The legislation, which would ban parking requirements near transit to encourage housing development and bring down housing costs, would be a rare federal preemption of local control.
Following a flurry of parking reform bills at the local and state level, Rep. Robert Garcia (D—California) is introducing a bill that would eliminate minimum parking requirements near transit stations nationwide. As explained by Eliza Relman and Bryan Metzger in Business Insider, “The legislation aims to promote housing density and walkability in urban areas by getting rid of requirements that developers provide a certain amount of off-street parking with every project.”
Garcia hopes at least some Republican lawmakers will support the bill, saying that housing affordability and accessibility are issues that “everyone should be behind.”
An article in Reason by Christian Britschgi further explains the historic nature of federal-level zoning reform, a project traditionally considered the right of local jurisdictions. Although federal legislation affecting zoning and land use is rare, laws such as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) of 2000 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 provide past models for federal preemption of local zoning controls.
Austin Eliminates Parking Requirements
After eliminating downtown parking requirements ten years ago, the city will now end minimum parking mandates citywide.
Small Towns Lead in Parking Reform
Small towns and communities around the country are eliminating parking requirements at a faster rate than big cities.
Colorado Lawmakers Renew Zoning Reform Efforts
The state legislature will consider a package of land use laws aimed at increasing the housing supply and reducing housing costs.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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