Central Florida's SunRail commuter train is spurring dozens of transit-oriented housing projects near its stations.
Florida's explosive growth—in 2021, "2.44 people moved to the Orlando area for every one person moving out"—is prompting local and state officials to support more public transit and transit-oriented development in the state, reports Steven Ryzewski for the Orlando Business Journal.
"Transit-oriented development has been a topic of discussion since before Central Florida's commuter train SunRail began service in 2014, but was slow to take root in some places." But the tide is turning as more developments are planned around SunRail stops. "To date, SunRail has attracted 72 total transit-oriented development projects with a construction value of more than $1.8 billion, including completed, under construction and future projects, according to research done by the Florida Department of Transportation."
Mauricio Bello of Waterstone Capital, who is planning to build a 448-unit complex near one SunRail station, "called being near the station a 'competitive advantage' over other multifamily projects in the area, adding that the possibility of SunRail’s future connections to Miami-based intercity passenger train Brightline and Orlando International Airport also are game changers." The success of current projects is driving more proposals as developers seek to take advantage of infill development opportunities in areas adjacent to SunRail stops.
FULL STORY: SunRail attracts $1.8B+ in transit-oriented projects
San Diego High-Speed Rail Plan Counts on Future Density
Despite slowing population growth statewide, officials believe the region will "grow into" the new rail system if cities promote dense development around transit stations.
To Regain Transit Ridership, Policymakers Must Address Land Use and Housing
More buses and trains alone won't bring back riders; other incentives are needed to boost ridership and encourage new users.
Changes for Amtrak in the New Infrastructure Bill
While the agency is receiving less funding than advocates say is needed, it will also have a new mandate that prioritizes public service over profitability.
Four ‘Low-Hanging Fruit’ Zoning Reforms
An excerpt from the latest book on zoning argues for four approaches to reform that can immediately improve land use regulation in the United States.
Judge Blocks Minneapolis 2040 Implementation, Citing Lack of Environmental Review
Environmentalists have used the power of the legal system to protect the car-centric status quo of single-family zoning once again, overturning a landmark planning innovation in Minneapolis.
L.A. Seeking Funding for New Transit Projects Prior to the 2028 Summer Olympics
Los Angeles officials have been working for years to deliver a suite of transit projects in time for the 2028 Olympics. Planners now hope federal infrastructure funding could reinvigorate the effort.
Report: Dallas Needs $54 Million in Sidewalk Ramps and Crosswalk Repairs
The city, which recently adopted a Vision Zero action plan, has one of the nation’s highest pedestrian fatality rates.
San Francisco Just Ended Single-Family Zoning
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to Tuesday to eliminate single-family zoning, but pro-development advocates say additional changes are needed to unleash a wave of construction.
Dallas-Area City Wants to Increase Minimum Home Size to 2,000 Square Feet
While some cities are finding ways to add density and use zoning as a tool for affordability, Mesquite, Texas is headed the other direction.
Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA)
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Windham Regional Commission
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Harvard Graduate School of Design Executive Education
Harvard Graduate School of Design Executive Education
City of Helena
Gallatin County, Montana
West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
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.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.
