Transit Wins at Job Creation Game

Blogging on HuffPo, Greg LeRoy, director of Good Jobs First, makes the case that transit, transit oriented development and smart growth are key factors in job growth.

1 minute read

September 7, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By jerinbrent


"I have seen the future of robust job creation in America. It gets to work on public transit," writes Greg LeRoy.

Citing analyses of jobs data captured at recovery.gov, LeRoy points out that "building transit systems created 31 to 84 percent more jobs per $1 billion than did building highways." Investing in improvements to existing infrastructure (ie: Complete Streets) produces more work hours than rolling out new roads and highways and money isn't wasted on procuring land or right of ways.

Transit projects not only spur construction, LeRoy adds, "Transportation spending stimulates private investment upon land made more valuable." The ever popular transit oriented development attracts the creative class, start ups and entrepreneurs, while transit itself provides jobs in the form of bus drivers, train operators and mechanics.

According to LeRoy, no matter which way you look at it, investment in transit creates more jobs than investments in new roads and highways.

Thanks to Jessica Brent

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 in Huffington Post

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.