CNT Brings TOD to National Scale
CNT is spreading its policy expertise in transit-oriented development (TOD) and cargo-oriented development (COD) to points far and wide. We’re currently working with regional planning organizations throughout the country to identify opportunities for TOD and COD and to craft strategies for their implementation. By conducting research and advising on best practices, CNT is assisting cities from Greenville, South Carolina to Hartford, Connecticut to integrate sustainable transit systems into their development plans. CNT staff members are using their expertise to help planners, officials, and local stakeholders make informed development decisions to ensure that each community achieves a sustainable and prosperous future.
CNT’s national projects and engagements to promote economic growth through improved transit connectivity
Some of the places and types of work we’re currently doing:
Madison, WI
CNT is leading a consulting team in conducting a market study for Madison’s regional sustainable planning consortium, Capital Region Sustainable Communities (CRSC). The study will help determine the projected demand for TOD along several potential bus-rapid transit (BRT) corridors that, when complete, will provide the city with time and cost-efficient bus service. CNT’s team will use national and regional datasets, interviews with stakeholders, and our own in-house analytical tools to assess the potential for building compact mixed-use districts with easy transit access.
In conjunction with the market study’s kick-off, CNT President Scott Bernstein delivered a presentation on June 22 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, entitled “Transportation Options for a Strong Economy.” Bernstein used CNT’s Housing and Transportation (H+T®) Affordability Index and TOD Database to illustrate current trends in the Dane County region and to highlight the important role transportation plays in maintaining a region’s economic vitality.
Knoxville, TN
Plan Eastern Tennessee (PlanET) is a 30-year vision plan to enhance regional livability through sustainable transportation and land use patterns, job creation, and improved infrastructure. CNT is helping the Knoxville region pinpoint ideal places for investing in BRT, TOD and COD.
Greenville, SC
CNT is assisting the City of Greenville in assessing the feasibility of a proposed BRT line and studying the local demand for TOD as part of the city’s goal to connect more people to jobs and amenities without the need for automobiles.
Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA
As a partner in the Center for Transit-Oriented Development (CTOD), CNT is identifying market opportunities for building TOD along the planned Hartford Busway and New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail alignments. These new connective transit corridors will support and enhance the region’s already thriving knowledge economy.
Pittsburgh, PA
As part of CNT’s technical assistance for the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, CNT and our local partner the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) are planning a two-day workshop in November for Partnership grant recipients located in weak market regions. The workshop will allow this special cohort of grantees to learn about topics tailored to economically challenged areas, and to share their experiences in undertaking regional sustainable planning and implementation projects in slow-growth contexts.
The workshop is part of the larger (Re-) Emerging Economies Action Team (REEAcT), a coalition of regions and communities that face slow or declining market sectors, high concentrations of poverty, fragmented governments, and limited capacity and resources.
Erie, PA
CNT is partnering with the planning and design firm WRT to develop a plan document for Erie County, Pennsylvania entitled “Destination Erie: Regional Plan for Sustainable Development”. CNT’s contributions entail analyzing freight and public transportation facilities, land use, and vacant and underutilized properties in Erie County to assess priority development opportunities for both TOD and COD. CNT’s analysis will rely on the H+T Index and a data analysis survey process referred to as COD/TOD scans. It is anticipated that these analyses will inform the preparation of Erie County’s Regional Economic Development Framework.
