MDOT 657 Joint Development

Original Date: April, 30, 2025
Effective Date: May 30, 2025
Note:There may be formatting differences between the electronic policy and the signed policy. 
MDOT signed policy supersedes all information provided on this page. 
Printed copies of this page only valid for this date: September 14, 2025

MDOT 657 Joint Development Signed Hard Copy

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to:

1. Define MDOT’s Joint Development Program’s goals, objectives, and principles;
2. Establish roles and responsibilities;
3. Establish and maintain processes and procedures; and
4. Ensure consistent compliance across MDOT.

Reference(s)

Executive Order 01.01.2024.18

Transportation Article, §7–101, Annotated Code of Maryland.

Transportation Article, §7–102, Annotated Code of Maryland.

MDOT 750 Complete Streets Policy

MTA’s Designing for Transit: Transit-Oriented Development Guidelines

Scope

This Policy is applicable to all existing and future Joint Development projects on State-owned property that is adjacent to a planned or existing transit station; property, any part of which is located within one-half mile of a planned or existing transit station; and property that is adjacent to a planned or existing transit corridor.

This Policy is applicable to all modal administrations, MDOT employees, contract employees, contractors, and consultants.

Responsible Party

The Assistant Secretary for Project Development and Delivery.

Policy Statement

1. MDOT will aim to reach the goals and objectives set forth herein. These goals and objectives will serve as the overarching guiding framework for Joint Development projects throughout the Joint Development process, particularly in the evaluation of Joint Development proposals. It is important to recognize that the relative priority of these goals may be adjusted based on the unique context of each site, which will be outlined as part of the Joint Development solicitation.

   • Increase Transit Ridership and reduce single occupancy Vehicle Miles Travelled: MDOT aims to grow transit ridership through new development in station areas facilitated by its Joint Development Program, providing station area residents, workers, and visitors access to transit.
   • Increase Housing Supply (Including Affordable Housing) and Jobs: MDOT seeks to foster sustainable regional growth by creating new housing and business opportunities near transit.
   • Maximize the return on the State’s transportation infrastructure investments: MDOT aims to prioritize higher-density and mixed-use transit-oriented development (TOD) around transit stations maximizes the State’s historic $2 billion infrastructure investment in MTA’s core service area. TOD increases transit ridership, reduces congestion, and drives economic growth by creating walkable, accessible communities. This approach ensures long-term returns while advancing Governor Moore’s State Plan.
   • Improve Transit Facilities: Where improvement, modification, or relocation of transit facilities will allow for a better development program, MDOT may require developers to relocate, reconfigure, or improve transit facilities as part of a Joint Development project. Additionally, MDOT may also seek to improve or expand transit facilities as part of the project and seek Joint Development partners in delivering those facilities. The intent is to enable better development and improved transit facilities. In any case, modification of transit facilities or any aspect of Joint Development should seek to minimize operating costs and seek capital cost avoidance for MDOT, where feasible.
   • Enhance Station Access and Connectivity: New development should be integrated seamlessly with the surrounding street and mobility networks as well as with the surrounding public spaces. Ensuring connectivity to and through development to the transit infrastructure is a key goal. Improvements and responsibility to implement those improvements will vary depending on location (on-site vs. off-site) and breadth of the improvements.
   • Support Long-Term Economic Development and Revenue Goals: MDOT’s Joint Development program is dedicated to advancing economic growth and generating sustainable revenue for the State and local jurisdictions over the long term by generating new state and local taxes on formerly undeveloped and tax-exempt land. Long-term economic development goals and ridership generation are considered top priority in implementing Joint Development projects, however MDOT will seek to participate in other revenue generating activities as feasible within a Joint Development project.
   • Support Local Development Goals and Community Needs: MDOT recognizes the importance of aligning Joint Development efforts with local development goals and addressing community needs. Joint Development projects will aim to enhance the quality of life for residents while supporting broader transit and economic objectives.
   • Seek to Minimize Risks: Joint Development projects should minimize financial, operational, and safety risks to MDOT and their Joint Development partners, by establishing a predictable and transparent process with clear expectations and requirements.
   • Be a Trusted Business Partner: MDOT will act as a competent and reliable business partner, retaining risks it can manage most appropriately and effectively and seek out partners with proven track records of quality development.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy, the following words have the following meanings:

1. Joint Development means a public transportation project that integrally relates to, and often co-locates with commercial, residential, mixed-use, or other non-transit development. Joint Development may include partnerships for public or private development associated with any mode of transit system that is being improved through new construction, renovation, or extension. Joint Development may also include intermodal facilities, intercity bus and rail facilities, transit malls, or historic transportation facilities.
2. Transit Corridor means as defined in Maryland Transportation Article §7–101.
3. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) means as defined in Maryland Transportation Article §7–101.
4. Transit station means as defined in Maryland Transportation Article §7–101.

Authorized/Supporting Documents

• MDOT 657.1 Joint Development Principles
• MDOT 657.2 Joint Development Roles and Responsibilities
• MDOT 657.3 Joint Development Implementation