Tucson Norte-Sur: Investing in Resilient Communities + Transit

Tucson Norte-Sur is an Equitable transit oriented development (eTOD) strategic planning project for a north-south corridor stretching from the Tucson Mall/Tohono Tadai Transit Center in the north to Tucson International Airport in the south. Transit oriented development (TOD) is a planning and design approach that seeks to create compact, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods around new or existing public transit stations. Many transit advocates, planners, community-based developers, and others have embraced TOD as a strategy to create more vibrant and connected neighborhoods, increase transit ridership, expand opportunity, and reduce the greenhouse emissions that contribute to climate change. However, the high demand for housing adjacent to transit can make TOD homes inaccessible to people with lower incomes, while the rapid appreciation sparked by new transit investments can lead to gentrification and displacement, countering equity goals.

Equitable transit oriented development (eTOD) refers to TOD efforts that are undertaken with an explicit commitment to achieve equity goals through dedicated strategies that ensure low-income residents and residents of color benefit from – and are not displaced by – the new development. With strategies in place to preserve and expand affordable housing, protect tenants from rising costs and displacement, connect residents to jobs and economic opportunities, stabilize and support small and local businesses, and more, eTOD can foster equitable development, creating healthy, opportunity-rich neighborhoods.

Equitable TOD, or eTOD, incorporates affordability and accessibility into all aspects of traditional Transit-Oriented Development. This approach builds vibrant, walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods near transit stops and stations so that all people, regardless of income, race, age, or ability, have access to jobs, basic services, and amenities.

What does eTOD promote?

Walkability

Pedestrian-friendly elements create vibrant and active spaces, which lead to health, environmental and economic benefits.

Mixed Use

A mix of land uses within a building, block or neighborhood encourages fewer car trips and creates dynamic spaces.

Density

Compact development connects people to jobs and commerce, and supports transit infrastructure.

Transit

Transit contributes to equitable development by expanding access to opportunities and providing convenient, reliable transportation services.

Affordability

Equity-focused policy ensures affordable housing options near transit, low-cost transit fares and tenant protection.