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D.C. Surface Transit commissioned the Brookings Institution to look at funding alternatives for a proposed streetcar. Brookings then subcontracted with Reconnecting America for assistance. Out of that collaboration came “Value Capture and Tax-Increment Financing Options for Streetcar Construction.”

Creating walkable, transit-connected communities requires paying attention to personal safety and, in particular, safety concerns of women. This month the Mineta Transportation Institute released its report, "How to Ease Women’s Fear of Transportation Environments: Case Studies and Best Practices."

For 15 years the Rail~Volution conference has brought together practitioners interested in redeveloping communities around transit, walking and biking, but this year’s “rail-revolution” seems really real. President Obama has created formal federal partnerships focused on Railvolution’s agenda of using transit and TOD to promote sustainability, affordability and livability. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (Rail~Volution’s “father”) just created and is chairing the U.S. House Democratic Caucus’ Livable Communities Task Force to focus on these issues. And interest in high-speed rail, climate change, affordability and mixed-income communities, investments in complete streets and “active transportation” that promotes public health – issues Rail~Volution has always championed – is at an all-time high. Recent news stories also show that the real estate market, too, has clearly recognized the inherent value of walkable neighborhoods in livability …