The Politics and Practice of Parking Reform

Parking reforms take time. They require commitment, attention, in-depth studies, and data analysis, but mostly tenacity and creativity. The strong emotional aspect of any parking discussion must be acknowledged and included.

The presentation uses the City of Dallas as an example that demonstrates both the challenges of parking reform and strategies for success over a five-year span. What did it take to make it happen? How did it start and what kept it going? What were the necessary compromises? It is a story of resilience and persistence.

Look at the roles of the Parking Reform Network and national movement-building efforts in mainstreaming parking reforms such as those in Dallas. How did the discussion and body of work evolve from a subject of academic interest to a broad advocacy movement? How has parking reform been approached politically, and what strategies have been effective in persuading skeptics and changing public perception?

Presenters explore statewide policies and incentives as a growing avenue for parking reforms, including state legislative initiatives and Michigan’s own Redevelopment Ready Communities program, which provides technical support and grants for smaller cities to undertake reforms.