HomeMy WebLinkAboutTrans 2013-11-26 Item 2G - Resolution - Growing Transit CommunitiesTO:
City of Tukwila
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Mayor Haggerton
Community Affairs and Parks Committee
Transportation Committee
FROM: Jack Pace, DCD Director
BY: Nora Gierloff, Deputy DCD Director
DATE: November 19, 2013
SUBJECT: Growing Transit Communities Compact
ISSUE
The Puget Sound Regional Council has invited the City of Tukwila to partner with a regional
coalition of governments, non - profits and community stakeholders in supporting the Growing
Transit Communities Strategy by signing the Growing Transit Communities Compact.
BACKGROUND
In October 2010, the region was awarded a $5,000,000 regional planning grant from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Sustainable Housing and
Communities. These grant funds supported a multi -year PSRC program called Growing Transit
Communities. The Council was given an overview and status report on this program at your
March 25, 2013 meeting.
The Growing Transit Communities Partnership, a broad coalition of stakeholders from the
public, private and nonprofit sectors including the City of Tukwila, came together in 2010 to
identify what will be needed to create the sustainable, equitable communities envisioned in
adopted regional plans and supported by the region's commitment of nearly $20 Billion in high -
capacity transit investments. These plans and investments present a once -in -a- lifetime
opportunity to shape the region and ensure that transportation improvements support
sustainable development and foster vibrant, healthy neighborhoods for all.
DISCUSSION
This summer, following an extensive 18 -month collaborative process, the Partnership adopted
the Growing Transit Communities Strategy. This document presents consensus approaches to
developing the region's high- capacity and high frequency transit areas, and what tools and
resources are needed to implement the region's adopted plans with a focus on three
overarching goals:
• Attract more of the region's residential and employment growth near high- capacity transit
• Provide housing choices affordable to a full range of incomes near high- capacity transit
• Increase access to opportunity for existing and future community members in transit
communities
The goals and recommendations in the Growing Transit Communities Strategy are wide -
ranging, developed with the recognition that some approaches may work in some locations but
not in others, and that each partner retains flexibility to pursue the actions most appropriate to
105
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
local needs and conditions. The region's continued success will require an ongoing, dedicated
partnership of a wide variety of public, private, non - profit, and community stakeholders.
The full text of the Growing Transit Communities Strategy as well as more detailed summaries
of work program elements are available at http: / /www.psrc.orq /growth /growing - transit-
communities. For more information, please contact Michael Hubner at (206) 971 -3289 or at
mhubner(c�psrc.orq.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Signing the Compact would have no direct budget impact.
RECOMMENDATION
The Council is being asked to approve the resolution and consider this item in January 2014.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Draft Resolution
B. Growing Transit Communities Compact
C. Growing Transit Communities Strategy Executive Summary
lldeptstorelCity Common\DCD n Clerk' sl GrowingTransitCommunities111- 25- 13_GTC_CommitteeMemo.docx
106
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AFFIRMING
THE CITY OF TUKWILA'S SUPPORT FOR THE
GROWING TRANSIT COMMUNITIES COMPACT.
