Increasing Access, Mobility, and Shelter Opportunities for Disadvantaged Populations: Affordable Housing in Transit-Oriented Developments
Project Summary
Project number: PSR-19-09
Funding source: Caltrans
Contract number: 65A0674 TO 018/041 Funding amount: $99,968
Performance period: 8/1/2019 to 7/31/2020
Project description
The Southern California region faces an affordable housing crisis. This crisis can be addressed by promoting affordable housing for the disadvantaged in Transit Oriented Developments (TODs). TODs frequently face regulatory and non- regulatory barriers. In this study we identify those barriers to affordable housing and recommend how to redress this problem. We present findings from 10 case study station areas in Los Angeles and Orange counties, using mixed-methods approach involving socio-economic and land use analysis, and interviews with planners, policymakers, and housing developers. Our analysis reveals a fundamental disconnect between affordable housing and public transit which is compounded by several factors: the scarcity of funds and a patchwork of financing needed to develop affordable housing; onerous regulatory land use/incentive requirements; unpredictability in the permitting process; and persisting NIMBYism. To mitigate challenges and their concomitant risks, we present recommendations to promote the production of affordable housing in TODs. These recommendations establish the primacy of the transit station - as rings of opportunity - that through incremental policy, procedural streamlining, and "by-right" layering of incentives can stimulate investments for affordable housing. Today, more than ever, regional collaboration, public-private partnerships, and unfettered thinking is needed to address this existential issue.
P.I. NAME & ADDRESS
Tridib Banerjee Professor and James Irvine Chair in Urban and Regional Planning, Sol Price School of Public Policy 650 Childs Way Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall (RGL) 301ALos Angeles, CA 90089-0626 United States [email protected]