Events

Taking First Steps Toward a Transit Friendly Future 

Taking First Steps Toward a Transit Friendly Future ~ a TOD in Your Downtown Event

Join us for a TOD in Your Downtown Event,
at NJ TRANSIT’s headquarters in downtown Newark.

Register Now

NJ TRANSIT Headquarters
Conference Room 2A – Town Hall
283-299 Market Street
Newark, NJ 07102

Registration closes Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
No late registrations can be accommodated.

Many New Jersey communities want to make better use of their transit assets or shape land use patterns that support transit—but the first steps aren’t always clear. 

This forum will bring together municipal leaders, downtown managers, and community partners to explore practical, achievable strategies for transit-friendly planning and transit-oriented development (TOD). 

Why You Should Attend

LEARN FROM EXPERTS. Hear from state and local leaders about early actions, coordination, and available resources. 

SEE WHAT WORKS. Discover lessons from New Jersey communities that are just getting started. 

TAKE PART. Engage in interactive small group discussions to explore ideas and identify next steps for your own downtown or station area.

New to these concepts?

Brush up before you arrive by reading our Transit Friendly Planning 101: Back to Basics

Introductions / Kickoff 

  • Stephanie DiPetrillo, NJTOD/VTC – Welcome & TOD 101 Framework 
  • Walter Lane, NJBAC/NJOPA – NJ State Plan
  • Megan Massey, NJ TRANSIT – Transit Friendly Planning at NJ TRANSIT
  • Jenin Shah, NJDCA – Main Street Program
  • Jonathan Sternesky, NJHFMA – Affordable Housing
  • Michelle Osorio, NJEDA – Small Business Development
  • Michael Manzella, NJDOT – NJ Transit Village Initiative 

Interactive Small Group Discussions 

HANDS-ON & COLLABORATIVE. Explore key topics with subject matter experts: 

  • New Jersey State Plan – Walter Lane, NJBAC/NJOPA
  • Transit-Friendly Planning & TOD Office (Real Estate) – Michael Swan & Kristen Mitchell, NJ TRANSIT 
  • Housing & Affordable Development – Jonathan Sternesky, NJHMFA
  • Community Development – Michelle Osorio, NJEDA 
  • Main Street – Jenin Shah & Simran Riar, NJDCA
  • Special Improvement Districts – Vanessa Quijano, DNJ
  • Transit Village Initiative – Mike Manzella & Jelena Lasko, NJDOT
  • Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning – Elise Bremer-Nei, NJDOT 

Who Should Attend

Municipal leaders, downtown managers, planning staff, and community partners looking to take the first steps toward a transit-friendly downtown. 

Register Now

Updated: May 28, 2026