Transit-Oriented Development Recommendations and Guidelines: A Resilient Communities Project–GreenStep Cities Guide

Abstract

Transit-oriented development (TOD) refers to mixed-use, walkable developments located around transit stations. In order to be a successful TOD location, the area must incorporate mixed-uses, walkable design, and location-efficient development. This resource presents several case studies that can help suburban communities develop a realistic vision for TOD areas with supporting policy to implement that vision. Lessons learned from the case studies can help to guide the planning process, and examples provide insight into the elements of a successful TOD project. This document has been prepared by the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project (RCP) for the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. This tool was developed from a report completed by University of Minnesota graduate students in partnership with RCP and the City of Minnetonka during the 2012–2013 academic year. Although the original report was developed for a specific community, students’ findings and recommendations have been synthesized and generalized, and additional research has been conducted where necessary, to produce a resource that is relevant to communities throughout Minnesota. The original student report can be found at https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/185386.