As states move to boost housing production near transit, opposition from neighborhood groups frustrates efforts to build new developments.
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.
FULL STORY: The Difficult Push to Build More Housing Near Transit
Can Zoning Reform Save Pittsburgh’s Affordable Housing?
With home sale prices growing faster than anywhere in the country, the Steel City could enact major reforms to boost density and lower housing costs.
‘Grand Boulevards’ Could Ease Housing Crisis
A prominent urbanist argues that redeveloping commercial corridors with denser housing could bridge the gap between the housing supply and demand.
The Trouble With QUIMBY
The idea of “quality urbanism in my back yard” has its uses, but should not be used to limit housing supply.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)