WHEREAS, the central Puget Sound region has adopted VISION 2040, a long -
range strategy to advance the ideals of our people, our prosperity and our planet by
integrating land use, economic and transportation decisions in order to meet the needs
of current and future generations, achieve economic prosperity with social equity, and
support a healthy environment, including addressing global climate change; and
WHEREAS, VISION 2040 includes among its goals: (1) maintaining a prosperous
and sustainable regional economy by supporting businesses and job creation, investing
in all people, sustaining environmental quality, and creating great central places,
diverse communities, and a high quality of life; (2) focusing growth within already
urbanized areas to create walkable, compact, and transit - oriented communities; and (3)
meeting housing needs through preservation and expansion of a range of affordable,
healthy and safe housing choices; and
WHEREAS, the voters of the central Puget Sound region have committed to a $15
billion investment in light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit and local streetcar service
that creates a once -in -a- lifetime opportunity to plan for and support the growth of
communities near high- capacity transit; and
WHEREAS, transit - oriented development is a land use pattern with many social,
economic, and environmental benefits, including more sustainable and efficient use of
urban land, support for regional and local economies, reduced combined housing and
transportation costs per household, and improved access and mobility for residents;
and
WHEREAS, the Growing Transit Communities Partnership was formed as a diverse
coalition of governmental and nongovernmental partners that was funded by a grant
from the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities for the express purpose of
leveraging regional transit investments to create thriving and equitable transit
communities around light rail and other high- capacity transit stations; and
Attachment A
107
WHEREAS, progress toward creating equitable transit communities will depend on
active participation from a full range of partners over the long term, including transit
agencies, businesses, and non - profit organizations, as well as local jurisdictions and
the Puget Sound Regional Council; and
WHEREAS, the Growing Transit Communities Partnership has developed the
Growing Transit Communities Strategy, which recommends adoption of specific actions
and tools by regional and local governments, by both public and private stakeholders, in
order to create, grow, and enhance equitable transit communities throughout the region;
and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of elected officials; public agencies; and leaders of
and for affordable housing, communities and neighborhoods, business, education, the
environment, philanthropy, finance, real estate, and transportation to cooperatively
engage in the work related to the Growing Transit Communities Strategy for its
successful completion; and
WHEREAS, the Growing Transit Communities Strategy will be managed by the
Puget Sound Regional Council;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. This resolution is established to acknowledge the support and need for
coordinating efforts to successfully implement the Growing Transit Communities
Strategy, and to authorize execution of the Growing Transit Communities Compact on
behalf of the City of Tukwila.
Section 2. The undersigned individual hereby executes this resolution on behalf of
her respective agency and authorizes a designee to sign the Growing Transit
Communities Compact.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
at a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2013.
ATTEST /AUTHENTICATED:
Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk Kathy Hougardy, Council President
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Shelley M. Kerslake, City Attorney
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Resolution Number:
108
Growing Transit Communities Compact
Preamble
VISION 2040 was approved as the central Puget Sound region's plan for sustainable development following a broad -
based, collaborative planning process. Central Puget Sound region voters also approved a series of high- capacity
light rail and transit projects —a commitment of approximately $15 billion —that will serve the region's most densely
populated and diverse communities for decades to come. These investments present a once -in -a- lifetime opportunity
to shape the region's urban form and ensure that transportation improvements support sustainable development and
foster vibrant, healthy neighborhoods for all,
Recognizing what this unprecedented opportunity means for the region and its residents, a broad coalition of
stakeholders came together to identify what will be needed to create the sustainable, equitable communities
envisioned in the region's plans. The result was the Growing Transit Communities Partnership.
The Growing Transit Communities Partnership produced the Growing Transit Communities Strategy as a tool to
implement VISION 2040 and local comprehensive plans adopted under the state Growth Management Act, and
which is supported by this Compact. Its goals and recommendations are wide - ranging, developed with the
recognition that some tools and approaches may work in some locations but not in others, and that each partner
retains flexibility and discretion in pursuing the strategies most appropriate to local needs and conditions. However,
the envisioned outcomes, consistent with VISION 2040, require an ongoing dedicated partnership of many interests,
including cities, counties, transit agencies, businesses and employers, housing authorities, public health agencies,
affordable housing providers, educational institutions, community -based organizations, and development interests.
And while the Compact is not legally binding and does not mandate adoption of any particular policies or actions, it
expresses the need for many and diverse partners to work together over time to achieve its goals, recognizing that
opportunities for success cannot be achieved unless we work together.
Therefore, as signatories to the Compact, we commit ourselves to working in partnership to achieve the goals and
strategies in this Compact, while respecting the diversity of interests, perspectives, and responsibilities throughout
the region.
Attachment B
Growing Transit Communities Compact 1 August 23, 2013 1
109
Whereas the central Puget Sound region has adopted VISION 2040, with the following vision statement:
Our vision for the future advances the ideals of our people, our prosperity, and our planet. As we work toward
achieving the region's vision, we must protect the environment, support and create vibrant, livable, and
healthy communities, offer economic opportunities for all, provide safe and efficient mobility, and use our
resources wisely and efficiently. Land use, economic, and transportation decisions will be integrated in a
manner that supports a healthy environment, addresses global climate change, achieves social equity, and is
attentive to the needs of future generations.
