Opportunities and Challenges of Light Rail Station Development for Women and/or Minority Owned Businesses in Seattle, Washington
Abstract
Women and/or minority owned businesses (WMBE) disproportionately face more challenges due to systemic inequities in society; however, this is not well-studied in transit-oriented development (TOD) environments. This study aims to explore the opportunities and challenges of WMBE businesses located near light rail stations, by asking the qualitative research question: How do WMBE businesses perceive the opportunities and challenges of locating near a light rail station in Seattle, Washington? 10 semi-structured and anonymous phone interviews were conducted with voluntary owners or employees of food and beverage WMBE businesses located near the U District and Capitol Hill LINK light rail stations. The results showed some common opportunities and challenges, such as increased foot traffic and crime. Different opportunities and challenges were also identified. WMBE businesses near the U District station expressed increased demographic diversity of their customers but have strong distrust or disappointment in government agencies. In contrast, WMBE businesses near the Capitol Hill station expressed how employees depended on the light rail to commute to the business, but homeless individuals disrupt their businesses often. During the construction phase of the station, WMBE businesses near the U District station expressed additional challenges such as vandalism, low foot traffic, construction noises, and obstructions from construction equipment. The results suggest that planners, government, and transit agencies should build relationships and trust with WMBE businesses; improve their knowledge of WMBE businesses; increase crime prevention measures in TOD areas; and assist WMBE businesses in TODs during and post construction of the light rail stations.
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- Urban planning [347]