Bipartisan Legislation Empowers Community Revitalization Through Smart Development

Statement

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) and Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) introduced the Maximizing Our Redevelopment and Efficiency for Transit Oriented Development (MORE TOD) Act. The bill, H.R. 5255, promotes community revitalization by recognizing existing transportation options and infrastructure as critical to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) initiatives.

TOD creates integrated neighborhoods, where public and private infrastructure work together seamlessly to better facilitate the daily lives of those who live there. The federal government, through the Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning, promotes TOD by allowing states and localities developing new transit systems to apply for planning funds around new stations. These grants are used to better incorporate transit options into community planning, bolstering economic growth around those transportation hubs. Today, localities that want to use their existing transit systems for this kind of development cannot access these funds.

The bipartisan MORE TOD Act removes that barrier. Under the legislation, communities can apply for these government grants and utilize the funds to promote economic development around existing stations. By building on this successful program, the MORE TOD Act looks to create more inclusive, sustainable and connected places to live, work and play.

"As families increasingly demand neighborhoods that better complement their day-to-day lives, incentivizing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is a common sense solution," said Congressman Anthony G. Brown. "Walkable, vibrant, mixed-use communities improve mobility and quality of life while reducing congestion, pollution and sprawl. Through smart development we can increase transit ridership and better connect our neighbors to opportunities that promote sustainable economic growth."

"Like many Americans, St. Louis area residents rely on robust transit systems to get to work quickly, efficiently and cheaply," said Congresswoman Ann Wagner. "Reliable transit systems can improve quality of life by giving workers more flexibility and spurring economic development. This legislation will invest in local transportation options so Missouri's families can reap the benefits of a better connected community."

"When transit stations are the focal point for equitable economic growth, communities see increased ridership, lower household transportation costs, and a better return on investment," said Jason Miller, CEO of the Greater Washington Partnership. "Yet many stations, including some in the Capital Region from Baltimore to Richmond, have not reached their full potential as catalysts for economic activity. The Greater Washington Partnership has identified increasing transit-oriented development as a priority in the Capital Region and we commend Representative Brown for his leadership on the MORE TOD Act."

"The Greater Baltimore region has tremendous potential to increase transit-oriented development to promote smart, inclusive growth and to boost transit ridership," said Donald Fry, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. "The Greater Baltimore Committee enthusiastically supports the MORE TOD Act to ensure that these federal dollars can be leveraged to spur needed development around existing transit stations and applauds Representative Brown's leadership in prioritizing funding for projects that demonstrate commitment to equity and affordability."

"Well executed Transit Oriented Development is a well-established tool to equitably grow economies," said David Harrington, President and CEO of the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce. "TOD has the opportunity to decrease road congestion and create mixed-use developments that improve housing options for individuals and families at all income levels. With fifteen metro stations and several MARC stations, Prince George's County is at the forefront of transit oriented development and the MORE TOD Act would provide important planning dollars to advance inclusive growth."

"We commend Congressman Brown for introducing this important piece of legislation," said Gigi Godwin, President & CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. "We have witnessed the benefits of Transit Oriented Development in Metro Maryland. As we continue to expand our transit networks in the Region -- particularly with the impending opening of the Purple Line -- it is essential that we focus development around these hubs. The positive environmental and economic impacts of Transit Oriented Development will benefit generations to come."

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