A series of articles traces the history and policies behind Washington, D.C.’s efforts to promote equitable transit-oriented development.
In one part of a Greater Greater Washington series that explores the history of transit-oriented development (TOD) in the Washington, D.C. region, George Kevin Jordan outlines the ways that TOD can perpetuate existing inequities. “Today, with unaffordability and displacement in many cities at a crisis level, policymakers and activists are wondering how to ensure the benefits of TOD are more equitably distributed.”
Jordan points to changes that occurred under the administration of Mayor Anthony Williams, who took office in 1999 and “was laser-focused on bringing the city back to its former glory by building back trust, stability, and reliability within government.” As part of his plan, Williams strove to bring real estate investors back to the District and build better transit. “The District’s transformation into an in-demand city had ripple effects on many different types of growth in the region, including transit-oriented development.”
As walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods became more desirable, housing costs rose and older residents were pushed out. “Between 2000 and 2013, about 40 percent of the city’s lower-income neighborhoods experienced gentrification, according to a 2019 study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.” The same report claims that more than 20,000 Black residents were displaced during that time. “Meanwhile, not only were residents living East of the Anacostia River not seeing much TOD, they were also dealing with disproportionate social and economic issues,” creating “an uneven set of opportunities for families and businesses.”
The next article in the series will highlight Arlington, “one of the pioneers in TOD, and how its success has complicated and informed the work to achieve equitable transit-oriented development.”
FULL STORY: Understanding why the region grapples with unequal access to TOD
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.