Transit-Oriented Development

Definition

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is
a pattern of development characterized by a mix of uses surrounding a transit station where streets have a high level of connectivity, blocks are small, and buildings and uses cater to the pedestrian.

The purpose is to make access to and from the transit station walk-able and accessible in an environment that is human-scaled and provide for a mix of compatible and complementary land uses which facilitate transit ridership.

The cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa have taken action to encourage development near the existing 20-mile light rail alignment. There has been a substantial increase in development activity since 2004.

Characteristics

Walkable, tree-lined streets (shade)
Buildings built up to the street
Buildings with frequent windows and doors
Diverse, complementary uses that encourage people to stroll, shop, meet, greet and eat
A variety of compact housing in an assortment of styles
Strategic parking strategies (Reduced parking, shared parking, more land for development)

Benefits

Revitalizes declining neighborhoods and urban centers
Improved accessibility to jobs
Generates sales tax revenues
Provides affordable housing near a readily available source of transportation, creating a high-level of mobility for households on limited incomes
Creates opportunities for public/private partnerships
Increases values of nearby properties
Improves foot traffic for retailers
Decreases transportation costs for residents and workers
Decreases employee travel costs
Allows access to a more diverse workforcee
Encourages transit use due to escalating gasoline and fuel costs

More information concerning TOD

Agency Role

Vision: Support its member cities in attaining their community and economic development goals and initiatives by serving primarily as a resource, a support function and community educator. By assisting in promoting high quality, more intensive development on and near properties adjacent to the light rail, Valley Metro can increase ridership and support long-term system capacity. Also, such development creates attractive investment opportunities for the private sector and stimulates additional development.

Mission: Assist Valley Metro Rail member cities in developing the policy framework and implementation strategies necessary to successfully build community support for TOD projects that: (1) improve access to public transportation, (2) make communities more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, (3) and create new living spaces that better serve the daily activities of the region by interfacing with a more diversified set of mobility options.

Goals and Objectives:
• Support community focused development
• Increase availability of public transportation
• Establish TOD principles in the planning and development process

Contacts

Valley Metro
Abhishek Dayal, AICP, Project Manager
101 N. 1st Ave., Suite 1300, Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-744-5572
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City of Phoenix
Curt Upton, Planner II
200 W. Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-534-6120
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City of Tempe
Larry Schmalz, Redevelopment Manager
21 E. 6th St., Suite 208, Tempe, AZ 85281
480-350-8924
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