Keeping transit planning and development siloed can limit opportunities to build affordable housing and vibrant neighborhoods.

In an op-ed in Next City, Shonda Wang outlines the lessons that U.S. planners can draw from cities like Tokyo and Toronto when it comes to transit-oriented development (TOD).
By limiting solutions to what we traditionally understand as TOD, we restrict our ability to foster complete communities. Here in North America, leveraging the air rights of future and existing transit stations can unlock opportunities to deliver more housing and community infrastructure, offset development costs and attract key partners.
Wang describes three key factors that make Tokyo’s TOD successful: a single agency that manages developments; a streamlined approach to permitting; and an understanding of the time-to-value factor, meaning that integrated development should be considered in early infrastructure and urban design plans.
Wang also highlights the importance of the transit experience. “We need to think about transit stations not as single-use entities, but as opportunities to create bustling places that make commuters feel good as they walk in, out of and through them.”
Wang adds, “Just think of the massive opportunities if we act beyond the bounds of our disciplines to advance our transportation goals, accelerate the development of low-carbon buildings and build community resilience.”
FULL STORY: What Cities Can Learn From How Tokyo and Toronto Approach Transit-Oriented Development

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.

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.

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.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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