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

Aerial view of snowy single-family homes in suburban Long Island, New York

New York Governor Advances Housing Plan Amid Stiff Suburban Opposition

Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious proposal to create more housing has once again run into a brick wall of opposition in New York’s enormous suburbs, especially on Long Island. This year, however, the wall may have some cracks.

March 20, 2023 - Mark H. McNulty

Empty parking garage at night with yellow lines marking spots and fluorescent lighting

Rethinking the Role of Parking in the American City

In cities big and small, the tide is turning against sprawling parking lots, car-centric development, and minimum parking mandates.

March 16, 2023 - The New York Times

A futuristic version of New York City, with plants growing neatly on top of modern skycrapers.

Friday Eye Candy: 20 AI-Generated Cityscapes

AI-generated images are creating new landscapes and cityscapes, capable of inspiring awe or fear.

March 17, 2023 - Chris Steins via Medium

"For Rent" sign in yard of red building

Rent Increases Highest for Lowest-Income Households

Renters at the lower end of the spectrum see no relief in sight as rent hikes remain stubbornly high.

32 minutes ago - Marketplace

Rendering of Baylor Scott & White Health Administrative Center in Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas

A Dallas Architect Designs Statement Buildings With a Purpose

The Dallas Morning News’ architecture critic profiles one of the city’s most important current architects.

2 hours ago - The Dallas Morning News

A mountain range at sunset appears in the background of this photo, with cacti in the foreground.

Biden Designates a New National Monument in West Texas

The Castner Range National Monument in West Texas is the second of two new national monuments announced by President Joe Biden this week.

4 hours ago - The White House

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase

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.