Volts

A win for transit-oriented development in Washington state

Jun 18, 2025
Join Rep. Julia Reed, a key sponsor of landmark transit-oriented development legislation in Washington state, and Alex Brennan, head of FutureWise, a pivotal advocacy organization. They discuss the newly passed bill that positions Washington as a leader in housing reform. The conversation delves into the benefits of building near transit for accessibility and sustainability. They also tackle challenges in zoning and inclusionary policies aimed at balancing density with affordability, and the ongoing political dynamics in this critical housing initiative.
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INSIGHT

Importance of Transit-Oriented Development

  • Transit-oriented development (TOD) means building more housing near transit stops to enable car-free living.
  • TOD creates dynamic hubs with dense housing and nearby businesses, enhancing community life and sustainability.
INSIGHT

Upzoning Details with Floor Area Ratio

  • The bill mandates upzoning with floor area ratios (FAR) near transit: 3.5 FAR near rail stations and 2.5 near bus rapid transit stops.
  • This allows denser and taller buildings, averaging about six stories near rail and four stories near bus transit.
INSIGHT

Killing Parking Minimums in TOD Zones

  • Parking minimums are eliminated in TOD zones ensuring no mandatory parking spaces.
  • This removes a costly and development-restrictive burden, supporting more efficient transit-oriented building.
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