What is a Transit Oriented Community (TOC) Project?

Transit Oriented Communities are defined as areas of influence that implement characteristics of compact, high density, multi-use development. They are being developed for the purpose of being walkable and comfortable in proximity to multimodal transportation. The City of Phoenix is attempting to reduce the development of low density, spread out, and unfriendly environments by ‘reinventing’ the pattern of auto-oriented development known throughout the metro.

Transit Oriented Communities focus on land use policies that focus on encouraging varying densities and housing types for a wider study area around the proposed transit development, while Transit Oriented Development focus on land use policies that influence mixed use development specifically around proposed transit stops and transit corridors.

Equity is defined as providing everyone with resources and opportunities needed to reach success, while equality is defined as the act of treating everyone fairly and equally. Equity acknowledges that not everyone is starting from the same standpoint and may need more resources or opportunities than others in order to reach success.

Affordable housing provides opportunities for residents with low incomes to pay 30% or less of their annual income on housing rent. Affordable housing varies in applications and required income; however, it provides opportunities for residents outside of standard housing prices. There are many myths about affordable housing, it should be noted that affordable housing or not the same thing as houseless and housing shelters.

Your voice matters as everyone can provide a different perspective for concerns, opportunities, and areas of improvement for your community. As someone living, working, and being a part of a community, you provide insight that a professional may not have. You’re voice is valued as a part of this process.