Poor mobility hurts urban economies (left) • Newark project inks loan • Austin passes equitable TOD rule • Hochul wants IBX to spur housing • Charlottetown overhauls zoning (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
Poor Mobility Limits the Productivity Benefits of Cities
Martijn Burger & Elena Ianchovichina, Brookings Institution | September 4, 2026
A Brookings analysis of 38,526 firms across 356 metropolitan areas in developing countries finds that the productivity gains from density decline sharply where mobility is poor. Congestion erodes agglomeration benefits roughly 2.5 times more than slow but uncongested traffic. The authors support congestion pricing alongside transit investment and land use coordination to capture the full economic benefits of density.
NJ TOD News
Garden State Initiative Report Says NJ TRANSIT Needs Performance-Based Reform, Not More Money
Staff, ROI-NJ | September 11, 2026
A new report from Garden State Initiative says that while Amtrak-owned infrastructure contributes to service disruptions, NJ TRANSIT also faces internal operational challenges that additional funding alone cannot address. The report highlights reforms implemented in Boston, Virginia, and New York that prioritize preventative maintenance as possible models for NJ TRANSIT. The analysis covers NJ TRANSIT performance data from 2020 through 2024.
NJ TRANSIT Upgrades Real-Time Bus Tracking Technology, Debuts Free Onboard Wi-Fi
Staff, ROI-NJ | September 11, 2026
NJ TRANSIT has equipped more than 1,500 buses with new tracking equipment that provides more accurate arrival predictions and free Wi-Fi. The agency expects to expand the technology to nearly 2,000 buses by the end of 2026. The improvements support Governor Sherrill’s Rapid Action Plan to improve accessibility, safety, cleanliness, and technology across NJ TRANSIT services.
NEWARK—Newark’s 101 Market Street Development Nabs $37 Million Loan
Chris Fry, Jersey Digs | September 10, 2026
RBH Group secured $37 million in financing for its approved Four Corners project on the 5.5-acre 101 Market Street site in downtown Newark. The 13-story building will offer 238 apartments and ground-floor retail near multiple NJ TRANSIT stations and will require the demolition of six historic structures.
JERSEY CITY—Namdar Group Secures $390M for Jersey City Tower
Staff, Multifamily & Affordable Housing Business | September 8, 2026
Namdar Group secured $390 million in financing for Park Tower, a 1,049-unit mixed-income development in Jersey City’s Journal Square neighborhood. The project will include 105 affordable units, 30 extended-stay hotel units, and ground-floor retail near the Journal Square PATH station.
Transit and Equity News
TEXAS—Austin Edits Development Rules to Encourage Affordable Housing Near Transit
Sam Stark, Austin Current | September 11, 2026
The Austin City Council approved a new rule barring developers from paying a fee instead of building affordable housing to access density bonuses within half a mile of the planned Project Connect light rail line. Some councilmembers expressed concern that the rule could reduce density but unanimously voted to prioritize Austin’s equitable TOD goals.
CALIFORNIA—StanfordNext Proposes More Housing, Expanded Academic Space in Updated General Use Permit
Emerson Prentice & Aadi Kucheria, The Stanford Daily | September 10, 2026
Stanford filed an updated General Use Permit with Santa Clara County, proposing 500 affordable worker-housing units, 2,500 additional student beds, and 1.8 million sq. ft. of academic space. The affordable units would be located next to the Palo Alto Transit Center. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors plans to vote on this proposal by 2028.
CALIFORNIA—Building Permits Issued for West Oakland BART Affordable Housing
Andrew Nelson, SF YIMBY | September 8, 2026
Oakland issued building permits for a 240-unit affordable housing development near the West Oakland BART Station. The housing is part of a larger project that will bring 762 apartments, 300,000 sq. ft. of office, retail, and a public park beneath the elevated BART station.
Regional and National TOD News
NEW YORK—Hochul Pitches IBX Transit-Oriented Housing ‘Dream’
Dave Colon, StreetsBlog NYC | September 10, 2026
Governor Hochul envisions the proposed Interborough Express (IBX) light rail as a TOD catalyst that could spur up to 60,000 new homes along its 18 stops. The state has committed $2.75 billion towards the $5.5 billion project, and Hochul said that New York is willing to increase its funding if the federal government does not step up.
INDIANA—Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Board Approves $243 Million Investment and More Initiatives to Advance Transit Development Districts
Claire Kenney, Great News Life | September 8, 2026
The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority approved $243 million for the Town of Dyer’s Transit Development District. The investment will support Central Park Commons near the Munster/Dyer South Shore station, a 70-acre development that will include more than 1.2 million sq. ft. of residential and commercial space, including housing for families and seniors. The RDA also approved a $10 million Credit Enhancement Fund to support additional transit-oriented development in Northwest Indiana. Also see: Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Press Release
Op-Ed: Housing Stability Is Good Climate Policy
Matthew Vasilakis, Next City | September 8, 2026
Matthew Vasilakis, executive director of the Building Electrification Institute, urges an integrated approach for housing and climate policy. Displacement caused by rising costs can push people farther from jobs and transit, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and transportation costs. He supports producing more affordable and climate-ready homes, preserving existing affordable housing, and protecting residents from displacement.
UTAH—Ogden City Considering New Mixed-Use Zone Near Harrison, 25th Street
Jacob Scholl, Building Salt Lake | September 8, 2026
The Ogden Planning Commission advanced plans for a new mixed-use zone near the city’s historic downtown, aiming to create a walkable neighborhood center served by the OGX Bus Rapid Transit line. The proposal would increase the maximum building height, reduce setbacks and lot sizes, and allow mixed-use development, retail, and small commercial conversions. It now moves to the City Council.
International TOD News
CANADA—Charlottetown Zoning Overhaul Aims to Pave Way for New Housing, Density
Gwyneth Egan, CBC | September 7, 2026
Charlottetown’s proposed zoning overhaul would increase density and direct most new growth into designated corridors along major transit routes. It would also allow up to three accessory suites per property as-of-right. Heritage area protections would remain intact.
CHINA—Kai Tak’s Smart Transit Test Could Change Hong Kong
Ken Ip, China Daily | September 6, 2026
Hong Kong received two bids for the Kai Tak Smart and Green Mass Transit System, a 2-mile, six-station elevated route. The bids pit MTR Corp’s traditional heavy-rail model against a Sun Hung Kai consortium’s rubber-tire “smart rail” technology. Both bidders would finance construction through property development rights.