D.C. Considers Centering Equity in Transportation and Land Use Planning Decisions

D.C. officials "are considering whether to prioritize historically underserved areas with high concentrations of minority and low-income residents when deciding where to target affordable housing, transportation investments and other improvements," reports Katherine Shaver. According to regional planners, "[c]ompleting the half-finished National Capital Trail Network, they say, would help more people reach transit-accessible jobs, while reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions."

If the plan is approved, "equity would be at the forefront of decisions affecting public health, housing, economic development, job growth and climate change" in addition to transportation. "D.C. Council member Charles Allen (D), the Transportation Planning Board’s chair, said the approach would address the 'east-west divide' that stems from the western part of the region having more jobs and the eastern part having less expensive housing and longer commutes."

"Under the proposal, local governments would focus development around the region’s 150 'high-capacity transit' stations, along with another 75 expected to be built by 2030. That would use the land more efficiently, planners say, because transit stations occupy just 10 percent of the region’s land." 

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments board will vote on the proposal on October 13. "Separately — but in line with the proposed equity-based approach — the planning board on Wednesday approved its first grants for preliminary design or engineering on local projects that would make it easier and safer to walk or bike to major transit stations."