Shaping Regional Growth and Demand
In 2000, the Metropolitan Council projected that by 2030, the Twin Cities region would grow by nearly one million residents and more than 500,000 jobs. Where and how this growth will manifest itself in the built environment needs to be carefully planned, and TOD can be a tool to guiding that growth. The desire to live near transit will also grow during this time period (CTOD has estimated that more than 110,000 new households will want to live near fixed-guideway transit by 2030.), but if "business as usual" development and driving patterns continue, projections show there could be 4 million daily auto trips by 2030, increasing traffic congestion by 20%. Without effective coordination of economic development with public transportation, the region could sacrifice environmental quality, social equity, and economic competitiveness. Deteriorating commuting conditions impact employer access to the regional labor market, worker productivity, and equal access to jobs for all workers.
Building a regional transit network is key to directing growth to reduce congestion and sustain economic competitiveness. The Metropolitan Council's Transit 2020 Master Plan proposed a network of dedicated transit corridors, including light rail, commuter rail, and busways. This network can guide growth b using transit stops as the center of vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods with a variety of housing and transportation choices. TOD helps focus growth into targeted areas around rail stations, diminishing pressure for growth at the edge of regions, and minimizing unsustainable development patterns and loss of open space and habitat. Reconnecting America and the Center for Transit-Oriented Development have roughly estimated that the Twin Cities region could fit 60% of its forecasted new development on 24% of available land – reducing the pressure to build new infrastructure and develop productive farm land and green space.
- Download a 2 page summary on Shaping Regional Growth.
- View a powerpoint presentation on Shaping Regional Growth. [Download PPT ] [ View Slideshow ]
- View powerpoint presentation on the Importance of Building a Regional Transit Network. [ Download PPT ] [ View Slideshow ]
- Download a map showing the existing and proposed transit corridors in the region.
Shaping Regional Growth and Demand should also consider Equitable TOD and Connecting Jobs to Transit. Please visit those pages to learn more.
High quality infrastructure and a pleasant public realm are key components to shaping regional growth. Learn more about these topics at the TOD Workshop on Infrastructure and the Public Realm.