HSC §53560: (a) There is hereby established the Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Program, to be administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, to provide local assistance to citie

(a) There is hereby established the Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Program, to be administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, to provide local assistance to cities, counties, cities and counties, transit agencies, eligible tribal applicants as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 50651, and developers for the purpose of supporting the development of higher density vehicle miles traveled-efficient affordable housing or related infrastructure, including projects within close proximity to transit stations or projects that could increase public transit ridership. (b) The department may adopt additional guidelines to administer this part. Guidelines adopted pursuant to this subdivision shall not be subject to the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code. (c) The guidelines in subdivision (b) shall emphasize the importance of long-term affordability. Prioritization among affordable housing projects shall be based on all of the following: (1) Affordability, with highest priority given to projects that include a greater percentage of units restricted to lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5. (2) Affordable housing projects that result in improved vehicle miles traveled efficiency with committed state or federal funding in need of gap funding to begin construction. (3) Affordable housing projects that demonstrate project readiness, as determined by the department. (d) The guidelines in subdivision (b) may evaluate how publicly owned land, including state and local surplus properties, can be prioritized or leveraged to support affordable housing or related infrastructure projects eligible for funding pursuant to this section, with the goal of maximizing public benefit and reducing overall development costs.