Mixed Income/Equitable TOD
Photo by Bob Canfeild/Courtesy of Bridge Housing
Mixed-income TOD and equitable TOD both stand for the idea that all communities (low, moderate and high income; urban, suburban, and rural) should benefit from TOD, and affordability is a key component of equitable TOD. A range of housing options around stations ensures that families at a range of incomes can to choose to live near transit. Though housing costs can be more expensive in built-out urban areas than outlying suburbs, these costs are offset by substantially lower transportation costs.
Shaping Regional Growth and Demand discusses many of the regional benefits that investment in transit and TOD can create (reduced congestion, increased economic competitiveness, etc.). That section also discusses the increased demand for housing near transit, which has raised concerns with local affordable housing advocacy groups about the potential for gentrification that new transit investments may create. Including an affordable housing component to TOD planning can help ensure that transit zones also serve low and moderate income residents.
- View a powerpoint presentation on Mixed Income Housing. [ Download PPT ] [ View slideshow ]
- Review the findings from the TOD Workshop Series session on Equitable Development and Community Benefits — Workshop III: Equitable Development and Community Benefits (May 11, 2010)
- Learn more about the Mixed-Income TOD Action Guide here, and create a plan for equitable TOD in your neighborhood
- Learn more about how looking at housing and transportation costs changes the view of a region's affordability here