MARTA (Atlanta) Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Strategy

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)

MARTA's proposed 12-mile I-20 East Extension would serve suburban DeKalb County and traverse through unincorporated DeKalb County, as well as the City of Lithonia and the newly formed City of Stonecrest.

MARTA and DeKalb County would like to promote higher density development around these six MARTA stations (Indian Creek as well as five new stations) to create communities with a critical mass of ridership and improve mobility in the affected neighborhoods.

These two goals have resulted in the need for an Equitable TOD (eTOD) Strategy that promotes private investment while protecting residents vulnerable to displacement. Additionally, the eTOD Strategy should ensure that new investments serve the needs of existing residents in this traditionally under-resourced area.

BAE worked on a multidisciplinary team as the land use economist and eTOD expert, evaluating demographic and market conditions for the I-20 East Corridor and six station areas to determine the potential for private investment along the proposed route, evaluate value capture potential, and identify strategies to increase local economic opportunity, and minimize displacement of existing residents.

BAE’s analysis also assessed the quantity and accessibility of critical community facilities including hospitals and urgent care centers, fire and police stations, supermarkets and other retail establishments, educational facilities, libraries, childcare facilities, and banks.

Additionally, BAE identified opportunities for growing local employment opportunities, particularly in the healthcare, logistics, advanced industrial, and film and entertainment industries.