Last week I was at an interview for a potential real estate developer client who wanted transit-oriented development (TOD), but weren’t sure he wanted transit. This was a progressive developer who wanted more density, a mix-of uses and walkability. How could it be he wasn’t sure he wanted the planned transit line? Is it possible the developer had it right?
Last week I was at an interview for a potential real estate developer client who wanted transit-oriented development (TOD), but weren't sure he wanted transit. This was a progressive developer who wanted more density, a mix-of uses and walkability. How could it be he wasn't sure he wanted the planned transit line? Is it possible the developer had it right?
As it turns out the developer wasn't as wrong as you might think. In most communities across the United States one of the biggest problems with TOD is the "T." Developers figured out long ago the process of creating special places -– place making –- creates value by making places people want to come back to.
Transit agencies on the other hand have yet to learn this place making lesson. Transit managers are often content to design transit around parking for the automobile and bus stops. How transit fits into the community, how it behaves as a good neighbor or how it creates special places is a question rarely asked.
Based on our research and experience developer interest in TOD is at an all time high. Yet given the development hostile design of transit projects in most of the United States it might not be surprising developers might be reluctant to have transit as a neighbor.
If transit agencies want to avoid the "I want TOD, but I don't want transit" developer conundrum they are going to have to change transit. Transit managers need to design more of their transit stations to fit into the community and stop designing transit just for the automobile.

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.
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
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City of Grandview
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