Making the Case for Transit from an Economic Development Lens

In today’s climate, when we showcase the benefits of public transit and transit-oriented development, are we clear enough about the economic benefits, from new or increased property tax revenue to job creation? Let’s look at the ways that various land uses contribute to tax base – and how tax base in turn supports services and infrastructure investments. Let’s also look at transit-driven strategies to address job access, crime, traffic congestion and environmental impacts. And finally, let’s look at the ways that underdevelopment or disinvestment in transit cuts connectivity, depriving a region of jobs and depriving residents of access to opportunity. Let’s revisit the case for transit and show how it can do more for a city or region than move people.

Moderator: Debbie Frank, Director of Transit Oriented Development, Office of TOD and Real Estate, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Atlanta, GA
Michael Krantz, PE, LEED AP-ND, Senior Manager, TOD, Metro Transit, Minneapolis, MN
Frank White III, Chief Executive Officer, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Kansas City, MO
Alison Nemirow, Principal, Sustainable Economics, AECOM