust Fund allows developers to pay a fee in lieu of providing parking spaces required by zoning ordinances. For instance, if a development calls for 52 spaces, and the developer wants to provide 49, they will pay into the fund for the 3 spaces not provided. This revenue is used to fund mobility projects in the neighborhood.

Funds can be used for projects including:

  • Bike/scooter parking, a bike/scooter share improvements, or a bike valet.
  • Pedestrian-related improvements, including lighting and street amenities.
  • Transit-related improvements, including expanded service or new bus shelters.
  • A shared mobility hub.
  • A transportation demand management (TDM) program to encourage people to use multimodal approaches instead of driving.
  • Wayfinding systems to help encourage the use of existing parking resources.
  • A shared parking program, where cities lease lots from private owners and incorporate the spaces into the public parking supply.

Learning Outcomes

  • Leverage private funds to contribute to broader mobility improvements that enhance equitable access to the site and for the community.
  • Integrate a fees-in-lieu of the system into the municipal zoning code for increased development project flexibility regarding parking maximums and minimums.
  • Understand the advantages and drawbacks of instituting a mobility trust fund, including other approaches to reach the same goals.