In recent months, the topic of affordable housing has gained significant traction in political discourse, particularly during high-profile events like the presidential election and recent vice-presidential debates. With urban areas facing mounting pressure to address housing shortages, Vice President Kamala Harris has highlighted transit-oriented development (TOD) as a strategic method to tackle this crisis. Harris’s assertions point to the government’s need for a comprehensive approach that not only increases housing supply but also connects it with public transit infrastructures to support sustainable urban growth.
Transit-oriented development focuses on utilizing spaces around public transportation hubs to create residential and commercial zones that encourage higher density. The idea is that living near transit routes, like light rail systems or busy bus lines, can potentially alleviate whether housing is affordable or accessible. Harris emphasizes that local and state governments should be incentivized to prioritize affordable housing developments around these transit systems. By integrating housing with transit facilities, the hope is to temper urban sprawl and create vibrant communities with seamless mobility options for residents.
Harris’s remarks come at a time when federal agencies are equipped with several programs aimed at promoting TOD initiatives. The Build America Bureau, under the U.S. Department of Transportation, has announced a robust pipeline of TOD projects valued at $12 billion, suggesting an increased fiscal commitment to these initiatives. Interestingly, more than 70% of recent financing program applications have revolved around TODs, illustrating a growing interest among local governments to capitalize on these benefits. The establishment of financing mechanisms like the Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (TIFIA) is a significant step, aimed at easing access to funds for real estate development projects near transit routes.
However, despite the progress manifested in legislative acts such as the FAST Act, which permitted TODs to access vital financing, the pace of actual implementation has much room for improvement. Experts like Yonah Freemark from the Urban Institute stress the importance of translating this enthusiasm into actionable projects. Although the Washington state TOD is a notable achievement, it represents just the tip of the iceberg concerning what could be achieved.
Federal inertia, particularly under previous administrations, has created barriers that have slowed the scalability of these promising initiatives. For instance, the guidance that would have facilitated the use of TIFIA loans was never finalized during the Trump administration, which hindered potential advancements that could have benefitted developers and communities alike. Varying perspectives exist across the political spectrum, with some viewing opportunities like low-income housing zones as viable alternatives to spur natural housing growth. Yet, a consensus appears to be forming around the necessity of reducing regulations, thereby allowing local governments to play a more significant role in facilitating housing construction.
The reality remains that, irrespective of federal encouragements, a shift in local zoning regulations is a prerequisite for meaningful change regarding housing availability. Freemark points out that overt federal intervention into local matters usually meets resistance, as lawmakers often grapple with authority boundaries.
The Future of Housing Policy
In shaping a forward-thinking housing policy, Harris’s economic plan proposes fundamentally streamlining the approval process for TOD projects. By emphasizing a fast-tracked approach to housing developments near transit stations, the administration hopes to pave the way for denser, mixed-use neighborhoods that align with urban needs. This strategy not only aims to increase housing availability but also to mitigate transportation costs for residents—a crucial consideration in today’s economic landscape.
Moreover, the introduction of a $40 billion local innovation fund to bolster housing expansion indicates a commitment to exploring creative solutions in addressing the housing crisis. By equipping cities and developers with the means to implement innovative construction techniques and reduce bureaucratic delays, the administration signals a proactive stance on housing.
Ultimately, achieving significant housing reform will hinge on fostering a synergistic relationship between the federal government and local authorities. The attention that the affordable housing issue has garnered during the electoral cycle offers a glimmer of hope that it could transform into actionable policy—a development long overdue in the national conversation.
As citizens become increasingly aware of the challenges associated with housing affordability, it is essential for the government to respond with solutions that reflect the urgency of the crisis. While the conversation is gaining momentum, translating dialogue into policy and tangible outcomes will be vital. The Biden-Harris administration’s approach to STEP and increased funding presents a unique opportunity to redefine the landscape of urban housing, provided stakeholders rise to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Therefore, it is imperative that local governments engineering housing solutions not only steer toward federal support but also embrace a collaborative spirit for achieving the shared vision of thriving, accessible communities.