Tales from Two Cities: Empowering Communities with Resources to Achieve ETOD

Actually delivering equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) takes intentionality. Let’s see what that means by looking at the specifics of programs in two cities. In one, a new grant program focused on partnerships with local cities and community-based organizations (CBOs) includes several features: updating city policies to implement ETODs, bolstering CBO capacity to take on affordable housing development, addressing barriers that have limited equitable engagement and improving the public realm around transit. In the other city, a new grant program targets pre-development costs. It pairs these funds with technical assistance for developers of color working on projects in historically disinvested neighborhoods. Listen to these experiences and take home lessons about how to change the story of ETOD in your community.

Moderator: Emily Laflamme, Senior Analyst, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Chicago, IL
Melissa Cerezo, Transit-Oriented Communities Program Manager, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), San Jose, CA
Adriano Rothschild, Transportation Planner, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc, San Jose, CA
Jessica Nepomiachi, Director of Special Projects, Illinois Facilities Fund, Chicago, IL
Rafael Robles, Founder, Duo Development, Chicago, IL