How Parking Minimums Hinder Home Construction

The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern

In this discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss why parking minimums often require developers to allocate a fixed amount of land for parking, regardless of the actual demand for parking in a particular area. This can result in inefficient land use, with valuable urban space being underutilized for parking purposes rather than for housing, commercial, or recreational activities.
Cara and Mike explore the origins of parking minimums and the concerns that led to their regulation. They also delve into the use of parking minimums as a negotiating tool for cities and the potential for scaling back these regulations. The conversation highlights the arguments for and against parking minimums, including their impact on housing affordability. They also discuss the role of the federal government in potentially banning parking minimums nationwide and the challenges associated with public perception and political dynamics.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.