More transit agencies are recognizing that it's not enough to build transit infrastructure if the people who really need it don't live close enough to use it.
According to an article on the TransitCenter website, transit agencies in Los Angeles and Seattle are "testing strategies to encourage affordable development near transit."
In Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority "is providing $9 million to developers at a low interest rate to build affordable housing within a half mile of transit lines" through its MATCH Loan Program. The California Endowment and local Community Development Financial Institutions donated enough to that pot of money to bring the total to $75 million.
In Seattle, "Sound Transit has begun deeply discounting property sales to make affordable housing projects pencil out." According to the article, "Washington State passed a new statute in 2015 – tied to the 2016 passage of the transit ballot measure ST3 – stipulating that Sound Transit must begin considering affordable housing outcomes in its capital projects."
The article includes a lot more detail from each of these two case studies, which have fundamental differences and critical lessons for other transit agencies looking to better connect housing options to transit options.
FULL STORY: Affordable Housing: A Next Frontier for Transit?
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The Northgate Link Extension Is Great, But Voters Want More
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
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New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.
Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.
Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions