Download our publication, Transit-Oriented Communities: A Blueprint for Washington State.

Context & Evidence

The sustainability of our cities -- as measured by both the quality of life they provide today, and the long-term environmental protection they promise to future generations -- will determine the future of our planet. Considering the host of social and environmental challenges we currently face -- including global warming, air quality concerns, water scarcity, food and energy security, poverty and declining social equity -- the global trend toward urbanization demands that cities be part of the solution.

New transit investments offer more than a means of moving people from one point to another; they can also be an opportunity to support and create communities by opening up new opportunities for people to gain access to, from, and within the neighborhood. By integrating land use, transportation, and housing policies to foster vibrant and safe mixed-use communities where residents, workers, and visitors can walk, bicycle, or ride transit to reach their destinations, cities can continue to grow in a manner that is healthy for both people and the planet. And perhaps most importantly, if done well, this growth is an opportunity not a sacrifice, because the end result will be great urban places for people. Such is the vision of transit-oriented communities (TOC).

There is an extensive and growing body of published research providing evidence that well-designed TOC can lead to a range of substantial social and environmental benefits:

• Promote healthy be encouraging walking and bicycling, cutting air pollution, and reducing motor vehicle accidents.
• Lower household expenses for both transportation and housing.
• Reduce municipal infrastructure costs.
• Provide a high return on public investment in transit infrastructure.
• Help meet the growing demand for walkable neighborhoods.
• Curb land consumption and thereby save local farms and forests, and protect natural habitat and water quality.
• Cut dependence on oil and global warming pollution  associated with both transportation and the built environment.
  

Upcoming TOC Activities:

Futurewise Brownbag Series on the Seattle Climate Action Plan

The City of Seattle is currently in the process of updating its Climate Action Plan in order to meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. That means Seattle has an incredible opportunity to set a plan and actions toward improving economic opportunity, affordability and self-sufficiency, and public health by building high-performing, transit oriented communities. Futurewise is partnering with the Seattle Office of Sustainability and the Environment and Seattle Councilmember Mike O’Brien to host four panel brownbag discussions from December 2011 to mid-summer 2012 to dream what’s possible.

Building a Strong, Healthy Economy for Real Results
December 14, 12:00-1:30, Seattle City Hall Boards & Commissions Room (L280)
Building businesses that reduce our dependence on oil, coal, and other sources of energy pays a double dividend: we create new regional micro-economic engines while save working families at the pump and on their home utility bills. A panel of local experts will discuss the opportunities of growth without pollution economic model.
Co-Moderators: Councilmembers Tim Burgess and Sally Clark.
Panelists: Kristen Sheeran of EcoTrust, Patrick Neville of King County Labor Council and BlueGreen Alliance, Brian Geller of the Seattle 2030 District, and Steve Gelb of SustainableWorks.

Click here to RSVP >>

Click here to for more information about future brownbags on the Seattle Climate Action Plan.