Dana Hawkins-Simons writes about how the Denver TOD Fund produces and ensures equitable, affordable development around the city's expanding transportation network.
"Equitable transit oriented development (TOD) aims to prevent [rapidly increasing rents] by including housing that’s affordable to local residents in the development plan early on, and assuring that it remains so for decades to come," writes Hawkins-Simons.
The article details the work of the Urban Land Conservancy (ULC), working with Enterprise Community Partners, the city and county of Denver, and other investors to "establish the first affordable housing TOD acquisition fund in the country."
"The purpose of the Denver TOD Fund is to support the creation and preservation of over 1,000 affordable housing units strategically located near transit, as the region builds 122 new miles of rail lines through the FasTracks plan. ULC’s primary role is strategic property acquisition and land assembly, and they oftentimes partner with other organizations— both nonprofit and for-profit—to develop those properties. At times, the ULC also functions as a community land trust, by retaining long-term ownership and stewardship of the land, ensuring the property will benefit the community for generations."
FULL STORY: Living the TOD Lifestyle in Denver: Growing Transit and Affordable Housing
Atlanta Launches $15 Million Transit Oriented Development Fund
The city of Atlanta has some of the longest commutes of any big city in the nation. Supporters hope this fund can help bring a few people out of their cars.
Proposed 'Transit Oriented Denver' Strategic Plan Targets Station Area Investments
The city of Denver recently released its "Transit Oriented Denver" strategic plan to the public. The plan does not revise existing station area plans, but does aim to coordinate between multiple city departments on a "concise work program."
Denver to Replace Public Housing Project with Mixed Use TOD
The Denver Housing Authority is planning on demolishing one of the city's oldest low-income public housing projects to make way for a new mixed-use, transit-oriented housing development.
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 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.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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)