reconnecting america: integrating transportation systems and the communities they serve
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Mariia Zimmerman Vice President For Policy Reconnecting America www.reconnectingamerica.org Reconnecting America is a national non-profit organization working to integrate transportation systems and the communities they serve with the goal of generating lasting public and private returns, improving economic and environmental efficiency, and giving consumers more housing and mobility choices. Reconnecting America provides the public and private sectors with an impartial, fact-based perspective on development-oriented transit and transit-oriented development, and seeks to reinvent the planning and delivery system for building regions and communities around transit and walking rather than solely around the automobile.TRANSCRIPT
www.reconnectingamerica.org
Integrating Transportation Systems and the Communities They Serve
Mariia Zimmerman, Reconnecting America
New York Public Transit Association, June 11, 2009
• Creating a national marketplace for TOD, working with cities, transit agencies, developers, investors + communities
• Technical assistance, research, + policy reform
• On-line Clearinghouse of TOD + Transit Best Practices
Reconnecting AmericaRemaking the Mission of Transit for Communities and the Environment
CTOD
T4America• An alliance of business, housing,
environment, development, labor, health, ageing and transportation interests for transportation investments that are economically sound, respond to markets and improve the lives of people
• Campaign Focus on the Next Federal Transportation Bill
2009: It was the Best of Times, It was the Worst of Times
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• Transit increasingly being seen as legitimate tool to save the planet
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•Economic competitiveness and System Efficiency• Equal Access to Improved Options• System Condition and Connectivity• Safety and Public Health• Energy Security • Environmental and Climate Protection
National Transportation Objectives in Support of Transit
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AMERICANS WANT MORE TRANSPORTATION CHOICE
• 3,500 existing stations in 33 regions with “fixed-guideway” transit; • 700 additional stations being built and 15 regions with new systems;• Many regions are deciding that rather than wait for federal funding they will tax themselves to build transit • The private sector is contributing to streetcar systems, new light and heavy rail stations and new rail lines.
TRANSIT IS IN A BUILDING BOOM, CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOD
DENVER’S UNION STATION
Demand for Walkable Urbanism or TOD will Represent At Least 1/3 of the US Housing
Market by 2030
Transit Ridership at 40 Year High!Transit Ridership at 40 Year High!Transit Ridership at 40 Year High!Transit Ridership at 40 Year High!
Up 32% Since 1995
Development Industry Responds• ULI/PriceWaterhouseCoopers
“emerging trends” real estate report ranked TOD as one of the best bets for investors 4 years in a row
• Many developers re-orienting towards infill projects
• Building permits in cities growing as overall share over last decade, sometimes dramatically.
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• BUT …. Same issues that have created national economic crisis threaten transit
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Rising Health Care Costs
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Transit Agencies Caught in AIG and Market Collapse
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State and Local Budget Crisis
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Rises and Volatile Price Increases in Capital and Operating Costs
United States of Transit Cuts
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Transit agencies employed over 370,000 workers in 2006.
The Trillion Dollar Question: How do we pay for it all?
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America at a CrossroadsAmerica at a Crossroads
And New York State!
In 2009, we have a unique opportunity for change in the next transportation cycle.
A Broke & Broken SystemDemographics
Economy Energy Concerns
Goals for the Next Federal BillGoals for the Next Federal Bill
Grow the Economy and Create Jobs
Build a World Class 21st Transportation Network
Ensure Safety & Improved Public Health Outcomes for All
Give Americans the Transportation Options They Need
Empower Local Communities to Meet National Goals
Achieve Energy Security and Restore Climate Stability
Creating Success at Local Levels
• Planning for transit and TOD needs to maximize the impact of public transit investment
• Need coordinated plan for success, so that everyone can benefit
• Need for a regional transit and land use vision that can guide long-term implementation.
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Communities Supporting Transit
• Truly Affordable Housing and Access to Jobs
• Expanded Travel, Shopping and Housing Choices
• Regional Connections and Less Need to Drive
• Community Revitalization and Placemaking
• Environmental and Air Quality Improvements
Synergy between land use and transit delivers:
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Value to Transportation System
• Increased Ridership and Revenue
• Regional Connections and Efficiency
• Value Creation and Financial Return
• Public Support for Expansion Projects
Synergy between transit andland use that delivers:
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Regional Strategies Emerging
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Denver, CO
Transit System Size Affects TOD
Performance• TOD Market Grows
• Car Ownership Declines
• Incomes Reflect Regional Profile
• Wider Array of Household Types Seek Housing Near Transit
• Higher Walk, Bike and Transit Mode Shares
• More Mid-Day Transit Trips
U Street, DCPortland’s Pearl District
Integrating with Housing Choices
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• Walk to shops and services
• Access daily needs without driving
• Link trips to community uses such as schools and libraries
• Employment centers served by transit
• Destinations Matter! Bethesda, MD
Integrating with Destinations
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• Transit can’t do it alone
• Walkable places are essential
• Lower Parking Standards in TOD
• Car Sharing + Shared parking
• Bike and pedestrian connections
• High quality transit service and bus connections
Integrating with Travel Options
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Minneapolis, MN
• Gathering places and opportunities for interaction
• Reflect local character and community
• Provide venue for various activities
• Demonstrate positive public investment in transit and demand the same from private sector.
Creating Vibrant Public Spaces
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San Francisco, CA
Fostering Community Engagement
• Outreach and meaningful involvement in planning process
• Long-term strategy and collaboration
• Clear implementation steps so everyone can see progress
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We know it when we see it
• Streets
• Buildings
We know it when we see it
No “One Size Fits All” Solution
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Not Your Grandfather’s Transit
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Getting TOD Right: Portland’s Pearl DistrictTRANSIT
DENSE NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKS AND PLAZAS
WALKABLE STREETS
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Getting TOD Right: Rosslyn-Ballston CorridorTRANSIT
CORRIDOR PLANNING
DISTINCT PLACES
BUILDING BUILDING COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY
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NYC as Sustainability Leader
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• Target Housing and Economic Development Incentives NJ, MA, CA, IL
• Coordinate Land Use & Transit in Planning and Funding MD, OR, FL, CA
• Capture Value for Local Use PA, CA , NC
• Early Land Acquisition for Affordable Housing New MN LAAND Program
What Can We Already Do?
Pittsburgh Map?Or other Photos
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• Think big!
• Provide benefits to a full range of households.
• Form strong partnerships
• Plans and codes are not always sufficient
• Be proactive and plan for success
Creating Sustainable Communities with Transit
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Integrating Transportation Systems and the Communities They Serve
Mariia Zimmerman, Reconnecting America
[email protected], 202-429-6990