Parking fights feel intensely local, but they’re almost never unique. Different block, same script. Residents worry about spillover. New housing gets blamed. Meetings get heated. And somehow, nothing ever feels resolved.
The problem is that parking debates usually start in the wrong place.
Parking First, Housing Second
Most cities still treat parking as a required accessory to housing rather than a managed public resource. Minimum parking requirements assume a fixed level of car ownership, and assumes that everyone needs to use a car to move about.
Housing approvals often hinge on whether those minimums are met. Meanwhile, curb space is free or underpriced, with demand fluctuating by time of day, and enforcement is inconsistent.
Why parking debates never go away
Why Parking Debates Never Go Away
Parking fights feel intensely local, but they’re almost never unique. Different block, same script. Residents worry about spillover. New housing gets blamed. Meetings get heated. And somehow, nothing ever feels resolved. The problem is that parking debates usually start in the wrong place. Subscribe to the Newsletter This was originally posted as Expedition Log no.… Read More
Randy
