A bill introduced in the Utah State Legislature would curtail the UTA's ability to partner in new transit oriented development projects.
A bill introduced by Utah State Senator Wayne Harper is seeking to reshape how the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) currently does business. Lee Davidson of The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the bill would reduce the number of UTA commissioners from 16 to eight, create a citizen advisory committee, and block the UTA from entering into new development deals for transit oriented development.
The bill proposes to ban UTA from entering into partnerships for more transit-oriented developments beyond eight previously approved by the legislature, and would require formal cost-benefit analyses of ones in the works to show that investment in them benefits the public and would improve transit service.
In such developments, UTA usually uses excess land it owns at rail stations to partner with developers for residential and commercial projects designed to increase transit ridership. But audits have criticized sweetheart deals for some developers and building large garages for their projects that sat mostly empty for years because of developer delays.
In the article, Harper notes that due to a potential drop-off in federal funding for transit projects, competition for funds with highways, bike paths, and pathways will require additional need for coordination. Other bills in the legislature are seeking to limit the ability of UTA employees to unionize.
FULL STORY: Bill would change UTA board, ban new 'transit oriented development,' create citizen advisory council
Buslash in Salt Lake City
New bus routes planned for Salt Lake City have provoked a vocal political opposition.
Service Redesign Proposed by Utah Transit Authority
The Utah Transit Authority is proposing a new approach to transit service design for the counties on the Wasatch Front, focusing changes on a "core route network" of frequent service.
In Canada, Suburban Transit-Oriented Development on the Rise
Transit expansions are providing incentives to companies to locate outside of city centers, upending traditional housing, work, and commute patterns.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
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.
New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse
The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.
LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan
The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.
Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size
City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.
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.
