UTA is in the process of reevaluating its transit-oriented development (TOD) strategy, goals and policies. The UTA Board of Trustees is expected to revisit and update the current policy, which will then be presented to the public for comment before a final policy is approved.

Traditional TOD strategy focuses on increasing public transit ridership and revenue, UTA General Counsel Jayme Blakesley said during today’s board retreat, which was open to the public. Moving forward, the board may consider a broader scope of TOD goals, including ways to promote affordable housing and job development, encourage sustainable development and support a regional vision for development.

The board will also reexamine the role that UTA plays in transit-oriented development. Some public transit agencies only provide technical assistance and station planning, while other agencies act as full partners with local government and private investors, contributing funding and managing development.

Transit-oriented development will become increasingly critical as the Wasatch Front’s population doubles in coming decades, Executive Director of the Wasatch Front Regional Council Andrew Gruber told the board during the retreat. Developments that combine housing, shopping and easy-to-access public transportation help improve air quality, reduce cost of living and decrease cities’ infrastructure needs.  

“It’s not a panacea, but it provides so many opportunities and benefits for everyone,” he said.  

UTA is currently participating in five active transit-oriented development sites along the Wasatch Front. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to learn about future opportunities to give feedback on TOD policy.