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Cities are the heart of our region. It is from them that progress, development, innovation and the cutting edge radiate throughout Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). No one is surprised that eight out of every ten people in this vibrant region live in metropolitan areas. But all that glitters is not gold, and many challenges remain to be met.
One of the challenges facing our cities is transportation connectivity as a result of poor urban planning. Thousands of people spend long hours commuting the many miles between urban centers, where most services and job opportunities are located, and their places of residence on the outskirts of cities. This impacts people’s quality of life. It also affects the environment, as most greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are considered to come from transportation.
At the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Cities Network, we are aware of this reality. That is why we work together with local and national governments to develop sustainable urbanism that improves people’s lives. In today’s article we invite you to learn about a series of webinars on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) that will present concrete and strategic solutions that put mobility at the center of urban planning. Your participation in these sessions is essential to drive this transformative change in our cities and build a promising future for generations to come. Read on for more details.
What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and how does it transform our cities?
TOD projects are those that integrate urban planning and mobility to promote compact neighborhoods around public mass transit. The TOD approach is based on encouraging the clustering of residential and socio-economic activities in the vicinity of mass transit corridors and stations, in order to promote urban development with higher building and population density in this specific area.
The transit-oriented development model represents a concept within urban planning that seeks to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary solution to the demands of mobility and urban quality. Among other benefits, TOD promotes
- The reduction of travel times
- Optimization of the use of resources and services
- Containment of horizontal and dispersed growth of cities
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Despite these benefits, TOD is not a widespread practice in territorial strategies and urban projects in LAC cities. To achieve success in the implementation of this system, it is essential to integrate urban planning and mobility, so that the development of cities is more sustainable in terms of mobility, economy, society and environment.
This is your opportunity to learn about Transit-Oriented Development
To support urban planners in the region to learn more about TOD, the IDB has organized three free access webinars. Through the presentation of case studies and dialogue between experts and public policy leaders, we seek to systematize best practices, identify opportunities and address challenges in the search for a more efficient, equitable and sustainable urban future for all.
We invite you to learn a little more about each of these sessions and encourage you to register – you won’t regret it!
Webinar 1. Integrating Urban Planning and Mobility
Date: Wednesday, August 23rd
The first session dives into the important task of integrating urban planning with efficient mobility. Why is this important? In many cities, rapid urbanization has led to sprawl, with negative impacts on mobility and quality of life, especially for low-income populations. TOD emerges as an innovative solution that links urban projects with mobility systems, promoting the concentration of housing, stores and services near public transportation corridors and stations. Through the case studies of Bordeaux and Guadalajara, we will explore the challenges and opportunities involved in the sustainable integration of urban planning and mobility.
Webinar 2. Financing Models for TOD Implementation
Date: Wednesday, August 30
Transforming cities requires adequate financial resources. The second webinar will focus on explaining the financing models that make effective TOD implementation possible. We will explore the various funding sources available to local governments: from traditional revenues to innovative approaches such as land value capture. Through case studies, from cities such as Bogota and Washington DC, we will analyze how financing models can influence the viability and success of TOD projects, and how these strategies can transform urban mobility.
Webinar 3. Looking to 2030: new trends in mobility
Date: Wednesday, September 6th
The third and final webinar will take us on a journey into the future of urban transport and explore how active mobility, in particular cycling and walking, has become relevant in the reconfiguration of cities in recent years. TOD stands as an approach that promotes a healthy lifestyle through active mobility, but how have these projects adapted to the new normal? Through an in-depth analysis of the experience of various cities, we will examine how active mobility has influenced the design and implementation of TOD projects and how this transformation is shaping the future of our cities.
Be part of the sustainable urban transformation
The IDB Cities Network webinar series offers a window into the transformation of our cities, where efficient mobility and sustainable urban design come together to improve our lives. They are an opportunity to learn, share knowledge and connect with experts and visionaries who are shaping the future of cities in LAC. At this critical time of change and growth, it is essential that we explore the pathways that will lead us towards more connected, efficient and livable cities.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards the future of sustainable cities in LAC. Join us and be part of this transformative conversation!
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