and;
Whereas the central Puget Sound region is expected to add 1.3 million people and 1.1 million jobs by the year 2040;
and
Whereas VISION 2040 includes among its goals (1) maintaining a prosperous and sustainable regional economy by
supporting businesses and job creation, investing in all people, sustaining environmental quality, and creating great
central places, diverse communities, and a high quality of life, and (2) focusing growth within already urbanized areas
to create walkable, compact, and transit oriented communities, and (3) meeting housing needs through preservation
and expansion of a range of affordable, healthy and safe housing choices; and
Whereas the voters of the central Puget Sound region have committed to a $15 billion investment in light rail,
commuter rail, bus rapid transit and local streetcar service that creates a once -in -a- lifetime opportunity to plan for and
support the growth of communities near high capacity transit; and
Whereas in 2010 the region adopted Transportation 2040, a long -range transportation plan designed to implement
VISION 2040 that calls for implementation of an aggressive transit strategy to keep up with increasing population and
employment growth, including completion of Sound Transit 2 projects, additional Link light rail extensions to Everett,
Tacoma, and Redmond, and local transit service increases of more than 100 percent in peak periods and over 80
percent in off-peak periods; and
Whereas The Regional Economic Strategy recognizes that transportation investments must address the diverse
needs of the region's economy and support key employment sectors, provide more convenient and varied
transportation options, and improve travel reliability to maintain and enhance quality of life in the region for workers
and support local businesses; and
Whereas approximately 45% of households currently residing in proximity to existing and planned light rail corridors
are moderately or severely housing cost burdened; and
Whereas current income distribution for the region shows 13% of households earn between 0 -30% of the area
median income, 12% of households earn between 30 -50% of the area median income, and 18% of households earn
between 50 -80% of the area median income; and
Whereas new market -rate housing trends and subsidized housing resources are not providing sufficient housing
choices in transit communities for households earning under 80% of the area median income; and
Growing Transit Communities Compact 1 August 23, 2013 2
110
Whereas the combined cost burden of housing plus transportation can be substantially reduced by locating
affordable housing opportunities in proximity to transit; and
Whereas the report "Equity, Opportunity, and Sustainability in the Central Puget Sound Region" identifies a
widespread pattern within the region of unequal household access to educational, economic, transportation,
environmental health, and neighborhood resources; and
Whereas many communities that are now or may be served by high- capacity transit are home to low- income and
minority households and small locally- and minority -owned businesses that are at a potentially higher risk of
displacement due to a range of factors; and
Whereas transit - oriented development is a land use pattern with many social, economic, and environmental benefits,
including more sustainable and efficient use of urban land, support for regional and local economies, reduced
combined housing and transportation costs per household, and improved access and mobility for residents; and
Whereas the Growing Transit Communities Partnership, a diverse coalition of governmental and nongovernmental
partners, was funded by a grant from the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities for the express purpose of
helping to implement VISION 2040 by leveraging regional transit investments to create thriving and equitable transit
communities around light rail and other high- capacity transit stations; and
Whereas the Equity Network Steering Committee has defined equity to mean that all people can attain the resources
and opportunities that improve their quality of life and enable them to reach their full potential; and
Whereas the Growing Transit Communities Partnership defines equitable transit communities as follows:
Equitable transit communities are mixed -use, transit - served neighborhoods that provide housing and
transportation choices, and greater social and economic opportunity for current and future residents.
Although defined by a half-mile walking distance around high- capacity transit stations, they exist
within the context of larger neighborhoods with existing residents and businesses.
These communities promote local community and economic development by providing housing
types at a range of densities and affordability levels, commercial and retail spaces, community
services and other amenities integrated into safe, walkable neighborhoods.
