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Transit Oriented Displacement or Community Dividends: Understanding the Impacts of Transit Investment

Michael Simmons

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Published in Transit Oriented Displacement Or Community Dividends?: Understanding The Effects Of Smarter Growth On Communities (Urban And Industrial Environments)

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Transit-Oriented Displacement or Community Dividends?: Understanding the Effects of Smarter Growth on Communities (Urban and Industrial Environments)

by Jennifer Sampou

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	39784 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	477 pages

The expansion of public transit systems has become an increasingly popular strategy for promoting sustainable urban development. By providing efficient and affordable transportation options, transit investments aim to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance accessibility to jobs, services, and amenities.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative consequences of transit investment, particularly the risk of displacement and gentrification. As property values rise in areas surrounding new or improved transit stations, low-income residents and communities of color may be forced out due to rising housing costs.

The Transit Oriented Displacement or Community Dividends Framework

To address these concerns, the book "Transit Oriented Displacement or Community Dividends" presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between transit investment and displacement.

The framework identifies four key factors that influence the potential for displacement:

The level of transit investment
The characteristics of the surrounding neighborhood
The policies and programs in place to mitigate displacement
The engagement and involvement of community members

The book analyzes case studies from cities across the United States and offers evidence-based recommendations for how to promote transit-oriented development while minimizing the risk of displacement and ensuring that all members of the community benefit from transit investments.

Findings and Recommendations

The book's findings suggest that the potential for displacement is not inevitable and can be mitigated through proactive planning and policy interventions.

Key recommendations include:

Invest in affordable housing: Create and preserve affordable housing options in areas undergoing transit investment to ensure that low-income residents can remain in their communities.
Provide financial assistance to vulnerable households: Offer financial assistance, such as rent subsidies or homeownership assistance, to help low-income residents afford the rising costs of housing.
Promote community engagement: Actively engage community members in the planning process and ensure that their voices are heard in decision-making.
Adopt anti-displacement policies: Implement policies that protect tenants from eviction and ensure that developers are required to provide affordable housing units.

"Transit Oriented Displacement or Community Dividends" provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between transit investment and displacement. By understanding the key factors that influence the potential for displacement, policymakers and practitioners can develop strategies to promote transit-oriented development while ensuring that all members of the community benefit.

The book's recommendations offer a roadmap for creating more equitable and sustainable cities where transit investments contribute to improved mobility, economic opportunity, and a better quality of life for all.

Image Alt Attributes

A Photo Of A New Transit Station In A Dense Urban Area Transit Oriented Displacement Or Community Dividends?: Understanding The Effects Of Smarter Growth On Communities (Urban And Industrial Environments)

A Photo Of A Diverse Group Of People Using Public Transit Transit Oriented Displacement Or Community Dividends?: Understanding The Effects Of Smarter Growth On Communities (Urban And Industrial Environments)