NJ municipal affordable housing analysis (left); Old Bridge TOD plan; Atlanta’s public land housing plan; Decline in American mobility; BRT expansion in Jeddah (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
Affordable Housing in NJ: The Map, the Data, and the Conflicting Analysis
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight News | February 12, 2025
An NJ Spotlight News analysis found that the 441 municipalities that submitted affordable housing resolutions have set their obligations for the next decade at about 61,000 units—nearly 13,000 fewer than the DCA’s calculations. While more than half aligned with the DCA, others lowered their obligations, often disputing the state’s assessment of developable land. Interested parties can challenge a municipality’s declared obligations by February 28.
NJ TOD News
Bill to Boost Housing Density With Extra State Aid to Towns Clears Assembly Committee
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | February 11, 2025
Assembly bill, A4913 would incentivize municipalities to update zoning for higher-density housing by prioritizing funding for development, transportation grants, and school construction aid. The bill encourages zoning changes like reducing parking requirements, middle housing in single-family zones, and high-density housing near transit facilities. Lawmakers describe it as a balanced approach to the housing crisis that preserves home rule.
HIGH BRIDGE—Murphy Administration Announces High Bridge Borough in Hunterdon County as the 36th State Transit Village
Press Release, NJ DOT News | February 11, 2025
High Bridge Borough’s station area has been designated as New Jersey’s 36th Transit Village, joining the state’s Transit Village Initiative to promote mixed-use development and Complete Streets near transit hubs. This designation grants the Borough access to funding opportunities as well as technical assistance from a task force of nine state agencies, including NJDOT and NJ TRANSIT. High Bridge aims to enhance its downtown by encouraging walking, biking, and transit use around the NJ TRANSIT Raritan Valley Line’s western terminus, fostering a vibrant, transit-friendly community.
BAYONNE—Bayonne Secures Land Deal, Will Build New Ferry Terminal
Chris Fry, Jersey Digs | February 10, 2025
Bayonne secured a deal to buy 2.3-acres from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for a new ferry terminal to provide service to New York City. The project includes 1.6 acres for the terminal and parking and 0.7 acres to extend the Hudson Riverfront Walkway. Officials plan to select a ferry operator by April, but construction timelines have not been announced.
OLD BRIDGE—Old Bridge Seeking Transit Village Designation Along Route 9
Susan Loyer, MyCentralJersey | February 10, 2025
Old Bridge Township is planning for a transit-oriented development along Route 9, focusing on revitalizing the Old Bridge Shopping Plaza. A NJ TRANSIT study identified development potential in the corridor, highlighting diverse housing opportunities near transit. Despite 80 NJ TRANSIT bus stops along the route from Old Bridge to Howell, pedestrian access from existing development to transit remains limited.
South Jersey Commuters Want More Reliable Public Transit, Rutgers Researchers Say
Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, WHYY News | February 9, 2025
A Rutgers University survey of more than 300 South Jersey residents found demand for more frequent bus and train service, better connections between transit routes, and mobile payment options. Respondents also called for extending PATCO routes, bicycle storage, and a flat-rate bus ticket system.
Transit and Equity News
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA—This App Could Make D.C. One of the Most Accessible Transit Networks in the World
Kea Wilson, Streetsblog USA | February 12, 2025
Waymap, a new app designed for transit riders with visual impairment, has launched across Washington, D.C., making the city’s entire transit system accessible via smartphone. Using motion sensors instead of GPS, it provides turn-by-turn audio and visual navigation tailored to individual needs. While designed for blind users, Waymap benefits all riders with customizable routes and plans to expand globally.
NEW YORK—Governor Hochul and New York State Homes and Community Renewal Announce Start of Construction on 136-Unit Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in The Bronx
Press Release, Office of Governor Kathy Hochul | February 11, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul announced construction on White Plains Road Apartments, a 136-unit affordable housing development near the Gun Hill Road subway station in the Bronx. The transit-oriented project includes 82 supportive housing units for formerly homeless residents, advancing New York State’s goal of creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes.
How 4 Cities Are Advancing Affordable Housing Despite NIMBYs
Danielle McLean, Smart Cities Dive | February 10, 2025
Cambridge, MA, Clearfield, UT, San Antonio, TX, and Providence, RI are pushing forward with affordable housing despite NIMBY opposition. San Antonio builds support through voter-backed initiatives, Cambridge counters misinformation with data, Providence streamlines approvals to prevent delays, and Clearfield directs density downtown. These strategies show how cities can navigate resistance to address the housing crisis.
