ETOD in Chicago (left) • NJT opens Portal Bridge • CO Senate approves HOME Act • Philly proposes TOD expansion • Transit area safety (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
ILLINOIS—Affordable Housing and Transit Series: Chicago
Sohail Husain, Eno Center for Transportation | March 13, 2026
In the fourth installation of its eTOD case study series, Eno analyzes efforts in Chicago to build affordable housing near transit. Programs led by the City and the Regional Transportation Authority—such as the Connected Communities Ordinance—aim to address a shortage of 226,128 housing units while expanding transit-oriented development.
NJ TOD News
The New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan (2025): A Transit-Friendly Perspective
Staff, NJTOD | March 13, 2026
New Jersey adopted the 2025 State Development & Redevelopment Plan, outlining a strategy to concentrate housing and jobs in transit-rich, compact centers while protecting natural land and addressing affordability. The plan relies on municipal zoning reforms, transit investment, and financing tools to expand housing, strengthen downtowns, and reduce sprawl.
FLORHAM PARK—Florham Park Council Advances Affordable Housing and Zoning Changes at Special Meeting
Kathryn Sparrow, Tapinto | March 12, 2026
Florham Park’s Borough Council unanimously adopted four ordinances and zoning updates to comply with New Jersey’s affordable housing requirements. The measures repeal development fees, adopt a redevelopment plan for a vacant industrial site, and amend the Borough’s multifamily residential standards.
NJ TRANSIT and AMTRAK Prepare to Open First Track on New Portal Bridge
Press Release, AMTRAK | March 12, 2026
NJ TRANSIT and AMTRAK ran the first ceremonial train over the new Portal North Bridge in Kearny. The bridge—part of the Gateway Program—will reduce delays on the Northeast Corridor and replace the 116-year-old North Portal Bridge. Passenger service begins March 16.
NEW BRUNSWICK—New Brunswick OKs 45-Story, 800-Unit Apartment Tower on George Street
Mike Deak, My Central Jersey | March 11, 2026
New Brunswick’s Planning Board unanimously approved plans for a 45-story mixed-use development a few blocks from New Brunswick Station. The project will include 800 apartments—20 percent affordable—and 16,561 sq. ft. of seventh-floor retail space.
Creating Quality, Transit-Oriented Places in New Jersey
Staff, NJTOD | March 10, 2026
This NJTOD feature highlights placemaking strategies that create attractive transit-oriented places and support local identity and economic growth. Collingswood, South Orange, and Montclair show how these strategies help build vibrant transit hubs across diverse communities.
HOBOKEN—Hoboken Connect: The $900M Rebirth of a New Jersey Gateway
Beata Lorincz, Commercial Property Executive | March 10, 2026
Hoboken Connect, the $900M project by NJ TRANSIT and LCOR to transform Hoboken Terminal into a transit-oriented neighborhood, is nearing completion. This Q&A interviews Brian Barry, Senior VP at LCOR, and Sean Massey, Senior Director of TOD at NJ TRANSIT, about the project.
Transit and Equity News
COLORADO—Senate Approves HOME Act to Build More Housing Now
Press Release, Colorado Senate Democrats | March 12, 2026
The Colorado Senate passed the Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME) Act, which would streamline approvals for nonprofits, schools, and transit agencies to build affordable housing on their land. The bill also limits local authority to block projects based on height. It now moves to the Colorado House of Representatives.
Senate Resoundingly Passes Housing Bill, but Challenges Lie Ahead
Ronda Kaysen, The New York Times | March 12, 2026
The Senate passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill aims to expand housing supply by easing environmental review, expanding loan access, introducing new federal housing funds, and supporting manufactured home construction. Although the Senate approved a similar bill in January, disagreements may prevent the House from passing this version.
For a New Jersey perspective of the Bill, see: In Rare Bipartisan Support, Congress Close to Historic Housing Law
CALIFORNIA—Why 40K Affordable Homes Are Stalled in California
Matthew Kaufman, Multi-Housing News | March 9, 2026
Nearly 40,000 affordable homes in California remain stalled due to funding gaps. Developers estimate the projects require $7.6 billion in tax credits and tax-exempt bonds. The proposed 2026 Affordable Housing Bond Act (AB 736) would raise $10 billion to advance these developments and preserve existing housing.
HAWAII—City Selects Development Partner to Transform Former Dee Lite Bakery Site Into Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing
Justin Limasa, City of Honolulu | March 9, 2026
The City of Honolulu selected EAH Housing to redevelop a former bakery site into transit-oriented affordable housing next to the future Mokauea Skyline Station. Preliminary analysis suggests the site could support more than 150 affordable units, though final plans will be determined by the City and EAH Housing.
Regional and National TOD News
UTAH—CRG and Cole West Break Ground on Chapter Salt Lake City
Staff, Yield Pro | March 11, 2026
CRG and Cole West have begun construction on Chapter Salt Lake City, a 251-unit, 693-bed student housing development near the University of Utah. The project sits next to the TRAX 900 East and 400 South light rail station, offering students a one-stop commute to campus.
PENNSYLVANIA—New Philadelphia Bill Would Expand Transit-Oriented Development, Allowing More Housing Near SEPTA
Jensen Toussaint, Philadelphia Today | March 10, 2026
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker proposed a bill to expand TOD districts from within 500 feet of SEPTA stations to 1,320 feet (a quarter mile). Existing legislation allows developers to build at higher densities with reduced parking requirements in these districts.
HAWAII—Does Japan Hold the Answer to Fixing Honolulu’s Rail System
Stewart Yerton, Honolulu Civil Beat | March 9, 2026
Gov. Josh Green is negotiating a partnership with the Japanese railroad conglomerate Tokyo Group to advance TOD across Honolulu’s Skyline stations. The group proposes high-density mixed-use neighborhoods and strategies such as express rail lines and bus rapid transit to support growth.
Rail Transit Development Hasn’t Kept Up With Population Growth. Here’s How Policymakers Can Expand Access
Yonah Freemark, Urban Institute | March 9, 2026
After decades of underinvestment, the U.S. now has seven percent fewer miles of metro lines per capita than in 1990. Federal rail spending has also dropped sharply since 2021. Yonah Freemark argues that state and local governments may need to bypass federal funding to advance rail projects.
International TOD News
Improving Road Safety Around Rail Stations Is Critical for Urban Mobility
Staff, Devdiscourse | March 10, 2026
The World Bank has developed a new guide to improve safety at transit station areas, which often present risks to pedestrians and cyclists. Narrow pedestrian paths and poorly marked crossings are among the most significant hazards, particularly at passenger entry points, which frequently intersect with heavily trafficked roads in rapidly urbanizing countries.
POLAND—Poland Accelerates. The Largest Rail Expansion Programme in History
Press Release, Port Polska | March 10, 2026
Poland has launched the Port Polska plan, calling for the largest rail expansion in its history. The plan includes a 300-mile high-speed line that will cut travel times from Warsaw to other major cities to about 100 minutes and invest more than $48 billion in rail by 2032.
EGYPT—Egypt Accelerates Rehabilitation of Raml Tram to Boost Capacity, Cut Travel Time
Staff, Daily News Egypt | March 4, 2026
Alexandria is modernizing its historic Raml Tram, a 13.2-kilometer, 24-station light rail system. The project will triple capacity to 13,800 passengers per hour and reduce travel time from one hour to 35 minutes.