Why is the State involved in transit-oriented development?
Transit-oriented developments (TODs) are more difficult to develop than projects on greenfields and opened space. TODs often have higher upfront infrastructure costs, often require the use of publicly-owned land and involve more complex community issues. The development process is often compared to a play with many actors; local governments, the community, developers, transit agencies and others. The TOD Designation program allows the State to be another actor, supporting the local vision for development around transit stations.

TOD is critical to Maryland's future. Maryland is expected to grow by 1.1 million residents and 600,000 jobs in the next 20 years. Under current patterns of development, this growth will consume 590,000 acres of open space. Vehicle Miles Traveled, how much Marylanders drive each year, would likely continue to grow faster than we could build road capacity. People living within mile of transit, however, are up to five times more likely to use it and drive 47% less than those living elsewhere. TOD leverages the billions of dollars of infrastructure investments in our existing transit systems to reduce car use and traffic congestion.

Show All Answers

1. What does the term transit-oriented development mean?
2. Why is the State involved in transit-oriented development?
3. What does it mean to be a designated transit-oriented development (TOD) in Maryland?
4. Why designate some Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects and not others? Should all TODs be designated?
5. What are the benefits that designation brings to a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project?
6. What is the process for designating a TOD pursuant to Section 7-101(m)?
7. Do the State and local government designate a project, a zone, a planning effort, or something else?
8. Have any projects been designated TODs yet?
9. Is there a limit to the number of TOD designations that can be made?
10. What new financial tools did the 2009 TOD legislation grant to local governments for use solely at designated TODs?
11. What is tax increment financing (TIF)?
12. What is a Special Taxing District?
13. What is the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) and what role does it plan in TOD?
14. Are there dedicated funds in the State budget for TODs?
15. What are the characteristics of a good candidate for TOD Designation?
16. What types of transit stations make a TOD project eligible for designation?
17. Is there any new State legislation that might help support TOD projects?
18. How do Designated TODs relate to Smart Sites and other programs?
19. Whom do I contact to learn more about TOD and TOD Designations?