Denver Should Promote Mixed-Income TODs

A recent editorial urges the Denver area to build mixed-income transit-oriented developments around station areas of its growing light-rail system.

"If no action is taken, it is likely that virtually all new development near transit will be unaffordable to low and moderate-income workers - the very population that most needs transit-convenient housing. If housing at TODs caters only to the affluent, we will continue to see the "metro ring" separate into strata of haves and have-nots, with our work force pushed out to regions where housing is more affordable simply because there is no way to get there but by car. Rather than treat that as inevitable, let's take steps now to enable developers to build mixed-income housing at transit sites. Our community and our economy will be the better for it."