# Chicago's New Transit Authority Gains Land Development Power

> Chicago's new transit authority can now buy and develop land near transit stations to boost neighborhoods.
- Title: Chicago's New Transit Authority Gains Land Development Power
- Summary: Chicago's new transit authority can now buy and develop land near transit stations to boost neighborhoods. Chicago's Northern Illinois Transit Authority…
- Keywords: nita, transit-oriented-development, cta, metra, tod, equitable-transit-oriented-development, housing, affordable-housing, parking-minimums, people-over-parking, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/10/26/transit-oriented-development-nita-cta-metra-tod-etod
- Published: 2026-10-26T10:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nita, transit-oriented-development, cta, metra, tod, equitable-transit-oriented-development, housing, affordable-housing, parking-minimums, people-over-parking, news, local
## New transit authority powers
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority gains unprecedented power to buy and develop land near transit stations for projects like housing and retail.
## Transit-oriented development
Transit-oriented development boosts ridership by making areas near transit more desirable for walking, living, working and shopping.
## Chicago's transit authority law
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act gives NITA power to buy and develop land for reasons unrelated to transit, unlike other cities.
## NITA's development powers
NITA can partner with developers, take on debt, offer incentives, and condemn land for projects near transit stations.
## NITA's land inventory
NITA has identified 3,000 underused parcels owned by transit agencies, with 91 ripe for development, enough land for 8,500 homes.
## NITA's development timeline
NITA plans to start taking development proposals in 2028, with construction beginning in 2029 and four to five projects per year.
## NITA's funding
NITA plans to allocate $10 million toward affordable housing projects near transit stations.
## People over parking rule
The People Over Parking rule eliminates parking spot requirements within half a mile of rail stations and one city block of bus corridors.
## Benefits of TOD
TOD projects can save households up to $10,000 annually in transportation costs and increase access to jobs for low-income families.
## Chicago's TOD progress
Chicago has made progress with over 100 TOD projects underway since 2013, including an equitable transit-oriented development policy in 2021.
## NITA's role in TOD
NITA can now partner with developers to build on transit-owned land, something the agency has wanted to do for years.
## NITA's development challenges
NITA faces challenges including staffing a new development office and high loan and construction costs for projects.
## NITA's development goals
NITA aims to increase housing access in Chicago, which ranks last among big cities for issuing new housing permits.
## NITA's development projects
NITA has identified 91 underused parcels ripe for development, with projects including affordable housing and retail spaces.
## NITA's timeline for projects
NITA plans to start taking proposals in 2028, with construction beginning in 2029 and four to five projects per year.
## NITA's impact on neighborhoods
NITA's projects can create walkable communities, boost ridership, and increase housing access for low-income families.
## Key takeaway

Chicago's Northern Illinois Transit Authority gains power to develop land near transit stations, potentially building 8,500 homes and increasing housing access.