How did we get here?
Approved by the US Congress September 21, 1966, the bi-state compact that created KCATA gave the agency broad powers and a clear mission: to connect people to opportunities through transportation, which has been served by KCATA since 1969.
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OUR FOCUS
Today's challenge
As the footprint of the KC Metro continues to expand, the cost of connecting people to opportunities through transportation has created opportunities and challenges that KCATA has the responsibility and authority to help solve.
In creating RKCDC, KCATA can use and leverage its resources to maximize the benefit of our transportation network by strengthening the areas along our corridors and strategic locations.
Why now?
All across the metro, citizens are facing challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and we can help. From needing easier access to jobs, to creating new economic activity, the entire KC ecosystem can benefit from productive (re)development and investment along the transit corridors we serve.
We believe now is the time to use our granted authority to advance KC, especially for the working people and neighborhoods who we’ve always championed and served.
How we help
In simple terms, RKCDC can recommend KCATA help fund and invest in developments along the routes we serve, using several economic tools including one called a conduit or START Bond, in order to help connect more people to more opportunities.
How we advocate
We also work on programs for jobs access and public policy to advocate for our riders and their communities.
How we decide
Our board and leadership team have developed the START Checklist—a multipoint evaluation system—to determine if development opportunities fit within our mission, strategy and policy to best serve our riders.
Introducing START:
Our tool for reinvestment
What does START stand for? Sustaining Transportation and Reinvesting Together.
Sustaining
The bold promise of zero fare requires KCATA to develop new ideas that are sustainable over the long term.
Transportation
As the transportation authority of our entire metro, we are on the ground daily in the communities we serve.
Reinvesting
Our goal is to create a cycle of re-investment and equitable growth across the metro where transportation facilitates better development and development facilitates better transportation.
Together
Unlike other approaches to supporting development, KCATA and RKCDC are in this together, with the city and region, ensuring that neighborhood needs never ride at the back of the development bus.
Curious to see our evaluation criteria? Click to download PDF
Interested in working with us?
TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD):
A timeless idea with a modern approach
TOD is a methodology of real estate planning, design and development that supports: local and community access, location efficiency, a rich mix of choices, value capture, placemaking/placekeeping, while strengthening travel networks and the community.
It is not only for transit riders/users. The idea is that it’s for everyone.
Common characteristics of TOD include being compact, connected and diverse, each of which can create vitality. When done correctly, some of the benefits include: cost of living reduction, easier access to work and amenities, improved community health, and more.
Best Practices of TOD:
Land Use
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Transit-support use mix
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Density of housing and jobs creates activity
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Compact development patterns
Urban Design
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Create pedestrian friendly convenient connections
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Build to the street
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Create transparency between the building activity and the street
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Hide off-street parking