Transit-oriented development supports vibrant neighborhoods with direct access to transit. Bringing affordable housing, retail, and community spaces near transit expands opportunities for all.
Sound Transit's role in supporting regional growth goes beyond delivering a great ride. We strive to foster livable communities around transit by supporting opportunities for development and affordable housing near our stations.
Our process 1. Planning stations that foster livable communitiesDuring planning and design, we look at how the neighborhood around the station might change after the light rail is constructed by identifying opportunities to create housing, office space, shops, or public open space.
2. Space for construction becomes land for transit-oriented developmentExpanding transit requires Sound Transit to buy land to build stations, install track, and stage equipment and materials. When construction is finished and projects open, we collaborate with communities to support development on surplus property.
3. Supporting affordable housing, jobs, and public spaces to foster communities near transit.We support equitable transit-oriented communities by creating opportunities for development. Community engagement helps set priorities for affordable housing and other uses that benefit the public.
Transit-oriented development creates connections between neighborhoods and the region, between jobs and housing, between housing and transit, and between people and vibrant communities.
Read our quarterly reports to learn more about project highlights and updates on the TOD program.
Project updatesSound Transit works on TOD projects throughout our service area. We partner with non-profit and private developers to bring the community’s vision to life. Our projects range from permanent-supportive housing to market-rate housing, and include everything from early learning centers, restaurants, community spaces, healthcare services, playgrounds and more.
Project highlightsLearn about recent openings, construction updates, and opportunities to get involved.
Affirming housing in Seattle’s cultural center for LGBTQIA+ life.
Rendering of Lynnwood City Center Station TOD" width="816" height="1224" />
Housing Hope to bring affordable housing to Lynnwood City Center Station.
Affordable housing and critical supportive services in a regional transportation hub
The TOD program is empowered by the voter‐approved ST3 plan to create diverse, vibrant, and mixed‐income communities around transit. To achieve these outcomes, Sound Transit offers surplus property for the development of affordable housing in accordance with the 80/80/80 policy, a state statute that requires the agency to offer at least 80 percent of surplus property that is suitable for housing to qualified entities to develop housing affordable to families at 80 percent of area median income or less. Our goals for the TOD program, outlined in Sound Transit's Equitable TOD Policy, include:
Each project offers different opportunities to realize the vision for neighborhoods around our stations. We engage communities and partners to define goals for each TOD project, including:
Sound Transit's role in supporting regional growth goes beyond delivering transit and a great ride. People don't ride transit just to ride transit; they ride transit to get to and from the places they need to go, to connect to opportunities, and because transit is convenient and close to home. Finding affordable housing, especially near transit hubs, is becoming increasingly difficult amid rising rents and home prices. Sound Transit strives to be part of the housing solution by creating and supporting opportunities for transit-oriented development and affordable housing near our stations.
Expanding transit into communities that have not previously had these connections and opportunities creates upwards pressure on rents and home prices. This contributes to patterns of displacement and gentrification. We plan to develop and implement TOD that is equitable, inclusive, and reflective of the local community. Equitable TOD outcomes, community partnerships, and affordable housing help mitigate displacement and gentrification by providing social and economic opportunities for current and future residents, low-income communities, and people of color. Engagement throughout the TOD process helps us understand how to be partners in creating affordable, inclusive neighborhoods that allow all people to take advantage of opportunities that align with the vision of local communities.
We select partners that can deliver projects that align with Sound Transit’s and the community’s goals.
Surplus property is primarily offered through Requests for Proposals. Visit Sound Transit’s online vendor portal to receive notifications.
Sound Transit accepts unsolicited proposals for surplus property in limited circumstances from parties with adjacent property rights or for difficult to develop sites. Submit an unsolicited proposal for transit-oriented development.
Sound Transit is committed to creating inclusive, vibrant, and affordable communities in our station areas. Our surplus property may be offered at a discount to qualified entities, which include local governments, housing authorities, and nonprofit developers. Sound Transit also contributes $4 million annually into a revolving loan fund to create more affordable housing opportunities near our stations.
