Space Works conducted a study to identify barriers to change for transit-oriented development (TOD) in the city of Berkeley, California. TOD is a land-use planning approach to facilitating lower-carbon lifestyles by densifying residential development in areas served by public transit. While providing support for the broader policy of influencing transport behavior through land use policy, we found that the current manifestation of this policy in downtown Berkeley faces barriers to change based on identifications people hold with their dwelling, city, and stage in life. Life history interviews were used to gain an in-depth understanding of the evolution of residential and transportation patterns over the life course, and examine the social and identity implications these hold for residents. This was combined with a post-occupancy evaluation of the area under development, conducted via user experience walk-throughs with a diverse sample of those who use the area. A policy and design guidance report is under review by policymakers.