Seattle Transit Communities

The Planning Commission has proposed a citywide transit communities strategy that would support more inclusive, affordable, and diverse neighborhoods and help maximize investment in major transit projects by locating housing, jobs, and services close enough to transit so that more people will have a faster and more convenient way to travel.

A transit community is a place where a neighborhood is integrated with transit, where coordinated public and private investments improve neighborhood quality, and where proactively planning for change can create or enhance a place where people of all ages and income levels can live in a complete community and access frequent, reliable transit.

Planning Commission Chair David Cutler talks about Transit Communities at March 14th, 2013 Public Hearing.


Written notes of Chair Cutler’s comments

NEW - Seattle Transit Communities – A Citywide Strategy to Integrate Neighborhoods with Transit – A report to Seattle City Council. Our March 4, 2013 report explains what a transit community is, why a citywide strategy is important, and details the initial proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment.  It also chronicles the outreach and engagement that has informed the proposed strategy and summarizes feedback the Commission has received about the proposed transit communities Comprehensive Plan amendment.

Our February 7th, 2013 comments and recommendations on the proposed 2012-2013 Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) amendments include proposed revisions to Transit Communities proposal DPD submitted to Council.

On November 29th, 2012 the Executive released its report with analysis and recommendations on the Commission transit communities’ proposal.  DPD included significant changes to the Commissions original proposal in their Director’s report and is the Mayor’s proposed ordinance for the amendments he recommends for adoption.

On September 24, 2012 the Commission offers a proposal to DPD that defines a strong framework in the Comprehensive Plan as a first step in implementing a citywide transit community strategy.

Tools and Policies for Promoting Social Equity in Seattle Transit Communities. In 2012 we commissioned research that resulted in a report that recommends tools and policies that can help promote social equity in Seattle transit communities.

June 2011 we called for a Citywide Transit Communities Policy to maximize transit investment Seattle Transit Communities.

Seattle Transit Communities - Integrating Neighborhoods with Transit - Our November 2010 Report is the blueprint for creating vibrant, successful ‘transit communities’.

Neighborhood Status Check: Seattle Citizens Assess Their Communities and Neighborhood Plans.  As a precursor to the Transit Communities report, in 2009 we undertook public engagement for an assessment to look at the status of neighborhood plans in Seattle. This intensive check in with communities revealed a need to create a more coherent citywide strategy for communities who have access to great transit service.