DRCOG unveils 'Build to Move' toolkit to help local governments align land use and multimodal design

Senior transit planner Cole Netter presented DRCOG's multimodal local development toolkit project, "Build to Move," to the committee on Oct. 14, describing the toolkit's goals, components and engagement plan.

Netter said the toolkit aims to help local governments coordinate transportation and land-use decisions to produce safer, more connected multimodal places. Components described include a typology framework applicable to urban, suburban and rural contexts; a region-wide existing-conditions analysis of zoning codes, parking requirements and overlays; case studies of successful multimodal developments; context-sensitive design and development standards that member governments can implement; and an implementation plan that includes focus groups and a developer roundtable.

"The Build to Move toolkit wants to address these challenges by building local capacity and aligning land use and transportation efforts across our region," Netter said. He emphasized engagement with local government staff through four focus-group typologies and later outreach to developers so the toolkit produces practical, implementable guidance rather than a plan that sits on a shelf.

Committee members asked about language and cultural accessibility, which Netter said is a planned and intentional part of public-facing engagement; peers and case studies include member governments that choose to participate in focus groups. Members asked whether the toolkit is aimed at improving existing transit-oriented developments or increasing transit orientation; Netter replied it addresses both transit corridors and multimodal connections more broadly, including walking and biking access. He cautioned that the toolkit is guidance rather than regulation.

A number of committee members—including municipal planning professionals and board members—offered implementation-focused feedback, urging early developer engagement, coordination with public-works and utilities (subsurface infrastructure), and close involvement of transit operators to account for vehicle turning radiuses and operations during design.

Netter said the project will begin multiple focus-group meetings starting next month, with a developer roundtable expected in early 2026. Staff will produce a best-practices report, case studies and context-sensitive template guidance for member governments to use in ordinance updates and implementation.

Provenance: the presentation, Q&A and discussion are recorded in the meeting transcript under the "Multimodal supportive local development toolkit / Build to Move" item.