This report addresses a fundamental question: How can the LIHTC program most effectively be used to promote the preservation and development of affordable rental housing near transit? To answer this question, the report examines the mechanisms through which statehousing agencies evaluate LIHTC applicants and make funding decisions.
Expenditures on transportation have increased from the sixth largest share (less than 2%) of household budgets in 1917 to the second largest share (over 20%) since the 1970s. Under this circumstance, transit-oriented development (TOD) has gained popularity worldwide as a sustainable form of urbanism by concentrating developments near a transit station so as to minimize … Continued
Our research found that transit investment frequently changes the surrounding neighborhood. While patterns of neighborhood change vary, the most predominant pattern is one in which housing becomes more expensive, neighborhood residents become wealthier and vehicle ownership becomes more common. And in some of the newly transit rich neighborhoods, the research reveals how a new transit … Continued
Transit agencies’ primary mission is to provide transit service; however, most recognize that affordable housing can play a key role in supporting their mission,” the report’s authors, Robin Kniech and Melinda Pollack, note. The authors found successful transit agencies play a critical complementary role to local governments, often initiating projects that include affordable housing that … Continued
This guide was developed to ensure TOD planning processes result in neighborhoods that include households of all income levels. The guide “walks” users through a three-step analysis to determine the most effective strategies and tools. The first step involves collecting data on the community’s demographics and economic and physical conditions (an inventory of the housing … Continued
This Action Guide is a tool for local jurisdictions working to foster mixed-income transit-oriented development (TOD) around planned transit stations. The term “mixed-income TOD” (MITOD) is shorthand to describe a set of goals that includes the provision of a mix of housing choices, affordable to a range of incomes, for people at different stages of … Continued
In an effort to bring the American dream of homeownership to more people, our society has enabled and encouraged growth in places where low land costs deliver relatively inexpensive housing but where sprawling, single-use development adds significantly to the cost of carrying out the daily tasks of getting to work or school, running errands and … Continued
In the next five years as many as 160,000 renters in 20 metro areas could lose their affordable apartments near transit because the contracts on their privately-owned HUD-subsidized rental units are due to expire. The renewed popularity of urban living means that properties in walkable neighborhoods near transit have increased in value, and that property … Continued
This is the first of three reports that cover different aspects of equitable TOD (eTOD). It provides a non-exhaustive review of the evidence and literature that demonstrates the importance of eTOD. A second report will illustrate barriers to eTOD and best practices for overcoming them, while the third will address the federal role in supporting … Continued