MesaCONNECTED Transit Oriented Development Plan

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban development approach that promotes compact, walkable, and vibrant communities centered around public transportation. Key elements include:

• Creating mixed-use spaces that integrate residential, commercial, and employment uses, all within walking distance of public transportation options. 

• Enhancing walkability by creating safe, inviting streets with good lighting, wider sidewalks, and easy access to local amenities within walking distance. 

• Providing housing choices that accommodate different household sizes, ages, and income levels, while respecting the character of surrounding neighborhoods. 

• Increasing economic opportunity by supporting local businesses and creating vibrant areas that can help stabilize property values. 

• Creating public spaces and community gathering spots by incorporating shared open spaces, such as plazas, that encourage social interaction and bring people together. 

• Improving infrastructure with upgrades to utilities, sidewalks, and public facilities to enhance the quality of life for both new and existing residents. 

• Fostering vibrant, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes by designing environments where land uses and building design encourage safe, convenient walking, cycling, and the use of public transit. 

• Expanding mobility choices to reduce reliance on personal vehicles and supports more efficient land use.

• Does Not Plan or Build Transit Infrastructure: 
  TOD focuses on land use and urban design strategies that encourage compact, walkable, and mixed-use development near existing or planned transit stations. However, it does not involve the planning, design, or construction of transit systems themselves—such as rail lines, bus corridors, or other transportation infrastructure. Those responsibilities lie with transportation agencies and transit authorities.

• Does Not Fund Transit Construction: 
  TOD does not provide funding or financial mechanisms for building transit infrastructure. Instead, its role is to guide and encourage development patterns that support and are supported by transit, improving accessibility and ridership. Infrastructure investment is typically handled through public transportation agencies or government capital improvement plans.

•  Is Not Limited to One Type of Transit: 
  TOD is a flexible planning approach that can be applied to a variety of public transit types—including light rail, bus rapid transit (BRT), commuter rail, streetcars, and even traditional bus services. The emphasis is on integrating development with any mode of reliable, high-frequency transit, rather than tailoring the strategy to a specific vehicle or system.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a powerful planning strategy that aligns land use and transportation to create connected, walkable communities centered around high-quality transit. By thoughtfully integrating housing, jobs, services, and public spaces near transit stations, TOD not only enhances mobility but also delivers a wide range of social, economic, and environmental benefits.

This development model supports Mesa’s long-term vision for sustainable growth, improved quality of life, and economic resilience. The following outlines the key benefits of implementing TOD in communities like Mesa.

1. Expanding Mobility Choices

   TOD enhances access to a variety of transportation options—such as light rail, bus, biking, and walking—allowing residents to move more freely and conveniently without relying solely on personal vehicles. This improves connectivity between neighborhoods, employment centers, schools, and amenities.

2. Stimulating Economic Growth

   TOD acts as a powerful economic catalyst by concentrating development near transit hubs, which attracts investment and drives revitalization. Key economic benefits include:

   • Increased private investment in key corridors and underutilized areas
   • Higher property values driven by enhanced access and amenities
   • Job creation and improved job access, especially for transit-dependent populations
   • A more diversified and resilient local economy that is less dependent on any single sector
3. Providing Diverse Housing and Lifestyle Options

   TOD supports a mix of housing types, price points, and living arrangements—including apartments, townhomes, and senior or workforce housing—making it easier for people of all ages and income levels to live near jobs, services, and transit. This fosters inclusivity and supports changing demographics and household needs.

4. Reducing Traffic Congestion

   By shifting more trips to transit, walking, or biking, TOD helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This eases congestion, shortens commute times, and reduces wear and tear on road infrastructure.

5. Improving Public Health and Environmental Quality
   TOD promotes healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability by encouraging active transportation and minimizing car dependency. Benefits include:

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions from reduced vehicle use
• Improved air quality, including reductions in ozone and particulate matter
• Conservation of open space and protection of environmentally sensitive areas
• Better health outcomes through increased opportunities for walking, biking, and social interaction

Development of the MesaCONNECTED TOD Plan started in September 2023 and consists of three distinct phases: Explore, Envision, and Plan.

EXPLORE 
The “Explore” phase entailed a data-driven analysis of existing conditions within the corridor. This involved reviewing information from existing plans, databases, field surveys, public surveys, and stakeholder workshops to establish a clear understanding of the area’s opportunities and challenges. 

ENVISION
The “Envision” phase builds upon the findings from the Explore phase, incorporating public feedback and stakeholder insights to develop a shared vision for the corridor. This phase explores potential development scenarios, transit-supportive land use strategies, and urban design concepts to guide future growth. 

PLAN 
The “Plan” phase will synthesize community input, existing conditions analyses, and national best practices to develop a set of policy recommendations and physical interventions. This phase will result in strategic guidance for zoning, infrastructure investments, economic development, and mobility enhancements, providing a clear roadmap for implementation.