Conference highlights high-speed rail planning for transit-oriented development

Tweet

ANAHEIM, CALIF. — The potential for California’s high-speed rail system to help create more livable and sustainable communities took center stage at the High-Speed Rail Transit-Orient Development (TOD) Marketplace conference, hosted by the California chapters of the Urban Land Institute.

The event, designed to bring together planning, design, and development experts, focused on the opportunities for California’s high-speed rail project to foster projects that encourage “smart growth” developments near train stations, allowing people to be less dependent on cars and take advantage of high-speed rail as a faster, cheaper, and safer way to travel.

“Communities throughout California will benefit from our high-speed rail system, which will serve as a catalyst for creating more vibrant town and regional centers along the route,” said Curt Pringle, chairman of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. “Cities throughout the state are eager for the growth and revenue that will accompany stations, along with the tremendous opportunities for continued development.”

Conference speakers included Curt Pringle, chairman of the California High-Speed Rail Authority; Peter Calthorpe, founder and president of Berkeley-based Calthorpe Associates; Andreas Heym, director of development, AREP Ville, Paris; and Maria Ayerdi, executive director of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is the state entity charged with the planning, design, construction, and operating of the 800-mile-long high-speed train system serving California’s major metropolitan areas.

The Urban Land Institute, founded in 1936, is a non-profit organization of land-use professionals with a mission to provide leadership in the responsible use of land in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.

For more information, visit www.hsrtodmarketplace.org.