In recent years the term Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) has become increasingly common. But what is it?

TOD is an urban planning approach that encourages walkable, mixed-use communities centered around high-quality public transit. The goal is to create vibrant neighborhoods where people can live, work, and shop without having to rely on cars. TOD improves mobility, supports economic growth, and promotes sustainability by reducing congestion and vehicle emissions.

In Spokane, the Division Street TOD Project is shaping the future of one of the city’s busiest corridors. A collaboration between the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and STA, the project builds on the DivisionConnects study, aligning land use, zoning, and infrastructure with new transit investments, including the Division Street Bus Rapid Transit project, anticipated to launch following the completion of the North Spokane Corridor.

For Division Street, the project focuses on several key goals: enhancing mobility and accessibility with better sidewalks, bike lanes, and safe crossings; supporting mixed-use development to encourage housing, retail, and office space near transit; creating inviting public spaces with parks and plazas; and promoting sustainability by reducing car dependency and improving air quality.

With over 40,000 cars traveling Division Street daily and STA’s Route 25 serving almost a million riders annually, the corridor is primed for transformation. The TOD framework will guide land-use policies and infrastructure improvements to make Division a more connected, people-friendly destination.

TOD is about building communities that are accessible, vibrant, and sustainable. Community input will be essential in shaping a future where transit connects people not just to destinations, but to opportunity and a better quality of life.

For more information on TOD and the Division TOD project, visit: my.spokanecity.org/projects/division-street-transit-oriented-development.