On Feb. 14, nonprofit think tank Circulate San Diego launched its report “Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley.” Congressman Scott Peters was the keynote speaker of the event.
At a cost of $2.2 billion, the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension is the largest single transit investment in San Diego’s history. This investment is already generating economic activity, increased access to employment and climate-friendly travel. But San Diego should be getting even more.
The report offers practical solutions for how the region can get the most “bang for its buck” from its investment in the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension. These solutions would allow more homes and jobs near the Trolley, and improve connectivity via bus, bicycle and walking – to the benefit of the entire region.
“The Mid-Coast Trolley Extension has been a priority for me since I served on the San Diego City Council,” said Rep. Peters. “After years of hard work, it was so exciting to see the extended blue line open to move San Diegans to work and school. After investing $2 billion, we should consider this project the beginning of a new era for transit in our region.”
“We need more housing and jobs near transit in San Diego,” said San Diego County Supervisor and MTS Board Chair Nathan Fletcher. “As Circulate San Diego’s report shows, the Mid-Coast Trolley is a prime opportunity for inclusive economic growth.”
In addition to increased economic growth, implementing the recommendations of the report will help to meet San Diego’s housing crisis and climate goals. It also creates more opportunities for deed-restricted affordable housing in high-resource neighborhoods.
“Our report recommends increasing capacity for homes and jobs,” said Colin Parent, executive director and general counsel at Circulate San Diego. “It will also boost our economy by giving new opportunities to the industries that drive San Diego County forward, and housing their workforce.”
Much of the area surrounding the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension is within the University Community Plan Area. The in-progress update of that plan will likely be completed this year. The Plan Update is an opportunity to accomplish many of the recommendations of this report. The solutions are cost-effective and can be quickly implemented with coordination between MTS, SANDAG and local cities.
The report was celebrated at a Circulate San Diego mixer featuring San Diego City Councilmember Kent Lee on Feb. 16. In addition, Circulate San Diego will host a free virtual lunch and learn program on Thursday, Feb. 23 at noon about the report. The full report is available at www.circulatesd.org/MidCoastReport.
