Local Resistance Hinders Transit-Oriented Development

As states move to boost housing production near transit, opposition from neighborhood groups frustrates efforts to build new developments.

1 minute read

January 24, 2022, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Denver Union STation TOD

Arina P Habich / Shutterstock

Despite state-level efforts to encourage transit-oriented development, reports Jared Brey, TOD projects often meet with resistance at the local level, often from single-family neighborhoods that fear the purported negative impacts of increased density. Brey describes some successful and failed initiatives from around the country.

Despite California's extreme housing shortage, state efforts to mandate transit-oriented density have failed to produce significant results. However, a Los Angeles program that incentivizes transit-oriented affordable housing has become popular with developers seeking new construction permits. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, one recent proposal to eliminate parking requirements and allow denser housing development and multifamily housing near transit was rejected by a city council committee due to resident concerns. 

Because transit-oriented development can result in higher housing costs and displacement, as evidenced in a report from the city of Chicago that evaluated the results of the city's 2013 TOD ordinance, that city has published an "equitable transit-oriented policy plan" meant to address this issue and ensure equitable access to the benefits of transit-oriented development.

While there is no empirical evidence showing negative economic impacts on communities or home values surrounding TOD, hostility remains strong. Housing advocates say that dispelling myths about multifamily housing and density can help reduce local opposition and help communities imagine a more affordable, more walkable future.

Monday, January 17, 2022 in Route 50

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 25, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Western U.S. indicating public lands that would be for sale under a Senate plan in yellow and green.

Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands

For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”

June 19, 2025 - Outdoor Life

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up of full beer glass with purple train-themed design sitting on bar between two frosty tall cans.

Platform Pilsner: Vancouver Transit Agency Releases... a Beer?

TransLink will receive a portion of every sale of the four-pack.

June 30 - Cities Today

Vintage red Toronto streetcar passing in front of Rogers Arena in Toronto, Canada.

Toronto Weighs Cheaper Transit, Parking Hikes for Major Events

Special event rates would take effect during large festivals, sports games and concerts to ‘discourage driving, manage congestion and free up space for transit.”

June 30 - blogTO

Map of Berlin with ring roads in green and red.

Berlin to Consider Car-Free Zone Larger Than Manhattan

The area bound by the 22-mile Ringbahn would still allow 12 uses of a private automobile per year per person, and several other exemptions.

June 30 - Streetsblog USA

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.