Successful equitable transit communities are created through inclusive planning and decision -
making processes, resulting in development outcomes that accommodate future residential and
employment growth, increase opportunity and mobility for existing communities, and enhance public
health for socially and economically diverse populations
Whereas Growing Transit Communities Partners recognize that transit communities throughout the region will have
unique roles, functions, and opportunities, and will develop with different uses at varying intensities; and
Whereas creating vibrant transit - oriented communities can be substantially advanced through the development of
additional tools and funding for infrastructure improvements in communities along transit corridors; and
Growing Transit Communities Compact 1 August 23, 2013 3
111
Whereas Growing Transit Communities Partners believe that progress toward creating equitable transit communities
will depend on active participation from a full range of partners over the long term, including transit agencies,
businesses, non - profit organizations, as well as local jurisdictions and the Puget Sound Regional Council; and
Whereas the Growing Transit Communities Partnership has developed a Toolkit of Strategies and Actions that
recommend adoption of specific actions and tools by regional and local governments, by both public and private
stakeholders, in order to create, grow, and enhance equitable transit communities throughout the region; and
Whereas updates to local comprehensive plans and development regulations, transit agency plans, and the
refinement of regional growth and transportation plans present continuing opportunities to implement the Toolkit of
Strategies and Actions;
Now, therefore, the signatories to this Regional Compact:
Agree that the region's long -range growth management, economic, environmental, and transportation goals depend
heavily on continued investment in more and better public transportation services ; and
Acknowledge the acute need for additional resources and tools to create and preserve affordable housing throughout
the region; and
Recognize that cities and counties will require new resources to create the critical physical and social infrastructure
that will support growth, including transportation, utilities, recreation, and public services; and
Agree that progress toward equitable transit communities requires a cooperative, regional approach with diverse
partners across governmental and nongovernmental sectors that supports and builds upon existing and ongoing
planning efforts by regional and local governments and transit agencies; and
Commit to build upon the work of the Growing Transit Communities Partnership through the promotion of equitable
transit communities in light rail station areas and transit nodes located within the region's three long -range light rail
transit corridors, and around transit nodes outside these corridors in other parts of the region; and
Recognize that each corridor is at a different stage of high- capacity transit system development, and that future
stations may be identified and sited that should also be considered under this Compact; and
Understand that this Compact is designed to express the intent of diverse partners to work together toward common
goals, with specific actions identified by partners appropriate to their roles and responsibilities; and
Recognize that the policies and programs promoted by the Growing Transit Communities Partnership may also
benefit community development around other transit investments and corridors, including but not limited to bus rapid
transit, streetcar, commuter rail, intercity express bus, and ferries; and
Support a continuing process of collaboration and coordinated action to advance the development of equitable transit
communities, as guided by the following goals, signatories to this Compact will strive to:
Growing Transit Communities Compact 1 August 23, 2013 4
112
Attract more of the region's residential and employment growth to high capacity transit communities.
VISION 2040 calls for a compact pattern of growth within the Urban Growth Area, particularly in
regional and subregional centers served by high capacity transit. The Growing Transit Communities
work program has demonstrated that the region's light rail corridors alone have the potential to
support this vision by attracting at least 25% of the housing growth and 35% of the employment
growth expected in the region through the year 2040. Attracting additional TOD market demand to
other regional corridors that are served by other types of high capacity transit is also essential. To
advance the Regional Growth Strategy adopted in VISION 2040, promote economic development,
and realize the multiple public benefits of compact growth around rapid transit investments, the
signatories to this Compact will strive to:
• Use a full range of tools, investments, and economic development strategies, to attract the
potential demand for residential and commercial transit oriented development within transit
communities consistent with and in furtherance of regional policies and plans, and
• Plan for and promote residential and employment densities within transit communities that
support ridership potential and contribute to accommodating growth needs within each high -
capacity transit corridor.
Additional transit communities along the region's other high- capacity transit mode corridors will also
attract significant portions of future residential and employment growth.
Provide housing choices affordable to a full range of incomes near high- capacity transit.
Adopted regional policy recognizes housing as a basic human need and calls for local policies and
tools that provide for an adequate supply of housing affordable at all income levels, to meet the
diverse needs of both current and future residents. Region -wide, affordable housing need is defined
by current household incomes, where 18% of households earn between 50% and 80% of AMI, 12%
earn between 30% and 50% of AMI, and 13% earn less than 30% of AMI. In transit communities,
projected need for affordable housing is higher, especially for households in the lowest income range
due to their greater reliance on transit. Depending on local market conditions, efforts to meet that
need will focus on new housing, housing preservation, or combined strategies.
