The TransFormation Alliance Strengthening Communities Through Transit The TransFormation Alliance is a diverse collaboration of organizations including, community advocates, policy experts, transit providers, and government agencies working toward a common goal to change how transit and community development investments shape the future, to offer all residents the opportunities for a high quality of life, linked by our region’s critically important transit system. Issues Driven People and Creative Placemaking Housing Choice and Transit Innovative Capital Equitable TOD Climate and Job Access Health Why It Matters Housing Cost Jobs Access 48% The percentage of income paid in 3.4% rent by City of Atlanta HH of jobs are accessible by a earning the lowest 20th 45 minute trip on transit. percentile. - Brookings Institute, 2016 Income Mobility 4% A child raised in the bottom fifth income bracket in Atlanta has just 4% chance of reaching the top fifth - Brookings Institute, 2016 MARTA links disparate communities The five highest median The five lowest median household incomes by MARTA household incomes by MARTA stop stop 1) Buckhead Station: 1) West End Station: $19,447 $104,518 2) Ashby Station: $21,895 2) Brookhaven-Oglethorpe 3) Oakland City Station: Station: $104,168 $23,000 3) East Lake Station: $97,037 4) Lakewood-Ft. McPherson 4) Lenox Station: $90, 766 Station: $25,236 5) Medical Center Station: 5) Bankhead Station: $26,168 $89,281 Station Area Typology Type A: • In/near major job centers • Improve job access Low Vulnerability + • Affluent population • Improve connectivity of station areas • • Emerging/Mature Market Strong market, lack of Build new affordable stock existing affordable • Develop affordable at adjacent MARTA stops with housing good access Type B: • Greater mix of incomes • Affordable housing preservation Moderate/High Vulnerability present • Rent stabilization to help existing residents stay • • + Emerging/Mature Market Susceptible to Introduce new compact housing types displacement from strong • Station infrastructure market Type C: • Greater mix of incomes • Affordable housing creation Moderate Vulnerability + present but displacement • Affordable preservation • Emerging Market an issue Invest in community assets, attractive to middle class • Market not as strong but residents improving Type D: • Given weak market not • Affordable housing creation Moderate/High Vulnerability likely to see development • Affordable preservation • + Emerging Market in short term Expand jobs and services to increase services to • Improve access to jobs in existing households. other areas Type E: • High percentage of low • Station areas need improved access to jobs via High Vulnerability + Lagging income households transit • • Market Due to weak market Improvements to station areas limited short term housing • Strengthen community assets investment TFA focused on four station areas 1) King Memorial 2) HE Holmes 3) Oakland City 4) Vine City Based on typology work conducted by Reconnecting America, these station areas are not seeing short term market rate investment in new housing, jobs or community resources. But, we believe these markets will become hot properties in the future: how can we support them along the way? Our Work How can we help MARTA achieve equity? • Services & Employment – Services should alleviate disparities in daily needs, focus on job opportunities within the local community, and encourage workforce development • Housing Diversity – Infuse affordable housing into station areas where costs are prohibitive to low or moderate income households – Housing with substantial mixed-use components, with a goal of neighborhood/resident retention – Incorporate affordable housing at AMI percentages matching community needs Equity Evaluator Creative Place Making:“En Route” Mural Program Working in the TFA’s four target station areas, En Route has commissioned internationally recognized artist Fahamu Pecou to lead teams of residents in the development and creation of murals at the associated MARTA station. The resident advisors help select teams of supporting artists who help to create the mural. Resident advisors also engage in creating the content, context, messaging, and meaning for the art. Four Primary Goals • Stimulate community action • Artistically examine collective identity through murals • Data collection and evaluation • Support community-based infrastructure for on-going decision making Infrastructure Bond Analysis Oakland City & West End MARTA Stations • Between both stations an estimated 6,000 people live within ½ mile radius • Together, both stations service an average 12,000 entries a day • Oakland City and West End Stations are Top Ten Station with lowest Median Incomes Oakland City ($23,000) West End ($19,477) Oakland City Marta Station West End Marta Station 1. Sidewalk uneven, covered 1. Inadequate sidewalks by debris, and hanging 2. No Handicap ramps in areas powerlines 3. No Lights or sub-par lighting 2. Needs better lighting and 4. Need Crosswalks signage in areas TransFormation Alliance was awarded $1 million over the next three years through the Strong Prosperous and Resilient Community Challenge (SPARCC). In addition, access to funds: – $70 million in financing capital – $14 million in additional programmatic support Strong, Prosperous, And Resilient Communities Challenge (SPARCC). SPARCC is a three-year, $90 million initiative that will bolster local groups and leaders in their efforts to ensure that, as major new investments in transportation are made, they improve equity, health, and environmental outcomes for all residents Our Commitment Metro Atlanta has a rare opportunity to transform itself in the coming years. Over the next decade, $3 billion will be spent on transit and infrastructure, fueling investments and driving changes in housing, health, and the built environment. With the award, TransFormation Alliance will: • “New Atlanta Way”- Demonstrate the potential for a new development style that focuses on equity, health, and environmental outcomes. The demonstration focus area is the Lee Street corridor, from the West End MARTA station to the Oakland City MARTA station in southwest Atlanta. • Racial Equity- Address shortcomings and challenges that result from spatial segregation, including the health and climate disparities that disproportionately impact black neighborhoods. Our Commitment • MARTA and Beltline- Advocate for racial equity during the MARTA expansion and continued development of the BeltLine through both policy changes and the built environment. • Community Empowerment- Ensure residents and organizations are involved in the decision-making process, by deepening capacity-building opportunities for established and emerging community leaders and civic institutions, and by incorporating arts and culture-based community engagement. • Policy- Advocate for policies to increase resources for strategies that reinforce SPARCC principles, including advocating for the allocation of additional budget and funding toward affordable housing preservation and development. • Capital- Use innovative capital strategies, including advancing the early acquisition of sites for affordable housing, healthy food initiatives, healthcare facilities, infrastructure development, the leveraging of green and energy efficiency rehab programs, and advancing models of permanent affordability. Thank You! Marisa Ghani Atlanta Regional Commission Senior Planner/Program Manager, TransFormation Alliance [email protected] (404) 463-3309.