Upon first glance, it might seem as if the new federal transportation law, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, was a setback for transit oriented development.

GM Brownsville Metro Brownsville, Texas

The Texan city prides itself on a track record of highly involved neighborhoods and history of Smart Growth initiatives as key contributors to its high quality of life. Several years ago, in anticipation of opening its first commuter rail line - Capital MetroRail, which began service in March - the city began TOD planning for the areas surrounding three key stations.