Comparing Transit Oriented Development in the D.C. Regional Rail System

Not all Metrorail station areas are zoned for transit oriented development.

1 minute read

January 31, 2019, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Metrorail Station Area

Joseph Gruber / Shutterstock

Tracey Hadden Loh evaluates the transit oriented development efforts of the region surrounding Washington, D.C., specifically in locations surrounding Metrorail stations. 

According to Loh, "there is still a lot of room for improvement—and I've found that some stations and jurisdictions are doing much better than others."

According to Loh's regional assessment, "international TOD prodigy Arlington County comes in last at first glance; why the urban core at the heart of the Metrorail system, the District of Columbia, had seven out of the top 15 most restricted stations; and why Montgomery County can and must do better at stations like Forest Glen."

To reach these conclusions, Loh examines zoning designations around the region's rail lines, and drills down into specifics on the case studies provided by Arlington and Montgomery counties. Also, Loh declares the Takoma Metrorail station as the Metrorail station surrounded by the most single-family zoning in the entire system.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 in Greater Greater Washington

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of oil field in California with pumpjacks at sunset.

From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program

The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.

15 minutes ago - The Othering & Belonging Institute

"Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign with mottled shade from palm tree.

Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time

Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.

1 hour ago - KTNV

Green trees, some with fall colors, line a walkway in front of the Wisconsin state capitol dome in Madison, WI.

How Madison’s Tree Planting Efforts Are Growing a Healthier Community

Madison’s annual tree planting initiative is enhancing environmental resilience, public health, and community livability by adding 1,400 carefully selected trees citywide, with strong community and institutional support for urban forestry.

3 hours ago - The Badger Herald