Transit question: How to preserve affordability

Across America, rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) lines have proliferated during the past decade. Los Angeles will have a total of 71 light-rail and BRT stations operating by the end of this year. The Boston region is extending heavy rail for the first time in a quarter-century. One concern is the rise in property values around both new and older stations, as more middle- and upper-income Americans want to live near transit. A recent Los Angeles report warned of "unfortunate side effects" if efforts are not made to preserve affordability. Another concern is the expiration of large numbers of federal rental assistance contracts near transit. Organizations like the National Housing Trust have shifted their focus in the past decade from building new affordable housing to preserving it. See article in the June issue of BCT.