Five communities working to support development around transit projects will get a big boost this year thanks to technical assistance from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in partnership with Smart Growth America.
The National Public Transportation/Transit-Oriented Development Technical Assistance Initiative is a four-year project of FTA in partnership with Smart Growth America that helps communities across the country build equitable, compact, mixed-use development around transit stations or along transit corridors, with a focus on development in economically disadvantaged areas.
Five communities have been selected for technical assistance during the second round of this project. The assistance will help communities plan for and manage economic development near transit through effective zoning and land use, as well as provide expert advice on preserving affordable housing and securing advantageous commercial development, among other opportunities.
After a competitive process, the communities selected to receive this year’s assistance are:
Omaha, NE
Albuquerque, NM
Charlotte, NC
Tacoma, WA
“By sharing expertise in transit-oriented development, we are helping create the kind of growth that’s right for each community while leveraging our investments in transit,” said Carolyn Flowers, FTA Acting Administrator. “It’s mutually supportive: the transit service provides transportation for those who live and work there, while equitable TOD can boost transit ridership. Our initiative helps communities to build their expertise in planning TOD to create stronger neighborhoods.”
In early 2016, nine communities were selected to receive a combination of short-term and long-term technical assistance through the first round of this project.
This year, all of the cities will receive in-depth, long-term technical assistance. Representatives from FTA and Smart Growth America will work with local project staff to provide customized resources, insights, and recommendations to advance and support TOD within their community.
Congratulations to these successful communities. We look forward to working with all of you.
P.S. — Don’t see your community on this list but still want help creating equitable TOD? Resources and information are always available on this project’s website, TODresources.org.