In order to meet a substantial portion of this need within walking distance of rapid transit services,
the signatories to this Compact will strive to:
• Use a full range of housing preservation tools to maintain the existing level of affordable housing
within each transit community, and
• Use a full range of housing production tools and incentives to provide sufficient affordable
housing choices for all economic and demographic groups within transit corridors, including -new
housing in the region's transit communities collectively that is proportional to region -wide need or
greater to serve transit - dependent households.
Growing Transit Communities Compact 1 August 23, 2013 5
113
These goals apply to the region's transit corridors collectively, and do not suggest a specific desired
outcome for any individual transit community. Further, fully attaining these goals will require new
tools, resources, and subsidies beyond those that exist today.
Increase access to opportunity for existing and future residents of transit communities.
Adopted regional policy recognizes the need to address the diverse housing, transportation and
economic needs of current and future residents so that all people may prosper as the region grows.
This requires special attention to communities that lack access to transportation choices, quality
schools, and other social and physical neighborhood components that allow community members to
thrive and succeed.
In order to more equitably meet the needs of all residents of the region, the signatories to this
Compact will strive to:
• Improve access to opportunity in the transit corridors through targeted investments that meet the
needs of residents and businesses in communities with limited access to opportunity, targeted
affordable housing investments in communities with good access to opportunity, and transit
connections linking areas with good access to opportunity and areas with limited access to
opportunity.
• Use a full range of community engagement strategies to increase the involvement of diverse and
historically under - represented groups in transit community development, empower communities
to influence decisions at all levels of government, and ensure opportunities for participation
throughout decision - making processes.
In order to maximize this historic opportunity, show regional leadership, and act as a national model of how diverse
stakeholders can make transformative decisions that advance a region's goals for its people, its prosperity, and the
planet, the signatories to this Compact pledge to work individually and collaboratively toward the goals described
above, and toward the implementation of the Growing Transit Communities Strategy, as appropriate to each
jurisdiction and organization. PSRC will periodically convene representatives of Compact signatories as an Advisory
Committee to evaluate the region's progress over time toward achieving equitable transit communities. PSRC's
regional monitoring program will track progress of implementing and achieving the goals described in this compact.
Growing Transit Communities Compact 1 August 23, 2013 6
114
Signatories to the Growing Transit Communities Compact
Name, Title, Organization Date
Name, Title, Organization Date
Name, Title, Organization Date
Name, Title, Organization Date
Name, Title, Organization Date
Name, Title, Organization Date
Name, Title, Organization Date
Name, Title, Organization Date
Name, Title, Organization Date
GrowingTrans t^
Communities
For more information on the Growing Transit Communities Partnership, please contact Program Manager
Ben Bakkenta (bbakkenta @psrc.org or 206 - 971 -3286) or visit the Growing Transit Communities website at
http: / /www.psrc. org /growth /growing- transit - communities/
Growing Transit Communities Compact 1 August 23, 2013 7
115
Growing Transit Communities Strategy
Executive Summary
Our region has a shared vision for a sustainable future that will benefit our people, our prosperity, and our planet. VISION
2040, the central Puget Sound region's long -range plan for growth, transportation, and economic development, describes
the commitments, actions, and stewardship needed over many decades by many stakeholders to achieve far - reaching
goals. As the region grows to 5 million people —a more than 30 percent increase —by the year 2040, a key goal calls for
growth within existing urban areas and especially in compact, walkable communities that are linked by transit.
The region's recent commitments to invest over $15 billion in high- capacity transit (light rail, bus rapid transit, express bus,
streetcar, and commuter rail) present an once -in -a- lifetime opportunity to locate housing, jobs, and services close to these
transit investments, and to do so in a way that benefits surrounding communities. A region -wide coalition of businesses,
developers, local governments, transit agencies, and nonprofit organizations —the Growing Transit Communities
Partnership —spent three years working together to create solutions that will encourage high - quality, equitable development
around rapid transit.
The Challenges
Growth, as envisioned in VISION 2040, should benefit all people by increasing economic development and access to jobs,
expanding housing and transportation choices, promoting neighborhood character and vitality, and improving public health
and environmental quality. But, this is easier said than done. In particular, this growth may magnify several challenges
currently facing the region:
Living in and working in walkable, transit - served communities. Recent market studies show that there
is significant unmet demand for housing and jobs located within walking distance of transit. Many people
want to live and work in compact, complete, and connected communities, but investments in transit and in
transit station areas have fallen behind. Attracting growth to transit communities will require policies to
encourage more housing and jobs near transit along with investments in the infrastructure and services for
a growing population.
