Nirva LaFortune | City Councilwoman, Providence
1. You’ve been named a winner in the national 2019 New Ideas Challenge of the NewDEAL organization for your Transit Corridor Opportunity Program proposal. Please describe the elements of the proposal. The Transit Corridor Opportunity Program encourages development around high-transit corridors, promoting increased density along underutilized transit lines. My proposal encourages the development of integrated walkable/bikeable communities that promote arts and culture, while providing access to transportation, affordable housing, employment and economic opportunities. The basic elements of the TCOP proposal include mobility and connectivity; compact development: high-density employment and housing opportunities; inclusionary housing: raising limits on development size and scope as an incentive for development of affordable units; and art in transit/arts and culture.
2. Why are the proposed actions important for Providence? TCOP can help reduce sprawl, which pushes access to jobs, housing and economic opportunities into outer edges of the city, away from urban hubs and public transportation. Sprawl puts an even greater burden on mid- to low- income residents by excluding them from employment and housing opportunities if they do not have access to reliable transportation. Developing along a high-transit corridor not only helps mitigate these concerns, it can significantly reduce transportation costs.
3. Do you see a struggle in getting people on board? Developing robust high-density transit corridors is a fiscally prudent planning and development approach. Providence could also use the TCOP plan as an opportunity to enhance its already thriving and diverse arts community through potential public art installations and by encouraging creative community building. The success of the TCOP is contingent upon community engagement and strong partnerships.
4. Why did you enter your TCOP into the New Ideas Challenge? [It] was a great opportunity for me to test the idea and receive feedback from national policy and innovative experts, but also to connect with leaders who are doing similar work in their cities.
5. Why do you think TCOP struck a chord with judges? Throughout the nation, there has been heightened interest in developing diverse, vibrant and accessible communities. The TCOP aligns those interests with transportation. I believe that all of us who are interested in urban planning ultimately seek to create a higher quality of life for all those who live, work and play in our city.
