Ensuring Equity, Inclusion, and Community Benefits around Denver’s Commuter Rail Stations Introduction
Case Studies
Methodology
Summary of Methods utilized
Collect data to create station area profiles using the U.S. Census, Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics, and city planning
In 2004, Denver area voters approved a sales tax increase to fund a series of transportation projects, commonly known as “FasTracks.” Most FasTracks funded projects are currently under construction. The first FasTracks funded project opened in May 2013.
Identify case studies using the National Transit 2013 Database. Results: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, and Minneapolis. Research to find relevant documents, organizations, and agencies related to the equitable implementation of each case study city’s rail line(s). Conduct interviews with key contributors and stakeholders to gather additional and in-depth informaton. Using the neighborhood profiles, case study documents and interviews, and cross-case analysis, make recommendations to ensure equity and inclusiveness for existing communities that will soon be transit-adjacent or transit-oriented.
Three commuter rail lines will open in 2016. One additional commuter rail line will open in 2018 Station area residents and businesses are generally excited about the new rail tranit. But there is concern around some station areas about if/how the current community fits into the new station area plans and related development.
Station Area Overview 1) Each station area is very unique, from income and racial composition to land use and urban form. 2) Generally, stations with the lowest incomes and highest concentration of people of color are those 1-2 stops away from downtown. 3) The Central Park Station is very different from its immediate neighbors, bringin previous redevelopment strategies into question. 4) Few station areas are walkable or accessible without a vehicle. First/Last Mile Connection strategies are needed.
northwest Line 6 miles
East Line 23 miles
gold Line 11 miles
Federal Bl.
Olde Town Arvada
NWSS
Phoenix
Trusted Advocate Model
Preservation of Affordable Housing
First/Last Mile Connections
Community-led Steering Committee
TOD Office within Transit Agency
Community Development Block Grant
Equity as main goal of Transit Agency Relationship with Community
Seattle
Los Angeles
Living Wages
Participatory Planning
Equitable TOD Amendments
Preservation of Affordable Housing
Community Empowerment
Community Empowerment
Jobs - Construction and General
Youth Outreach and Empowerment
Common Themes Community is Key - Find Innovative Ways of Outreach and Engagement
Station Area Findings
north Line 13 miles
Minneapolis
124th Ave.
40th & Colorado
Central Park
First/Last Mile Connections - More than transit, also public realm Preservation of Affordable Housing - Improve Quality of Life Jobs - Construction, Operation, and Related Development
Next Steps Cross Case Analysis - Explore common themes and trends more closely. Identify unique strategies. Further research case study methods. Have any municipalities in the Denver region utilized a Community Block Grant? Are there examples of first right of return? Unique and effective outreach? Identify best practices in the context of Denver FasTracks Commuter Rail station areas.
Gold and Northwest Lines 100%
100%
$140,000.00
90%
90% $120,000.00
80%
70%
$80,000.00 50%
$60,000.00
30% $40,000.00
Commute by Transit, Walking or Bicycling Low Vehicle Households
70%
$80,000.00 50%
40%
Renters
$40,000.00
Adults with Low Education Levels Median Income
$80,000.00 50%
40%
$60,000.00
30% $40,000.00
Commute by Transit, Walking or Bicycling Low Vehicle Households Renters Adults with Low Education Levels Median Income
20% $20,000.00
$20,000.00 $-
People of Color
60%
20%
10%
0%
Commute by Transit, Walking or Bicycling Low Vehicle Households
$60,000.00
30%
20% $20,000.00
$100,000.00
People of Color
60%
Renters Adults with Low Education Levels Median Income
Make Reccomendations
$120,000.00
$100,000.00
People of Color
60%
80%
$120,000.00
70%
$100,000.00
40%
$140,000.00
$140,000.00
90%
80%
East Line
North Line
100%
10%
10% 0%
0%
$-
$NWSS
72nd
88th
104th
112th
124th
th
40
&
Note for all Data: People of Color = Total Population minus those identifying as “White Alone” Low Vehicle Households = 1 or Less Vehicles per Household Adults with Low Education Levels = High School (or equivalent) or Less for population 25+
Zackary Wallace
Advisor: Evelyn Blumenberg Client: FRESC: Good Jobs, Strong Communities This research is partially funded through the generous support of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs’ Dean’s Innovation Fund