Project description

This study explores local initiatives and institutional responses to promote transit-oriented development (TOD) around the rail transit stations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The primary objective is to understand the extent and circumstances of municipal responses to achieve TOD. Secondarily, the study examines what inferences can be drawn about local response to the design and planning of TODs, their relative success, and future outlook. The methodology includes both qualitative and quantitative components. It draws on in-depth structured interviews of senior planners from seven case study cities. The quantitative analysis examines variable policy landscape enfolding 93 stations. A Guttman scalogram analysis ranks the likely application of various policy tools identified by LA Metro. The findings underscore the primacy of local policies and plans for consistency, effectiveness, and flexibility in implementation. Second, over time municipalities become increasingly sophisticated in application of TOD policies. Third, while TOD-supportive policies are necessary for development, their mere presence is not always sufficient. Fourth, fewer Guttman errors for higher density downtown locations and older stations correspond to a multi-faceted approach to TOD promotion. Lastly, the relative success or failure of TOD seemingly is the byproduct of a proactive city and market demand, coupled with community engagement.