A third party analysis predicts that the revenue brought in by development along the proposed streetcar line would bring in sufficient revenue to cover initial costs.

The Omaha streetcar project is one step closer to reality after an independent consulting firm, MuniCap, concluded that the financial plan presented by the city is viable and would stimulate more than enough revenue to cover the cost of the project. As Jessica Wade reports for the Omaha World-Herald, the revenue projections in the analysis surpass prior estimates.
“MuniCap’s analysis leans heavily on assumptions, including estimates of future property values, the rate of tax credits, the strength of Omaha’s economy and little change in zoning laws,” Wade explains. “If those assumptions hold, the firm predicts that a special district along the streetcar route will see more than $600 million in tax-increment financing revenues through 2057.”
The plan relies on $80 million in lease purchasing bonds and $360 million in redevelopment bonds to cover capital costs, which would be repaid by tax-increment financing (TIF). After the streetcar is built, “New developments on three blocks on either side of the streetcar would contribute 25% of their TIF proceeds. That element alone is projected to generate more than $421 million.”
FULL STORY: Analysis of Omaha streetcar financial plan predicts development will cover project cost

The Right to Mobility
As we consider how to decarbonize transportation, preserving mobility, especially for lower- and middle-income people, must be a priority.

How Virginia Counties Use Zoning to Stifle Development
Some state legislators are proposing action at the state level as counties block development using zoning and development requirements even as housing prices rise sharply in the region.

The Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Remake Downtown
Urban cores around the country were transforming into live, work, and play destinations before the pandemic. The pandemic was a setback for this transformation, but it could also be a rare opportunity. It’s up to city leadership to seize it.

L.A. Times Editorial Board Calls for CEQA Reform
The Board argues that the environmental law, while important, has too often been ‘weaponized’ by NIMBY groups to delay or halt housing development.

Seattle Brings Free Transit to Public Housing
Linking transit programs to housing can lower administrative costs and streamline the process for riders.

Columbus Could Lower Downtown Speed Limits
The city council will vote on a proposal to lower speed limits to 25 miles per hour to improve safety and make downtown more walkable and welcoming to pedestrians.
York County Government
York County, Human Resources
Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Sonoma County Transportation Authority
City of Piedmont, CA
City of Morganton
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.