Monthly Event

The Original Transit-Oriented City: Transit-Oriented Communities and Philadelphia’s Next Era

When

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Where

The Village of Insutry & Art - 320 S. Broad St, Philadelphia PA

What

Transit infrastructure has shaped the growth and development of the Philadelphia region ever since the first railroad opened here in 1832. As Philadelphia grew from a walking city planned around Penn’s grid to a metropolis built around rail service, it helped establish the blueprint for what would come to be known as transit-oriented development (TOD).

Today, planners and policymakers are turning to Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC)—vibrant, connected neighborhoods centered on high-quality transit—as a strategy for guiding Philadelphia’s next chapter of growth. On October 14th, DAG will welcome representatives from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, SEPTA, and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission for a discussion of how these organizations are leveraging the region’s transit network to create and sustain neighborhoods that prioritize people and make walking, biking, and transit convenient, attractive transportation choices.

This event will be held at The Village of Industry and Art at 320 South Broad Street.

Registration is not required for in-person events, however it is helpful for our planning. Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP

Previous DAG Monthly Events

Archived | 2026-09-09

Designing the Future of Fairmount Park: Vision, Stewardship, and Partnership for Philadelphia's Signature Public Space

Archived | 2026-08-12

Design in Transit: How the Visual Culture of Each City’s Subway Reveals its Urban Identity

Archived | 2026-07-15

The Power of Place: Why Philadelphia Leads the Nation in Democratizing our Semiquincentennial

Presenter

Jennifer Dougherty

Jennifer Dougherty, AICP works at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) as Manager of Real Estate Planning and Development. At SEPTA, Jennifer has worked on various large planning efforts including the Cycle Transit Plan, Trolley Modernization, and the Comprehensive Bus Network Redesign. She currently leads SEPTA's Transit Oriented Communities program efforts including zoning, land use, and property redevelopment that enable more people to live and work near SEPTA's stations and services. Prior to joining SEPTA in 2013, Jen worked at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission as a community planner specializing in civic engagement and community planning.

Andrew Svekla

Andrew Svekla manages the Office of Smart Growth at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), the metropolitan planning organization for the Greater Philadelphia Region. Over the last 16 years, he has directed planning studies for municipalities and partner agencies that address issues of transportation, land use, and economic development. His recent work focuses on helping local governments expand housing opportunities and promote transit-oriented development. Andrew has served as an adjunct professor in Temple University's Department of Planning and Community Development and as co-chair of ULI Philadelphia's Housing Council. He holds degrees from George Washington University and Rutgers University's Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.