Mesa TOD Plan

How can an expanded streetcar route support equitable, diverse TOD neighborhoods?

Planning to maximize economic viability and future development while ensuring the needs of current residents are met

The City of Mesa, in collaboration with Valley Metro and the City of Tempe, is extending streetcar operations into Mesa from Rio Salado Parkway and Marina Heights in Tempe. The route will connect key areas in Mesa and enhance accessibility to existing light rail stations at Sycamore/Main Street and Country Club/Main Street.

Funded by the Federal Transit Administration, the Mesa CONNECTED project aims to analyze and plan economically viable development scenarios along transit routes. Focusing on disadvantaged communities, it seeks equitable, safe, and accessible station areas.

Mesa CONNECTED will establish a strategic framework for higher-density, mixed-use, transit-oriented communities along the streetcar alignment. The project team in collaboration with the City is being led by Dig Studio along with national and local experts: AECOM, Jacobs, Opticos, ESI, Lokahi and Central Creative. The project scope includes public engagement, market analyses, development plans, zoning ordinance amendments, infrastructure connectivity, economic development campaigns, and locally viable financing strategies to support TOD.