Equitable Transit Oriented Development
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) promotes dense, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development near transit hubs.
Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (eTOD) ensures that the benefits of TOD are experienced by people of all income levels.
At Civility Localized, our focus is on connecting communities and governments. We routinely work with Planners and those in development. For us, fostering accessible, equitable, and sustainable urban environments is integral to creating more livable societies. Our experience, including work with Vision Zero Charlotte, the Upstate Mobility Alliance in South Carolina, and other transit-related projects, has profoundly shaped our understanding of how thoughtful planning and engagement around transit can transform regions for the better.
What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?
Transit-oriented development creates vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods centered around high-quality public transportation hubs. Imagine areas where individuals can effortlessly walk from their homes to a train or bus rapid transit station, access local businesses and amenities, and connect to employment centers – all within a comfortable, pedestrian-friendly environment. Key characteristics of TOD include higher-density development, walkable and bikeable streets, and a mix of residential, commercial, and civic uses. Benefits include: reduced car dependence, lively public spaces, and more sustainable urban footprints.
The Equity Imperative: Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (eTOD)
While the concept of Transit Oriented Development is great, we firmly believe that to truly serve all communities, an equity lens is essential. This is where Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (eTOD) comes into play. Recognizing that without equitable planning considerations, the benefits of TOD might not be shared by all, potentially leading to displacement of vulnerable populations and exacerbation of existing inequalities. Our commitment is to champion eTOD principles that prioritize affordability, accessibility, and genuine community benefits for every resident, in every community we serve.
Equitable Transit Best Practices in Action (Inspired by our work nationwide):
While our "Civility Localized in Action" page showcases our commitment, here are some tangible equitable transit best practices that guide our work with governments and organizations across the United States:
Engaging the Community Early and Meaningfully: We believe in robust community engagement from the outset of any project, regardless of location. This means creating platforms for residents to share their perspectives and actively shape the development process.
Designing for Universal Accessibility: All transit facilities and surrounding public spaces must be designed to be fully accessible to people of all abilities.
Supporting Local Businesses: eTOD should be a catalyst for local economic growth, supporting small businesses and connecting residents to job opportunities.
Implementing Anti-Displacement Strategies: Proactive measures are needed to mitigate the risk of displacement for existing residents and businesses as transit investments are made, with strategies adapted to each community.
Check out Civility Localized’s eTOD Fact Sheet below:
As seen in this fact-sheet, Equitable Transit Oriented Development has numerous benefits and implications for long-term urban sustainability.
The Future of Transit:
Our work at Civility Localized is driven by the belief that thoughtful planning with robust community input can be powerful tools for more livable futures.
We hope to see more local governments embracing principles of Equitable Transit-Oriented Development. As we seek to support the growth of sustainable, connected, and vibrant cities, we are always looking for community engagement projects that align with our values.
We invite you to explore our Civility Localized in Action page to see our commitment to projects that allow every community to grow with dignity. We hope you’ll join us in working to support more connected and equitable futures for communities nationwide.
