Think tank’s research encourages use of anti-displacement strategies for more equitable development in neighborhoods
NASHVILLE – When paired with anti-displacement strategies backed by public resources, transit-oriented development (TOD) preserves existing homes, small businesses, and cultural spaces while also increasing the production of new affordable housing options, finds a new policy brief released today by nonpartisan think tank ThinkTennessee. The brief comes on the heels of several reports detailing Tennessee’s extreme affordable housing shortage and the need for zoning reform, including the Metro Nashville Planning Department’s housing and infrastructure study released last Friday, which found that homes in much of Davidson County are completely unaffordable to about half of its working population and that fewer than 1% of Nashville’s neighborhoods are accessible to Black and Hispanic median income households.
“Research shows that transit-oriented, walkable neighborhoods are one of the most impactful tools for improving economic mobility,” said Erin Hafkenschiel, president of ThinkTennessee. “However, as Tennessee cities and municipalities begin planning new transportation infrastructure or development options for neighborhoods, it’s critically important that they incorporate anti-displacement strategies to identify at-risk communities and work with them to ensure residents continue to have a choice in where they live and can access those increased economic mobility benefits.”
According to the report, by strategically placing housing, businesses, public facilities, and amenities within walking distance of public transportation, TOD creates walkable, “complete” mixed-use neighborhoods that optimize land use. Research shows that TOD offers families significant benefits, such as increased transportation and housing options, leading to an improved quality of life and economic mobility. However, because of these benefits, transit-oriented, walkable neighborhoods are in high demand. As a result, improving transit access often increases property values and taxes. Both factors can lead to gentrification and displacement, particularly in previously disinvested communities.
The brief, Transit-Oriented Development: A Powerful Tool for Connecting Housing Options to Transit, includes three policy recommendations to protect, preserve, and produce housing options in impacted communities. The report also details examples of anti-displacement strategies and provides several case studies from across the country.
