3 Examples of Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Policies

Mobility Lab tackles the challenges of building affordable housing near transit (i.e., transit-oriented affordable housing) by providing specific, real-world examples from cities and states.

2 minute read

May 2, 2016, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Denver TOD

Brett VA / Flickr

Michael Ryan argues for a stronger connection between affordable housing and transit:

The term “affordable housing finance” isn’t quite as catchy as “carshare,” “bikeshare,” or any of the other technology improvements helping promote transportation demand management. Yet for low-income members of our communities, who stand to benefit the most from those solutions, affordable housing finance should be considered, and put to use as, a TDM strategy.

After listing a few of the ways that transit reduces the daily costs of mobility for residents, Ryan also notes some of the challenges to building more affordable housing near transit. For one, land values near transit tend to be higher, according to Ryan, "[making] it difficult for affordable housing developers to purchase land in these locations."

Ryan concludes by producing a list of policy ideas designed to help deliver transit-oriented affordable housing. Examples include

  • The allocation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through the Qualified Allocation Plans created by states for the U.S. Department of Urban Housing and Development. "Massachusetts is one of several states that have incorporated mobility into their QAPs by awarding points based on a project’s proximity to rail or bus," according to Ryan.
  • Housing protection districts, such as the Special Affordable Housing Protection District included in the General Land Use Plan of Arlington, Virginia.
  • A transit-oriented development fund, such as the Denver Regional Transit-Oriented Development Fund.

Thursday, April 28, 2016 in Mobility Lab

View of small-town street with brick buildings and cars parked in diagonal parking with string lights going across street in Cleveland County, Oklahoma.

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates

The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

September 14, 2023 - Next City

Few passengers waiting in subway station with multiple platforms and "North Station" signs in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns

Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

September 18, 2023 - Hoodline

View of Boston from Bunker Hill with statue in foreground

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces

It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

September 14, 2023 - The Boston Globe

Sidewalk in Seattle with yellow fall leaves on the ground and cars parked next to the curb.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets

Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

6 hours ago - The Urbanist

View of San Francisco neighborhood from top of hill with misty bay in background.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance

After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

September 24 - SF Standard

Woman wearing helmet riding POGOH bike share bike in bike lane in Pittsburgh, PA.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet

The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.

September 24 - Pittsburgh Magazine