Successful transit connects great places.
Together, transportation infrastructure and transit-oriented development (TOD) can positively transform communities by making neighborhoods more accessible, generating revenue for transit agencies, and stimulating private investment. However, this social and economic value is not guaranteed, as funding gaps and competing priorities can create barriers to new investment. To overcome these challenges, we work with municipalities, transit agencies, and real estate developers to produce viable development plans that attract investment, support community cohesion and promote equitable growth.
Expertise
Our nationally-recognized team of former transit agency executives and real estate experts will help you secure funding for transportation infrastructure projects and integrate development with all modes of transit.
MAXIMIZE FINANCIAL RETURNS AND PUBLIC BENEFITS THROUGH TOD
To get the most out of transit-oriented development, property owners must ensure their development is financially feasible and responsive to both community desires and local market conditions. We bridge the gap between public and private priorities to structure real estate transactions that minimize risk, respond to market forces, and support public objectives through the development of transit-adjacent sites.
CREATE VIBRANT AND EQUITABLE TRANSIT-ORIENTED COMMUNITIES
Transit investment presents a tremendous opportunity for municipalities to revitalize neighborhoods or spark regional economic growth. Harnessing that potential, however, presents challenges for cities seeking to preserve affordable housing and commercial spaces. By creating comprehensive development roadmaps to guide land-use, zoning, real-estate, and incentives, HR&A helps ensure transit benefits all residents.
CHAMPION, FUND, AND IMPLEMENT TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure investments require significant financial and political capital to move forward. We produce compelling economic benefits cases and funding strategies to help cities and transit agencies advocate and secure funding for transportation. We also provide solutions for business planning, governance, and operations of transportation infrastructure through public-private partnership structures that ensure the long-term financial sustainability and success of these investments.
Services
Market Analysis & Feasibility Studies
Inform development plans through analysis of demographics, economics, real estate market dynamics, and regulatory conditions and incentives.
Benefits Case & Economic Impact Analysis
Frame and build a compelling case for project benefits through an assessment of economic, fiscal, and other impacts to inform decision-making and build public support.
Station Area & Corridor Development Strategy
Develop roadmaps for governance, financing, and partnerships that align market potential with economic development, land-use, and other policy goals.
Solicitation & Developer Selection
Help clients navigate the process of selecting the best private development partner for their project, including outreach to developers, drafting solicitations, and providing advice and analysis for evaluation.
Deal Structure & Transaction Support
Review and confirm development programs, costs, and economic offers, and negotiate term sheets to support development agreements.
Business Planning for Infrastructure
Prepare strategic plans for infrastructure projects and systems, including innovative transportation such as autonomous vehicles, aerial gondolas, and road-pricing systems; and create business plans for the development, governance and ongoing operations of infrastructure assets.
Featured Projects
Solicitation & Transaction Management for the Transbay Transit Center
Transbay Joint Powers Authority
The Transbay Joint Powers Authority engaged HR&A to identify the appropriate public-private partnership structure and solicitation process that would attract the right operating partner for an iconic piece of American infrastructure.
Parque Berrio Station Funding and Governance Study
Metro de Medellin
HR&A helped Metro de Medellín explore funding and governance strategies for redeveloping Parque Berrio Station and its surrounding area, crucial for revitalizing downtown Medellín. We proposed options including private sector involvement, value capture tools like retail leases, advertising revenue optimization, and a business improvement district.
San Jose Rail Transit-Oriented Development and Land Value Capture Study
Inter-American Development Bank
To support funding for the planned Tren Eléctrico commuter train spanning 15 municipalities in San José, HR&A partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to study the potential of land value capture instruments. We conducted a market scan and assessed demand and property values around key stations to estimate the revenue these instruments could generate for the government.
Development Guidelines for the Crenshaw-LAX Light Rail Corridor
Los Angeles Metro
Metro engaged HR&A to support the development of program and design guidelines that incorporate broad community objectives – like community development, economic development, and multi-modal mobility – into joint development projects along the Crenshaw/LAX light rail corridor.
Brasilia Transit-Oriented Development and Land Value Capture Strategy
Inter-American Development Bank
To boost transit-oriented development in Ceilândia, HR&A and the IDB developed a land value capture strategy to fund infrastructure around two metro stations. This work was vital for enhancing economic activity, attracting private investment, increasing transit ridership, and supporting affordable housing, with our recommendations focusing on innovative funding and improved agency coordination.
Mitre Commuter Rail Line Land Value Capture Study
World Bank
Recognizing the need to fund upgrades to the Mitre Commuter Rail Line, HR&A assessed how land value capture could be used for parcels owned by Trenes Argentinos Infraestructura (ADIF). This analysis helped ADIF better understand the redevelopment potential of public sites and provided the World Bank with insights on leveraging land-based financing for public infrastructure.
Joint-Development and Affordable Housing Policy Analysis
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Five years into the implementation of its newly adopted TOD guidelines, MARTA’s sought to assess the program to ensure its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Through a comprehensive assessment and review of its existing programs, MARTA improved the effectiveness and strength of is TOD programs and affordable housing policies.
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