LAND USE TRENDS AFFECTING AUTO DEPENDENCE IN WASHINGTON'S METROPOLITAN AREAS, 1970-1990. FINAL REPORT

In order to better integrate land use and transportation planning and implement less auto dependent land use patterns, it is useful to know where and to what extent the urban land market is producing less auto-dependent urban growth. Data on the population density, housing density, employment density, jobs-housing balance, and retail-housing balance of metropolitan cities and unincorporated places in Washington state were examined for the 1970-1990 time period. Analyses included the examination and comparison of statistical distributions and thematic maps in each decade. During the twenty year period, there was an increase in the proportion of the population living in jobs- and retail-housing balanced communities and an increase in housing densities. Meanwhile, population and employment densities declined. Density declines were attributable to falling household size, suburbanization, and the growth of very low density urban fringe developments. Distinct geographic patterns were found in density changes but changes in balance measures were less predictable. Relationships between land use variables were found and associations between both density and balance and less auto use were confirmed. It is recommended that efforts be made to promote greater density and balance in certain urban areas and that land use information be used to target communities whose land use patterns are capable of supporting greater transit use and less outcommuting.

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  • Corporate Authors:

    Washington State Transportation Center

    University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 535
    Seattle, WA  United States  98105

    Washington State Department of Transportation

    Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Avenue SE, P.O. Box 47300
    Olympia, WA  United States  98504-7300

    Federal Highway Administration

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Pivo, G
    • Hess, P
    • Thatte, A
  • Publication Date: 1995-7

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 127 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00713081
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: WA-RD 380.1
  • Contract Numbers: T9903, Task 22
  • Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Oct 27 1995 12:00AM