Philly launches housing initiative (right); NJ TRANSIT federal funds; How sprawl harms children; Trump revokes congestion toll approval; High-speed rail in Canada (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
PENNSYLVANIA—Mayor Parker Launches Philly Initiative to Create and Preserve 30,000 Housing Units
Aaron Moselle, WHYY | February 19, 2025
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order to address the city’s housing crisis, forming an advisory group to guide her H.O.M.E. plan. The initiative aims to create and preserve 30,000 housing units during her first term. Parker appointed former APA president Angela Brooks to lead the effort.
NJ TOD News
CAMDEN—NJ TRANSIT President on Light Rail: It’s Coming to South Jersey, Like It or Not.
Joseph Smith, Courier Post | February 20, 2025
NJ TRANSIT CEO Kris Kolluri announced pre-construction will begin this year on the 18-mile Glassboro-Camden Light Rail Line. Despite opposition from some communities along its route, supporters, including Gov. Murphy, call it a key economic driver for South Jersey.
Off-Street Parking in the Midburbs
Gabe Bailer, Planetizen | February 18, 2025
Gabe Bailer, Chief Editor of NJ Urbanthinker, examines parking rules in five NJ “midburbs” with walkable downtowns: Westfield, South Orange, Metuchen, Scotch Plains, and Cranford. He highlights how municipalities like Cranford and Westfield reduced parking requirements to boost downtown business and argues that other midburbs should do the same, especially near transit.
ORANGE—Orange Memorial Hospital Set for $350M Mixed-Use Overhaul
Jessica Perry, NJ BIZ| February 17, 2025
The City of Orange approved plans to transform the historic Orange Memorial Hospital site into a $350 million mixed-use development. Plans for the development feature 1,005 units— including up to 20 percent affordable—and over 70,000 sq. ft. of retail space. The site is located within a half mile of the NJ TRANSIT Orange Station and Highland Ave. Station.
PERTH AMBOY—Perth Amboy Approves Kushner Plan for 602 Rentals, Public Amenities Along City’s Waterfront
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | February 17, 2025
Perth Amboy officials approved Sea Gate, a 602-unit mixed-use development by Kushner. The project will feature five buildings and at least 5,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space. The project’s approval specifies the provision of a shuttle service to Perth Amboy Station, located one mile away.
Can NJ TRANSIT Count on Federal Funding?
Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight News | February 14, 2025
Federal transit funding cuts could leave NJ TRANSIT with a $300 million monthly shortfall. While New Jersey introduced a corporate transit fee, which raised $1 billion for the transit agency last year, the state allocated the funds to general expenditures instead of NJ TRANSIT. Lawmakers are now debating whether to constitutionally dedicate the funding to the agency.
Transit and Equity News
NORTH CAROLINA—Affordable Housing Crisis in North Carolina: Rising Costs, Limited Supply and Local Solutions
Ashely Van Havere, Spectrum News | February 17, 2025
North Carolina faces a severe shortage, with 125,000 homes needed for extremely low-income households and, due to population growth, a total of 900,000 units by 2030. Cities like Greensboro and Raleigh have launched local initiatives to increase construction and support transit-oriented development, but state and federal support remain crucial to close the gap.
Planning Communities for Thriving Children
Todd Litman, Planetizen | February 17, 2025
New research links sprawl and car dependency to declining child health and economic mobility in the U.S. Sprawl limits physical activity, increases vehicle crash risks and pollution, and raises living costs. Children living in compact, multimodal neighborhoods with green space and affordable housing experience better health, greater economic opportunity, and stronger social integration.
Regional and National TOD News
NEW YORK—Trump Declares NYC Congestion Pricing Dead, Proclaiming ‘LONG LIVE THE KING’
Jon Campbell, Stephen Nessen and Ramsey Khalifeh, Gothamist | February 19, 2025
President Trump’s administration revoked federal approval for Manhattan’s congestion pricing program, calling it unfair because it primarily funds transit. MTA data shows that the program reduced traffic and commute times for those entering the toll zone. NYC will continue tolling until a court orders otherwise.
MASSACHUSETTS—A Mandate for Boston’s Suburbs: Make Room for More Apartments
Jenna Russell, The New York Times | February 16, 2025
Boston suburbs like Winthrop resist the MBTA Communities Law, which mandates higher density housing near transit stations, arguing it threatens local control. Critics say it also lacks affordability measures and allows rezoning in built-out areas. Despite opposition, the state remains committed to its enforcement, and courts have upheld it.
CALIFORNIA—L.A. Metro’s Expansion Grows Projects in “Transit Deserts”
Jack Rogers, Globest | February 14, 2025
LA Metro’s Eastside Transit Corridor and Southeast Gateway Line extensions will begin construction later this year, spurring mixed-use projects near future stations. Pico Rivera plans a 305-acre district with 2,336 homes and 5.9 million sq. ft. of commercial space. Metro aims to make the 2028 Olympics a “transit-first” event.
PENNSYLVANIA—The Answer to SEPTA’s Funding Woes?
Andrew Justus, The Philadelphia Citizen | February 14, 2025
Philadelphia should boost housing density near transit to fix SEPTA’s budget crisis, argues policy analyst Andrew Justus. He points to Arlington, VA, where transit-oriented development grew ridership and reduced traffic. SEPTA’s failing routes, like the Chestnut Hill lines, need similar density to stay viable.
OREGON—Progressive Portland Plots a Comeback
Linda Baker, Bloomberg | February 13, 2025
Portland, once a sustainability leader, struggles with rising housing costs, economic downturns, and political unrest. A new mayor, affordable housing projects, and infrastructure investments signal a shift towards revitalization. Success on long-term transit and housing plans will determine whether the city regains its 1990s success.
International TOD News
CANADA—High-Speed Rail Line With 300 KM/H Trains Will Run Between Toronto and Quebec City, Trudeau Announces
Peter Zimonjic and Mathieu Prost, CBC | February 19, 2025
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Alto, a $3.9 billion plan for high-speed rail between Quebec City and Toronto. All-electric trains, capable of top speeds of 186 MPH, will cut a Montreal-Toronto trip to three hours—half the driving time. Canada selected the consortium Cadence to lead the project, but a contract is pending.
MOROCCO—The Green Revolution: Morocco Takes the Lead in Africa’s Sustainable Mobility Future
Issam Toutate, Morocco World News | February 13, 2025
Morocco is expanding electric vehicle manufacturing and green transit, aiming to add 7,000 electric buses by 2030. The country has already launched sustainable projects like Casablanca’s tramway and high-speed rail powered by renewable energy. These efforts align with climate goals and the country’s 2030 FIFA World Cup transit goals.