The 'Mythical' World Of Transit-oriented Development

A detailed report examines the Orenco/231st TODs outside of Portland and suggests that policy makers should lower their expectations of what TOD can deliver.

1 minute read

April 24, 2003, 6:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Based on the performance to date of theOrenco TODs, it is difficult to make the case that taxpayers should continue subsidizing such projects by paying for the three additional light rail lines TriMet and Metro want to build, or approving public giveaways such as property tax abatements. There is no evidence that TOD near Orenco lessens traffic or improves air quality, and many local residents do not feel that high density development improves their quality of life. Zoning is retarding land development north of the rail station due to high density mandates that are not financially feasible." [Editor's note: The link below is to an Adobe PDF document, 895 KB, 48 pages]

Thanks to PreservingtheAmericanDream listserv

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 in Cascade Policy Institute

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog