CTOD Comments On FTA's Proposed Circular On Joint Development Projects Reconnecting America, Strategic Economics and the Center for Neighborhood Technology have released comments on the Federal Transit Administration's proposed circular on joint development. The three are partners in the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, the only national effort dedicated to providing best practices, research, and tools to support equitable market-based transit-oriented development (TOD), and therefore uniquely qualified to discuss the FTA's proposed guidance to transit agencies on joint development projects. Joint development projects are undertaken by transit agencies and public, private, or nonprofit entities to create transit-supportive development near transit stations. Joint development projects often take place on land owned by the transit agency, and can be stand-alone projects or part of larger TOD efforts. Transit agencies' contribution to TOD through joint development activities…

FTA Joint Development Proposed Circular After much anticipation, the Federal Transit Administration released its Joint Development Proposed Circular today. The proposed circular defines the term "joint development", explains eligible activities for FTA funding, describes the legal requirements applicable to the acquisition, use and disposition of FTA funded real property, and outlines the most common crosscutting requirements. The FTA is requesting comments on the proposed circular until April 5, 2013. Federal Register Link Download Joint Development Proposed Circular National Online Dialogue FTA has announced an online dialog seeking ideas on how to effectively include transit operators on…

Reconnecting America has released two documents related to the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts / Small Starts final rule and proposed policy guidance. The first is a broad overview of key features of the rule, along with a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). The second provides a detailed look at the changes to the project justification criteria and FTA's new methodology for evaluating and rating projects.

In January, Transportation for America released Making the Most of MAP-21, a 109-page handbook that explains the many changes in federal transportation policy — positive and negative — and outlines how local officials and advocates can help get involved and urge states to make sure that MAP-21 — Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century — money is used for the priorities of local communities. On Feb. 27, Transportation for America held a webinar focused on helping rural communities to take advantage of the MAP-21 changes. Among the speakers was Reconnecting America's President and CEO John Robert Smith.

When you get annoyed with people you tell them to take a hike, or get outta town.  In my case, I’d like to tell CNN to take a ride, in particular, a train ride; even more specific, a loooong train ride across America through big cities and small towns. I’d be happy to escort them.

A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Sustainable Communities and Office of Environmental Justice has been added to the Research Center's best practices database.

Transportation for America will hold a webinar Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 1pm EST to explore how the new 2012 federal transportation bill affects rural communities.

This morning, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced his intention to step down from his position as soon as his successor is confirmed. Reconnecting America thanks him for his work and will be sorry to see him go. Secretary LaHood has been a champion for transportation policies that will benefit every American, whether they use roads, buses, rails, bicycles, or their own two feet to get where they need to go.