Transit Oriented Development

An image of Transit Oriented Development in Saltillo Lofts, Austin, Texas

Now Available: Federal Grant Funding for Transit Oriented Development

The FTA has announced new funding (albeit, a small amount) through the "Transit-Oriented Development Planning Pilot Program."

September 11, 2014 - Transportation for America

Transit Oriented Development Ordinance in Chicago Saves Space and Money

A recently adopted ordinance allows developers to build significantly fewer parking spaces for projects in proximity to transit stations. Developers have already responded to the advantages offered by the reduced requirements.

September 11, 2014 - The Architect's Newspaper

Living the TOD Lifestyle in Denver: Growing Transit and Affordable Housing

Dana Hawkins-Simons writes about how the Denver TOD Fund produces and ensures equitable, affordable development around the city's expanding transportation network.

August 24, 2014 - Shelterforce

Commuter Rail Station in Virginia Central to 'Transit-Oriented Sprawl' Plans

Among proposed examples of new urbanist communities, Greater Greater Washington calls out one, located along Prince William's Potomac riverfront, as particularly experimental, sprawling, and centered on a Virginia Railway Express station.

August 6, 2014 - Greater Greater Washington

First Net-Zero Energy Apartments Planned in South Sacramento

Housing 120 units, the first net-zero energy transit-oriented development complex in South Sacramento will feature a rooftop farm and resident-run onsite bicycle repair.

July 30, 2014 - Sacramento Bee

Stuck in a Development Slump, Texas Suburb Shrinks Transit District

After plans to create a transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly district in the Austin suburb of Leander fizzled due to the recession, the city has cut back minimum height and density requirements in the hopes of attracting more investment.

July 23, 2014 - Austin American-Statesman

Innovative Transportation Systems Require Innovative Transit Oriented Developments

As new transportation systems continue to emerge and gain popularity, the sacred cows of land use and transportation planning require radical new thinking, according to Gabe Klein.

July 10, 2014 - CityLab

Arlington Virginia

The Suburb of the Future: Arlington, Virginia

The successes of Arlington, Virginia as a suburb have been discussed by planners and urbanists before, but the model has taken on new meaning as the current urban boom send ripple effect out into nearby suburbs like Long Island and Palo Alto.

July 7, 2014 - Salon

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."

July 1, 2014 - Denver Community Planning and Development

Twin Cities' Green Line Emphasizes Community Integration

Funding from a nonprofit initiative provides concrete measures to prevent displacement due to the construction of the Green Line in the Twin Cities.

June 16, 2014 - FastCompany Exist

Santa Monica Route 66

Anatomy of a NIMBYcide in Santa Monica

A look at how the previous approval of the Hines Bergamont Transit Village project was rescinded after pressure from community activists, by real estate developer and consultant Michael Russell.

June 15, 2014 - UrbDeZine

Seattle Neighborhood Debates Zoning Changes Near Light Rail Station

The city of Seattle is considering a proposition to upzone the area around the Mount Baker light-rail station in South Seattle, which opened in 2009. Locals are split on the issue.

June 13, 2014 - Seattle Times

For Sale: Air Rights at MARTA's Urban Train Stations

MARTA is exploring the desire of developers to build mixed-use buildings over its urban train stations. Any such deal would be the first of its kind in MARTA's 40-plus-year history.

June 12, 2014 - SaportaReport

Riding D.C. Metro's Silver Line: the Great Suburban Retrofit

CityLab provides an in-depth analysis of the planning efforts surrounding the D.C. Metro's forthcoming Silver Line in Tysons Corner, Virginia. At stake, according to the article: "the future of the American suburb as we know it."

June 11, 2014 - CityLab

Transit Oriented Development Gaining Post-Recession Momentum in Maryland

A recent article describes the transit oriented development market in Maryland, where recession blues have given way to a boom.

June 9, 2014 - Baltimore Sun

How are California’s Bullet Train and Affordable Housing Connected?

California Gov. Brown’s support of high speed rail contrasts sharply with his gutting of affordable housing. Michael Russell, real estate developer and advisor, reviews pending bills and potential fixes for affordable housing.

May 27, 2014 - UrbDeZine

Honolulu Light Rail Taking Shape

After clearing two lawsuits in February, and weathering a contentious mayoral election, the Honolulu light rail project is under construction.

May 14, 2014 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Can Somerville, Massachusetts Keep Transit Oriented Redevelopment Affordable?

With six new Green Line stations coming to Somerville, Massachusetts in the next few years, planners and political leaders are trying to find the right balance between transit oriented redevelopment and its more expensive consequences.

May 13, 2014 - Atlantic Cities

How Fair Were Reports of Portland's Light Rail Shortcomings?

After a recent report questioned the value Portland's light rail investments, a local journalist and a TriMet representative provide countering metrics of success.

May 10, 2014 - The Oregonian

Why BRT Needs to Go Downtown

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is controversial all over the country. Controversy can often lead to compromises, such as mixing the buses into traffic. A recent article makes the case for overcoming controversy and committing to BRT in downtowns.

May 10, 2014 - Atlantic Cities

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.