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Executive Summary

Transit-oriented development (TOD) — dense, mixed-use development near high-quality transit — is a proven strategy for driving economic growth, expanding housing supply, and improving access to opportunity across the region. By concentrating housing, jobs, and services near frequent and reliable transit, TOD maximizes the return on existing infrastructure, reduces household transportation costs, and supports more efficient, sustainable growth.

The Partnership supports TOD as a cornerstone of a connected and inclusive regional economy. Transportation agencies across the region have identified dozens of station areas well positioned for TOD due to strong transit service, underutilized land, and proximity to job centers. Strategic development at these sites represents a significant opportunity to strengthen transit systems while unlocking economic value.

The region has a strong track record of TOD success, particularly around Metrorail and other high-capacity transit systems, Yet many high-potential station areas remain underdeveloped. Despite its benefits, TOD implementation remains uneven due to fragmented governance, restrictive zoning, lengthy approval processes, financial barriers, and local resistance. This brief outlines policy priorities to address these challenges to help scale TOD and ensure transit investments deliver maximum economic and community benefit.