Cushing Terrell Launches Community Outreach for Tucson Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Strategic Plan

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Mar 30, 2022, 14:37 ET

Cushing Terrell and partner firms join the City of Tucson to begin the public engagement and planning process to expand and enhance transit access and inclusivity in the area

TUCSON, Ariz., March 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Tucson's Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) strategic plan — a highly collaborative effort defined by commitments from the City of Tucson Departments of Transportation and Mobility, Planning and Development Services and Housing, and the City of South Tucson — kicked off this month with the first of several community outreach and engagement events.

Cushing Terrell and partner firms join The City of Tucson to launch their Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) strategic plan. The ETOD includes a planned 14.5-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) intra-city corridor designed to connect people and empower traditionally underserved, under-represented Hispanic populations in Tucson while addressing climate change, resiliency, access, and equity for all people. Phase one, community outreach and engagement, is currently underway.

The ETOD study was made possible by a $950,000 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Livable Communities Transit-Oriented Development grant awarded to the city in 2021. Phase one, currently ongoing, is the initial outreach and engagement phase meant to bring community members together to talk about important issues like mobility, affordability and equity in a thoughtful and comprehensive way.

"The Tucson ETOD project marks an incredible commitment to progress and equity for the City of Tucson," said Keith Walzak, Cushing Terrell's Director of Planning and Urban Development. "As a firm, and as creative leaders in the urban planning space, we are so grateful for the opportunity to engage with and help shape the equitable future of such a vibrant and rich community. This project is a major milestone for both Tucson and our team, and I sincerely hope it represents a shift we will see replicated across other urban areas in the United States."

Cushing Terrell is leading a dynamic team of local Tucson experts and national transit and urban design professionals through a series of immersive engagement activities to better understand the values, aspirations, and desires of the community to guide a meaningful process. A planned 14.5-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) intra-city corridor will connect people and empower traditionally underserved, under-represented Hispanic populations in Tucson while addressing climate change, resiliency, access, and equity for all people.

About Cushing Terrell

Cushing Terrell was founded in 1938 on the belief that integrating architecture, engineering, and design opens the doors for deepened relationships and enhanced creativity. This foundation continues to define the firm and its multidisciplinary team today. With 13 offices across the US, the firm's services span 30 disciplines. The team works collaboratively to design systems and spaces that help people live their best lives and enjoy healthy, sustainable built environments. cushingterrell.com

SOURCE Cushing Terrell