A new report from Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), through its partnership with the Center for Transit-Oriented Development (CTOD), provides a quantitative analysis of potential greenhouse gas reductions of transit-oriented development from the transport sector.

The research finds that by living in a central city near transit, the average household can reduce its transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent. The number increases when living near the most location efficient transit zones, which can result in a 78 percent emission reduction.

''This research shows that, in a nutshell, location does indeed matter,'' said Scott Bernstein, President of CNT. ''Individuals and families that live near transit centers own fewer automobiles, drive fewer miles, and leave a much smaller carbon footprint than those who don't.''

The report was funded through CTOD's cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration, and provides more evidence of transit's role in building economically and environmentally sustainable communities across the country.

To read the complete article, click here.

It may be very difficult for low-income families to find affordable housing close to work or school, which means higher costs of transportation and lower efficiency. The Center for Transit-Oriented Development has released a report on how to address this issue. As the report title suggests, Mixed-Income Housing Near Transit: Increasing Affordability with Location Efficiency examines the benefits of mixed-income housing near transit-oriented developments (TODs). The report outlines strategies for implementing mixed-income housing near TODs as a community and on the local level. It also outlines how states or regions can promote mixed-income housing near transit by giving priority to choice projects through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. Other recommendations include reducing parking requirements by including car-sharing facilities and using that space for other purposes such as retail or daycare facilities to serve nearby residents. To access the report it its entirety, click here.

After experiencing a steep economic downturn, the Administration is committed to moving the Nation from recession to recovery by sparking job creation to get millions of Americans back to work and building a new foundation for long-term prosperity. The 2011 Budget focuses on key areas that will help to reverse the decline in economic security--taking steps to help jumpstart job creation, working to strengthen the economic security of American families, and making tough choices to put our Nation back on the path to fiscal responsibility. The Budget proposes a series of coordinated investments around three key objectives: increasing regional economic competitiveness, developing environmentally sustainable and livable communities, and creating neighborhoods and communities with good jobs, decent affordable housing, high-performing schools, quality health care services, safe streets and parks, healthy food, and convenient transportation options.

To read the details of the budget, click here.

Nonprofits in the community development system have become important developers and owners of housing for low-and moderate-income people and those with specialneeds. While the nonprofit housing world is always evolving, the current recession is triggering a new round of activity that is demanding new configurations in many cities.

This paper—authored by Paul Brophy and published by Living Cities—focuses on the changes to CDCs’ business models that are underway, and on how Living Cities can advance the approaches that make good business sense.

The paper explores several intriguing strategies: the creation of partnerships among organizations to produce more affordable housing; new mechanisms for reducing the operational costs of housing producers; and the transformation of CDCs from housing developers into broader community improvement organizations.

Click to Download the Paper