SACOG Federal Funding Cycle

Available Funding

SACOG intends to program three years of funding in the 2026 Program covering Federal Fiscal Years (FFYs) 2028 through 2030. The final budget for the upcoming funding cycle is set to be approved by the SACOG Board in March 2026. The current estimated total available funding for this cycle is approximately $181 million.

• CMAQ Funds: Approximately $77 million

• STBG Funds: Approximately $104 million

NOTE: For program specific estimates see the individual program webpages. The total funding available is subject to change.

Funding Requests 

The table below presents the SACOG Board adopted countywide performance-based funding target ranges. These targets are intended to assist sponsors in making informed decisions regarding grant application amounts and address the question of what constitutes a reasonable funding request. The targets were established using a performance-based midpoint with the high end set at 120 percent of the midpoint, and the low end at 80 percent of the midpoint. The 120 percent target range indicates a funding cycle where SACOG anticipates several competitive projects from agencies in a county. Patterns like this often occur when multiple agencies propose high-performing projects. Conversely, the 80 percent target range suggests a funding cycle with fewer competitive projects from that county. This situation typically arises when sponsors are focused on implementing previously awarded projects or planning future applications.

It is important to note that targets:

• Reflect the range of available federal transportation funding for the funding round
• Are not guarantees
• Are not for individual jurisdictions
• Are not program specific
• Are not tied to specific amounts of STBG or CMAQ
• Are not a prediction of funding round awards
• Are not used as project scoring criteria
• Do not establish minimum or maximum funding requests

For detailed information regarding performance-based revenue targets see October 2025 Board Materials here.

The final schedule for the upcoming funding cycle is set to be approved by the SACOG Board in March 2026. The call for projects is tentatively scheduled to open in the following months:

• System Preservation: March 2026 following Board action
• System Performance: June 2026
• Next Generation and Clean Air: June 2026

For detailed timelines see the program specific guidelines and webpages. Please note that System Performance and Next Generation Solutions & Clean Air will follow a unified schedule with activities, such as pre-application consultations, overlapping.

1. Review the funding guidelines.
   Carefully read the full guidelines for each program (Next Generation Solutions & Clean Air , System Performance, or System Preservation), including the schedule, eligibility rules, screening criteria, and required application components. The guidelines outline eligibility, required application components, evaluation criteria, key dates, and screening requirements.
   
   
2. Attend SACOG webinars and Q&A sessions.

   SACOG will host informational sessions—including PPA tutorials and application preparation webinars—to help applicants navigate requirements, understand evaluation criteria, and ask questions live.

3. Complete required pre-application materials and consultations (if applicable).

   Agencies are encouraged to schedule and attend pre-application consultations with SACOG staff to discuss topics such as project readiness, eligibility, and alignment with funding program guidelines. These consultations are intended to provide sponsors with guidance and refine project applications.

   Information about pre-applications and consultations may be found in the guidelines and on the program webpages.

4. Prepare application and attachments using appropriate resources.

   Each application must include all required documents, which typically consist of:

   • A completed SACOG application form
   • Project Performance Assessment (PPA) results and narrative responses
   • A Project Programming Request (PPR) form
   • Cost effectiveness calculations (for CMAQ-eligible projects)
   • Maps, supporting documentation, and optional attachments
   • A resolution of local support if required by the program
     
     

   The application requirements are specified in the program guidelines with an itemized check list.

    

5. Submit an application during the open call.

   Submit your complete application packet electronically by the program deadline (exact dates released with the Call for Projects). Applications submitted after the deadline or without all required documents will not be considered. Please ensure that your application includes all necessary attachments, as exceptions cannot be made.

6. Confirmation of the submission.
   Applicants will receive confirmation from SACOG upon submission. If you do not receive confirmation please contact SACOG staff at dpape@sacog.org to ensure submittals were received.
   
   
7. Monitor SACOG communications for next steps. 
   After submission, SACOG staff will review applications, conduct technical evaluations, and release draft award recommendations prior to final board action. Stay tuned for follow-up requests or clarifications.

Agencies may submit up to three (3) applications per program, for a total of up to nine (9) across the three funding programs.

Contact Information 

If you have questions or need more information about the 2026 Federal Funding Cycle, please email SACOG staff at dpape@sacog.org