Investing in Housing: Unlocking Economic Mobility for Black Families and All Americans
JP Julien and Shelley Stewart III, McKinsey | February 11, 2025
A McKinsey report examines how homeownership barriers disproportionately burden Black Americans, limiting economic mobility and generational wealth. The report outlines five strategies to expand access: creative incentives and partnerships to reduce financial barriers, increased private capital investment, scaling off-site home construction for affordability, reinvesting in public housing and shared-equity models, and improving housing choice vouchers to better serve low-income households.
GEORGIA—Affordable Housing Is in Short Supply Across the US. Atlanta May Have Found a Way Forward
Nick Romeo, The Guardian | February 9, 2025
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens established the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD) to convert underutilized public land into affordable housing. By consolidating land across various city agencies, AUD has already facilitated the creation of 10,000 new units, with additional projects underway. Officials see the initiative as a model for other cities struggling to develop housing amid rising costs and limited land availability.
HAWAII—City Launches Bold and Unprecedented Initiative to Expand Affordable Housing Across O’ahu
Scott Humber, Office of the Mayor of Honolulu | February 5, 2025
Honolulu’s 2025-2028 Strategic Housing Plan aims to accelerate affordable housing through transit-oriented development, public-private partnerships, and streamlined approvals. The plan targets underutilized sites like Kūwili Station to maximize housing opportunities. Mayor Rick Blangiardi emphasized its urgency in addressing O‘ahu’s affordability crisis, calling it a necessary step toward long-term housing stability.
Regional and National TOD News
CONNECTICUT—Naugatuck Is First to Join CT’s New Municipal Redevelopment Authority: ‘We’re Way Ahead of the Game’
Andreas Yilma, The Register Citizen | February 13, 2025
Naugatuck becomes the first town to join Connecticut’s Municipal Redevelopment Authority (MRDA), created in late 2024 to support housing development in transit-rich areas. The town will receive funding and technical assistance for a 7.75-acre mixed-use project at Naugatuck Station.
Why American Mobility Ground to a Halt
Patrick Sisson, Bloomberg | February 12, 2025
In his new book, Yoni Appelbaum, a senior editor at The Atlantic, examines how restrictive zoning and housing regulations have constrained mobility and deepened the housing affordability crisis. He argues that declining moving rates, due to restrictive housing policies, has tied people to areas with limited opportunities while turning housing into an investment rather than a means of mobility. Appelbaum advocates for standardized zoning rules to spur construction and restore economic dynamism.
NEW YORK—Trump Says He Might Use U.S. Agency to ‘Kill’ Congestion Pricing
Jeffery C. Mays, The New York Times | February 9, 2025
President Trump told the New York Post he may use the U.S. Department of Transportation to kill New York’s congestion pricing, possibly by withholding funds or revoking tolling authorization. Early data shows the toll reduces traffic and crashes and improves commuter times, but Trump argues it harms the city.
US Transit Is Abysmal and Unacceptable
Lily Sánchez, Current Affairs | February 7, 2025
America’s transit system lags behind peer nations, where investments in high-speed rail and efficient public transportation make travel more affordable and convenient. In contrast, decades of underfunding and political resistance have left U.S. infrastructure inadequate, forcing reliance on cars and expensive air travel. As cities grapple with congestion, climate change, and declining air safety, Current Affairs writer Lily Sánchez argues that the U.S. must prioritize a transit system that is safe, efficient, and enjoyable for all.
WASHINGTON—Parking Reform Gains Momentum at Washington Legislature
Ryan Packer, The Urbanist | February 6, 2025
The Washington State Senate Housing Committee advanced SB 5184, which seeks to reduce parking mandates for new developments in Washington state. The bill limits parking requirements to one space per every two housing units, and one for every 1,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. Designed to limit construction costs and address the state’s housing crisis, SB 5184 now awaits Senate approval.
International TOD News
INDIA—Transit-Oriented Development-Based LAP Will Help Decongest Vyttila
Staff, The Hindu | February 10, 2025
Kochi Corporation’s proposed transit-oriented development (TOD)-based local-area plan (LAP) aims to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian infrastructure at Vyttila Junction. Kerala officials plan to widen roads and footpaths, integrate multiple modes of transport, and involve international experts and a detailed survey to ensure sustainable development that prioritizes public transport use.
SAUDI ARABIA—Jeddah to Transform Public Transport With New Expansion
Afshan Aziz, Arab News | February 5, 2025
Starting April 1, Jeddah will add 91 buses, expand routes from 6 to 14, and increase bus stops from 46 to 383, aiming to serve 9 million riders annually. Jeddah Transport Co. plans to enhance public transportation, support transit-oriented development, and promote sustainable urban mobility.