Housing choices for low and moderate income households near transit. Forty -three percent of the
region's households make less than 80 percent of the area median income. However, most new market -
rate housing that is accessible to transit is unaffordable to these households. With new investment in
transit communities, many lower -cost units are at risk of displacement. For the lowest income households,
many of whom are transit dependent, the supply of subsidized housing is far short of the need. Building
mixed - income communities that meet these needs will require improved strategies to minimize
displacement, and preserve and produce diverse housing types affordable to a full range of incomes.
Equitable access to opportunity for all the region's residents. Analysis of indicators across the region
reveals that too many people do not have access to education, employment, mobility, health, and
neighborhood services and amenities. These community resources are the building blocks that create the
opportunity to succeed and thrive in life. Transit communities, with their access to the region's jobs,
institutions, and services are critical focal points for achieving greater equity for the region's diverse
residents. As these communities grow through public and private investment, equitable development will
require targeted community improvements and strategies to connect existing and future residents to
greater regional resources.
Attachment C
116
Why Now?
In the last decade, central Puget Sound voters have approved a series of high- capacity light rail and other transit
investments —a commitment of approximately $15 billion —that will serve the region's most densely populated and diverse
communities for decades to come. These investments present an once -in -a- lifetime
opportunity to support and improve existing communities and meet regional goals
through strategies to make great places for people to live and work. In order to do this,
the region must:
Leverage transit investment to build sustainable communities. Transit investments,
such as light rail, streetcars, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit, create value by
connecting communities to the larger region. Transit communities are the best
opportunity for the region to become more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable.
Create new resources and tools. Current resources available to governmental and
non - governmental agencies alike are not enough. New tools and funding sources will be
necessary to meet infrastructure, economic development, housing, and other community
needs.
Work together across the region and across sectors. It will take collaboration among
a wide spectrum of public, private, and nonprofit agencies and organizations working
together to promote thriving and equitable transit communities. There are roles for
everyone in this process.
The Strategy
How will this all be accomplished? The Growing Transit Communities Strategy calls for regional and local actions that
respond to the challenges and opportunities in transit communities and represent major steps toward implementing the
growth strategy in VISION 2040. The Strategy was developed by the Growing Transit Communities Partnership, an advisory
body of various public, private, and nonprofit agencies and organizations working together to promote successful transit
communities. The Growing Transit Communities Partnership, funded by a three -year grant from the federal Partnership for
Sustainable Communities and housed at the Puget Sound Regional Council, established three main goals for the Strategy:
• Attract more of the region's residential and employment growth near high- capacity transit
• Provide housing choices affordable to a full range of incomes near high- capacity transit
• Increase access to opportunity for existing and future community members in transit communities
Too/kit of Strategies and Actions
Twenty -four strategies, guided by a People + Place Implementation Typology, constitute the "playbook" for the Growing
Transit Communities Strategy. From overarching regional approaches to local and individual actions, together these provide
a set of coordinated steps toward ensuring a prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future.
The Strategy presents 24 strategies recommended by the Growing Transit Communities Partnership and includes specific
actions for PSRC, transit agencies, local governments, and other regional partners. The recommendations address the three
main goals for transit communities. As a whole, the strategies are a call to action for partners across the region to redouble
efforts to create great urban places and build equitable communities around transit. Fully recognizing the strong policy
foundation embodied in regional and local plans, as well as the innovative work in implementing those plans to date, the
Partnership makes these recommendations as a challenge to do more than is being doing today.
117
The Toolkit of Strategies and Actions fall into four groupings:
The Foundation Strategies recommend a regional and local framework for ongoing work to support transit communities.
Modeled on the relationships and values at the heart of the Growing Transit Communities Partnership, these strategies
envision an ongoing regional effort involving a variety of partners and community members in decision making and
implementation at all levels.
The Strategies to Attract Housing and Employment Growth recommend actions to make great urban places that are
attractive to households and businesses, remove barriers to development, and support development in emerging markets.
