New Surplus Land Policy to Supplement Sound Transit's Big Investments

"As suburban poverty levels rise in most US metro areas, Seattle’s Sound Transit has adopted a policy that enable affordable housing to be developed on surplus properties near transit stations," reports Robert Steuteville.

In a press release announcing the newly adopted policy, Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff calls it, "one of the most forward-leaning TOD programs in the country."

"The policy will guide the use of property that remains as surplus after voter-approved transit investments are complete for projects that provide housing for families of various sizes and income levels and increase access to social and economic opportunities," according to the press release.

Much of the plan's ambition is tied to the scale of transit investment ongoing in the Seattle region. "Consistent with regional growth plans, the updated policy focuses urban growth at transit centers and commits Sound Transit to work with local communities and stakeholders to develop projects on surplus property, while also encouraging TOD in nearby areas," writes Steuteville.

Steuteville also lists three affordable development projects considered early opportunities for the new policy.