Encouraging compact land use by allowing density, building near transit, and eliminating parking minimums can have a powerful effect on the emissions a city generates.

Liberal cities around the country have mayors who love to talk about climate change, but while there are proven strategies to curb emissions in cities, many of these same mayors are afraid to upset the status quo. Transportation is the main source of emissions in the United States, so "[m]ayors can play a big role in reducing per capita energy consumption by facilitating more efficient modes of travel and more compact land use," argues Angie Schmitt.
Eliminating parking requirements is one strategy that's been implemented in Mexico City. Parking requirements make building more expensive and serve as built-in support for private vehicles over public transit. While a few U.S. cities have taken steps to reduce some requirements, none has gone as far as the Mexican capital.
Other strategies Schmitt champions in her article include creating space for sustainable transit in the form of bus and bike lanes, allowing housing near transit, and narrowing streets and slowing vehicle traffic to make the public realm safer for walkers and bikers.
FULL STORY: You’re No “Climate Mayor” If You’re Not Doing These Four Things

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates
The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces
It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance
After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet
The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.
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