What does the term transit-oriented development mean?
The term transit-oriented development or TOD generally refers to real estate development within walking distance of a transit station that is designed to increase transit ridership and reduce reliance on automobiles. To achieve these goals, TODs tend to be dense developments that include a mix of commercial, retail and housing uses assembled in a way that is pedestrian and bike friendly. By bringing mixed-uses together around transit stations, TOD enables citizens to live, work and play within an easy walk to transit. In sum, the development is oriented toward the transit station and transit ridership.

Finally, TOD is considered an important component of any smart growth strategy because it aims to reduce sprawl, environmental impact and car use.

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1. What does the term transit-oriented development mean?
2. Why is the State involved in transit-oriented development?
3. What does it mean to be a designated transit-oriented development (TOD) in Maryland?
4. Why designate some Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects and not others? Should all TODs be designated?
5. What are the benefits that designation brings to a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project?
6. What is the process for designating a TOD pursuant to Section 7-101(m)?
7. Do the State and local government designate a project, a zone, a planning effort, or something else?
8. Have any projects been designated TODs yet?
9. Is there a limit to the number of TOD designations that can be made?
10. What new financial tools did the 2009 TOD legislation grant to local governments for use solely at designated TODs?
11. What is tax increment financing (TIF)?
12. What is a Special Taxing District?
13. What is the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) and what role does it plan in TOD?
14. Are there dedicated funds in the State budget for TODs?
15. What are the characteristics of a good candidate for TOD Designation?
16. What types of transit stations make a TOD project eligible for designation?
17. Is there any new State legislation that might help support TOD projects?
18. How do Designated TODs relate to Smart Sites and other programs?
19. Whom do I contact to learn more about TOD and TOD Designations?