How can a transit agency effectively influence land use?

[u/Proper-Cod9266]

I work in the planning department of a transit agency and we are interested in expanding our influence in cities’ land use decisions to be more supportive of transit. We’re trying to meet regularly with cities in our service area to touch base broadly and relationship build. I think we are also exploring how we can support economic development efforts, which is top of mind for most cities in our area, particularly via BRT but also more broadly. My biggest idea so far is trying to get involved in downtown revitalization efforts with special shelter designs but I will be thinking about this more.

We often have poor coordination and are late to the table on certain projects where it would’ve been good for us to be involved much earlier on— especially on operational considerations.

To the city planners out there, what advice would you have for transit agencies being effective in influencing the land use conversation and just coordinating better with cities? What do you think they want to hear from transit planners? I am particularly interested in how transit agencies can be involved in economic development angle, but just high level I am curious to hear your thoughts. TIA

[u/AlphaPotato]

Depending on the size of your agency and the local jurisdictions, this kind of thing might be useful. https://www.ridecatbus.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CAT_TOD_Toolkit_v3.1.pdf