Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD)

prospective

Project Connect is working in partnership with CapMetro & the City of Austin to ensure future development near transit corridors supports the overall quality of life as well as equitable outcomes for area residents of all incomes and backgrounds. CapMetro was awarded $3.15 million from the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) TOD Pilot Grant to produce an Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) Study for Austin, Texas. CapMetro is leading the ETOD Study in partnership with the City of Austin (COA) and the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) to implement future transportation investments in step with corresponding tools and policies that focus on preserving existing communities and enhancing their access to economic opportunity. The study recommends community-centered policies and strategies for stations planned under Project Connect, a voter-approved transit expansion plan that includes a zero-emissions fleet, new rail system and an expanded bus system with more routes. In June 2021, City Council directed City staff to develop a systemwide ETOD Policy Plan which will build on the ETOD Strategy Framework and guide additional planning activities in other corridors. Key recommendations from this study are directly incorporated into the Plan as part of the collaborative efforts. This project is trailblazing for CapMetro in many ways— in the intentionality to focus on equity, prioritize underrepresented voices, align transit and housing strategies across multiple agencies, as well as the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to implement policies in the advancement of major infrastructure construction.