The Strategies to Provide Affordable Housing Choices recommended actions to define and quantify housing needs,
preserve existing affordable housing and supply new housing choices, and capitalize on the value created by the private
market — enhanced by transit investments —in order to achieve the broadest range of affordability in transit communities.
The Strategies to Increase Access to Opportunity recommend actions to understand regional disparities in access to
opportunity, identify existing and potential new resources and tools to meet community needs, and build support for
equitable opportunities through education, coalitions, and leadership.
Foundation
Strategies
1. Establish a regional
program to support
thriving and equitable
transit communities
2. Build partnerships and
promote collaboration
3. Engage effectively with
community
stakeholders
4. Build capacity for
community
engagement
5. Evaluate and monitor
impacts and outcomes
6. Conduct station area
planning
7. Use land efficiently in
transit communities
8. Locate, design, and
provide access to
transit stations to
support TOD
9. Adopt innovative
parking tools
10. Invest in infrastructure
and public realm
improvements
Housing
Choices
11. Assess current and
future housing needs in
transit communities
12. Minimize displacement
through preservation
and replacement
13. Increase housing
support transit -
dependent populations
14. Implement a TOD
property acquisition
fund
15. Expand value capture
financing as a tool for
infrastructure and
affordable housing
16. Make surplus public
lands available for
affordable housing
17. Leverage market value
through incentives
18. Implement regional fair
housing assessment
Access to
Opportunity
19. Assess community
needs
20. Invest in environmental
and public health
21. Invest in economic
vitality and opportunity
22. Invest in equitable
mobility options
23. Invest in equitable
access to high quality
education
24. Invest in public safety
in transit communities
Successful implementation will require shared commitment and collaboration among governments, major stakeholders, and
community members. There are roles for many different regional and local partners, each with a distinct jurisdiction,
authority, and mission. Consistent with those roles, all are asked to use the Toolkit of Strategies and Actions as a "playbook"
118
for taking action to advance the regional vision of creating thriving and equitable transit communities in a manner that is a
best fit to each community.
People + Place Implementation Typology
No two transit communities are alike. Accordingly, there is no one -size-
fits -all approach to the strategies that will help a transit community thrive implementation
pp 9 p Y approaches
and grow with equitable outcomes for current and future community
, + 0 Protect and GCOW
members. The Strategy presents the People + Place Implementation
Expand Housing Choices
Typology as a regional framework for local implementation. Working ii Improve Access
with stakeholders from each of three major light rail corridors, the transit communities� rr, Transform and Divefsify
Growing Transit Communities Partnership analyzed conditions in 74 0 stimulate Demand
study areas as a basis for a set of locally tailored recommendations. 0 Build Urban Places
Based on indicators of the physical, economic, and social conditions in Enhance Community
each transit community, the results of this typology analysis suggest 0 Preserve and Connect
eight Implementation Approaches. Key strategies and investments
address the needs and opportunities in different communities, while also advancing regional and corridor -wide goals. The
Implementation Approaches and typology analysis are intended to complement and inform existing regional and, especially,
local plans as they are implemented, evaluated, and refined in the coming years.
The Next Steps
The Growing Transit Communities Strategy includes a three -part implementation
plan to promote thriving and equitable transit communities in the central Puget
Sound region. The Regional Compact affirms the support of a variety of partners
from throughout the region for the Partnership's work and a commitment to work
toward regional goals by implementing the Strategy. The Toolkit of Strategies and
Actions and the People + Place Implementation Typology, as described above
and detailed in the body of this report, include 24 recommended strategies, eight
implementation approaches, and corridor specific priorities that will guide an evolving
approach to transit communities. The Individual Work Plans are local government,
agency, or organization specific work plans, to be developed individually and in
consultation with PSRC staff, which define short- and medium -term actions that can
implement the Strategy. The nature and format of the Individual Work Plans will vary
to reflect the diversity of public and private partners, legislative and decision - making
processes, and actions adopted.
By working together, the central Puget Sound region can achieve its vision for a sustainable future that advances our
people, our prosperity, and our planet. The Growing Transit Communities Strategy lays out essential tools and actions to get
us there.
THE PLAYBOOK
Toolkit & Typology
THE PLANS
Individual Workplans
GrowingTransiL
Communities
September 2013. For more information on the Growing Transit Communities Strategy,
please visit www.psrc.orq.
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