Collection: Putting the “E” in transit-oriented development
The Washington region has been a leader in transit-oriented development (TOD), bringing housing that connects people to transit, jobs, retail, and other vital amenities. But does that mean everyone is reaping the benefits? How does equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) level the playing field? In a limited series, GGWash will explore the history, current policies, and initiatives to create equitable transit-oriented development in the region.
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The 30-year rise of transit-oriented development, and its role in creating a resilient region
The journey to creating equitable transit-oriented development is a complicated one and requires looking at several moments in history that converged to get the region and the country to where we are now. This is the first piece in a limited series exploring the history, current policies, and initiatives to create and maintain equitable transit-oriented development in the region. Keep reading…
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Understanding why the region grapples with unequal access to TOD
Planning for equitable transit-oriented development in the future means first understanding how low-income, Black, and brown residents have faced discriminatory barriers to its benefits. Keep reading…
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Arlington’s ambitious affordable-housing program may be overwhelmed by the county’s success
Since the 1960s, Arlington has worked to concentrate high-density development along the Metrorail system. Now, the County is scrambling to boost its affordable housing supply. Keep reading…
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Montgomery and Prince George’s counties seek to expand housing affordability toolbox along Purple Line
The Purple Line has great potential to whisk passengers to jobs, appointments, family, and recreation when it finally opens. And Prince George’s and Montgomery counties are taking steps to ensure all people, especially long-time and low-income residents, can reap the benefits of transit-oriented development. Keep reading…
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As plans for transit-oriented development unfold around Capitol Heights, Prince George’s looks to keep housing affordable
The neighborhood around Capitol Heights Metro has the potential to be a vibrant, thriving mixed-use community, with shops and residences, buzzing with pedestrian, bike, and scooter traffic for all; however, Prince George’s officials also need to adopt policies to keep long-time residents in place. Keep reading…
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Strategies the Washington region can borrow from other cities to make TOD more equitable
As the Washington region makes way for more transit-oriented development around Metro stations, the Purple Line, and other transit hubs, here are some equity-centered initiatives leaders can consider from other cities across the country. Keep reading…
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TOD is finally coming east of the Anacostia River. What’s planned, and why did it take so long?
Transit-oriented development in DC has been concentrated west of the Anacostia River. That’s about to change, with a slate of new projects pushed by tenants themselves, the DC government, and now more private investment. However, with a long history of underinvestment, the EOTR area has unique barriers to building quality TOD projects. Keep reading…
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How the region’s housing targets can support transit-oriented communities
Equity is the overarching goal of a new planning tool from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, which charts the path for the region's built environment in the coming decade. It's an evolution from past plans, which focused on improving transit but not on housing residents of all incomes nearby. Keep reading…
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Chicago’s ETOD efforts provide lessons for the Washington region
After an audit showed most TOD was built in wealthy neighborhoods on the North Side, Chicago has focused on improving equity in its transit-oriented development. Keep reading…
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To fix transit-oriented development’s displacement problem, use every tool available
Transit-oriented development is environmentally sustainable and sought-after — but historically, when the needs of existing communities were not centered in a region with a critical housing shortage, it has also driven the displacement of low-income residents. Multiple approaches are needed in order to build enough affordable housing to make TOD equitable in impact. Keep reading…