Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
HR&A developed a data-driven prioritization framework for WMATA’s 35 Metrorail stations with transit-oriented development potential. Our comprehensive 5-Year Strategic Plan for Joint Development, created with Delta Associates, identified catalytic infrastructure investments, financial incentives, and affordable housing opportunities that position WMATA to maximize real estate value while enhancing regional economic development and housing accessibility.Â
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority needed to prioritize development-ready properties across multiple jurisdictions with varying market conditions. Each station area presented distinct characteristics requiring nuanced analysis to determine appropriate sequencing and investment priorities. HR&A conducted thorough assessments of market conditions, infrastructure needs, and policy environments across these diverse station areas. We developed a prioritization methodology balancing near-term development feasibility with long-term value, identifying specific catalytic actions for each location and providing detailed guidance on infrastructure investments, amenity packages, and financial tools.Â
The resulting plan equipped WMATA with a clear roadmap for maximizing joint development program impact across the system. Our recommendations established practical implementation timelines and partnership approaches tailored to each station’s context. The plan identified opportunities for creating new employment centers, enhancing transit ridership, and expanding affordable and workforce housing options throughout the region. By sequencing development and aligning resources with market realities, this work positioned WMATA to transform real estate assets into dynamic community anchors while generating sustainable revenue streams supporting its core transit mission.Â
