Regional Transportation Authority

The RTA’s Local Planning and Programs Division has developed and implemented several initiatives, technical studies and policies to foster sustainable and livable communities that enhance multi-modal transportation throughout the region.  Through these coordinated efforts, the RTA is committed to advancing transit-oriented development in our region.

Similar to the federal government’s livability initiatives, the RTA continues to coordinate with the transportation, housing, environment, and economic development fields to create and preserve livable communities.  The RTA coordinates through TOD planning studies funded through the Community Planning and Subregional Planning Programs and the Regional Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Working Group.  

• The Regional TOD Working Group was formed by the RTA in June 2008 to provide a forum for regional government and non-profit agencies.  The working group discusses and coordinates numerous TOD initiatives underway in the region.  The Working Group meets quarterly, with its primary focus on TOD implementation strategies and efforts, and a secondary focus on planning efforts.  Strategies and initiatives developed by the Working Group guides the RTA’s work plan related to TOD.  Additional information about the group, including initiatives and membership, can be downloaded here.  PDF Version (.pdf)   MS Word Version (.doc)

• TOD Value Capture - The RTA created “Tools and Techniques for Facilitating Effective TOD Value Capture – A White Paper” PDF Version (.pdf)   MS Word Version (.doc) .The paper identifies best practices of transit agencies from around the country that have sought to capture enhanced land values resulting from transit service and leverage it for investment in the transit system.

• Surveys – The RTA conducted two online surveys to better understand successful strategies for implementing TOD.  One survey targeted communities with adopted TOD plans and the other targeted local developers. Community Survey Results and Analysis  PDF Version (.pdf)  MS Word Version (.doc)  Developers Survey Results and Analysis PDF Version (.pdf)   MS Word Version (.doc)

• Housing and Jobs Policy – The RTA Board of Directors adopted a Housing and Jobs Policy PDF Version (.pdf)   MS Word Version (.doc) as an amendment to the RTA’s Strategic Plan in September 2009.  The policy supports improving the spatial disconnect between job centers and housing in the region, and providing mixed-income housing near transit centers. The goals of the policy have been incorporated into the Community Planning and Subregional Planning program’s evaluation criteria.

• Transit-Oriented Development Policy– The Board of Directors adopted a Transit-Oriented Development Policy PDF Version (.pdf)   MS Word Version (.doc) in November 2010.  The policy sets goals and strategies to advance TOD in the region.The goals of the policy have been incorporated into the Community Planning and Subregional Planning program’s evaluation criteria.

• TOD Funding Sources – The RTA has created a list of available funding sources to help implement TOD.  The Municipal Funding Opportunities for Transit-Oriented Development guide  PDF Version (.pdf)   MS Excel Version (.doc)   includes local, regional, state, federal and private foundation sources. **UPDATED**

• TOD Parking and Access Report - The RTA created this guide, "Access and Parking Strategies for Transit-Oriented Development" as a resource for municipal officials looking for innovative strategies to support multi-modal access to their transit station and TOD area. While providing parking options in these areas is important, this guide focuses first on assessing multi-modal access strategies as a whole and placing a priority on pedestrian, bicycle and transit access. PDF Version (.pdf)  **NEW**  The RTA has also produced an associated PowerPoint for municipal staff to utilize in explaining the principles of the Access and Parking Strategies Report. The PowerPoint concisely summarizes the main points of the report and provides talking notes for the presenter.  Online Presentation   PowerPoint (.ppt)    PDF Version (.pdf)    **NEW** 

  
  
• TOD: The Future of Development – The RTA has created a brochure promoting the importance of transit-oriented development.  The brochure exhibits TOD’s target demographics and positive effect on housing, retail, office and restaurant markets, and developer testimonials on the increased interest in TOD.     PDF Version (.pdf)   **NEW**

• Zoning and TOD – The RTA has created a document outlining the most common types of zoning ordinances and the best practices of each as related to TOD. This document can be used as a guide for communities to help further implement TOD by incorporating transit-supportive zoning regulations and standards in their transit area.  PDF Version (.pdf)
  

• RTAMS Transit-Oriented Development Map Viewer - Interactive Web Map of existing and previously funded RTA TOD Studies **NEW**

• TOD Bacics & Resources - Additional information and resources about TOD can be found at Transit-Oriented Development Basics and Resources

For information or questions regarding the RTA’s TOD/ Land Use Initiatives, please contact:

Ms. Heather Tabbert
Program Manager, Local Planning and Programs Division
Regional Transportation Authority
175 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1550
Chicago, Illinois 60604-2705
312-913-3244

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