How do you promote transit-oriented development to communities?

2 Involve the community early and often

The second step in promoting TOD to communities is to involve them early and often in the planning and design process. This means engaging a diverse and representative group of community members and stakeholders, such as residents, businesses, property owners, transit users, local organizations, and public agencies. It also means using various methods and tools to reach out, inform, consult, collaborate, and empower them, such as surveys, workshops, focus groups, online platforms, visual aids, and participatory techniques. By involving the community early and often, you can build trust, awareness, and support for TOD, as well as identify and address their concerns, preferences, and expectations.

3 Showcase examples and best practices

The third step in promoting TOD to communities is to showcase examples and best practices of successful TOD projects from other places. This can help to inspire and educate the community about the possibilities and benefits of TOD, as well as to address some common myths and misconceptions. You can use various media and formats to showcase examples and best practices, such as case studies, videos, podcasts, webinars, site visits, or guest speakers. You can also tailor the examples and best practices to the specific context and needs of your community, and highlight the lessons learned and the challenges overcome.

4 Address equity and affordability issues

The fourth step in promoting TOD to communities is to address the equity and affordability issues that may arise from TOD. TOD can potentially create or exacerbate social and economic disparities, such as displacement, gentrification, or exclusion of low-income, minority, or vulnerable groups. Therefore, it is important to incorporate equity and affordability principles and strategies into the planning and design of TOD, such as ensuring diverse and inclusive housing options, providing access to jobs and services for all, supporting local businesses and culture, and promoting community ownership and participation. You should also communicate how TOD can benefit the equity and affordability of the community, such as by reducing transportation costs, improving health and safety, and enhancing social cohesion.

5 Coordinate among different stakeholders

The fifth step in promoting TOD to communities is to coordinate among different stakeholders who have a role or interest in the development and implementation of TOD. These may include public agencies, private developers, transit operators, utility providers, financial institutions, advocacy groups, or academic institutions. Coordination among different stakeholders can help to align the vision and goals, streamline the processes and regulations, leverage the resources and capacities, and overcome the conflicts and challenges of TOD. You should also establish clear roles and responsibilities, foster collaboration and partnership, and monitor and evaluate the progress and outcomes of TOD.

6 Celebrate the achievements and impacts

The sixth and final step in promoting TOD to communities is to celebrate the achievements and impacts of TOD. This means recognizing and rewarding the efforts and contributions of the community members and stakeholders who participated in the planning and design of TOD, as well as showcasing and sharing the results and benefits of TOD for the community and the region. You can use various ways to celebrate the achievements and impacts of TOD, such as hosting events, ceremonies, or festivals, creating media stories or publications, or installing plaques or signs. By celebrating the achievements and impacts of TOD, you can foster a sense of pride, ownership, and satisfaction among the community, as well as encourage further support and improvement of TOD.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?