Sustainable Transit-oriented development in Brazil
We collaborated with the IDB and the municipalities of Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro to develop transit-oriented development (TOD) strategies aimed at fostering mixed-use neighborhoods with access to high-quality public transport and mobility options. TOD strategies are the key to sustainable urbanization.
The challenge
Brazil is projected to reach a 90% urbanization rate within the next decade, and much of its existing urban network shows signs of wear from decades of rapid growth with little or no planning. To address this, the local governments of Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro sought robust TOD strategies.
The approach
Rebel, together with IBI group, developed a TOD strategy for two Brazilian cities: Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro. The main activities included: data compilation and inventory by reviewing and analyzing previously completed and current planning efforts underway in the areas of study in order to identify gaps in policies, strategies, and development projects (including a regulatory and institutional review of real estate development, use of land value capture instruments, and relevant taxation; study of transit and station characteristics in the areas of interest; leading stakeholder engagement workshops to share identified transit-first goals and targets, prioritize goals, identify markets, generate project interest and solicit feedback; definition and prioritization of TOD areas.
We carried out an assessment of the applicable land value capture tools available in Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro; analysis of risks and development of recommendations to ensure adaptable planning and informed decision-making; drafting of TOD recommendations; and identification of financing strategy and economic development strategic plan.
The successful structuring of TOD strategies for key corridors in Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro were completed in 2021 and 2022.
Impact
Identifying and structuring in Brazil’s transit-oriented development to create better mobility.
