Transit stations increase nearby jobs and populations, but they could also contribute to displacement. What can we do differently?

Smart Growth America's analysis in Shelterforce reveals the complex dynamics of transit-oriented development (TOD), where growth and displacement risks intersect. According to research cited by Smart Growth America, transit station areas generated 20 percent of metropolitan job and household growth while occupying less than 1 percent of urbanized land across 42 regions, with rail transit increasing nearby property values 15-25 percent above baseline increases.
While TOD successfully attracts diverse populations and promotes sustainability, rising costs threaten existing residents. Light rail and streetcar areas saw median incomes rise 9 percent faster than surrounding regions, highlighting gentrification concerns. Seattle's Capitol Hill and Portland's MAX light rail corridor demonstrate how transit improvements can inadvertently drive displacement.
However, the article highlights successful mitigation strategies from several cities. Arlington's Rosslyn-Ballston corridor shows how proactive zoning and affordable housing policies can prevent accelerated displacement while fostering economic growth. Other solutions include Denver's TOD Fund for preserving affordable housing near transit and San Francisco's Small Sites Program supporting nonprofit acquisition of affordable rental properties.
The piece emphasizes that successful TOD requires balancing development goals with equity considerations through robust community engagement and protective policies.
FULL STORY: Can We Resist Displacement From Transit-Oriented Development?

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

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.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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