By Jasmane Trotter, Senior Project Manager, Levitate Legal & Consulting
As part of Levitate Legal & Consulting’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovative strategies for nonprofit and local government clients, I recently attended the U.S. DOT Climate Change Center Webinar Series: Parking Reform, City of Philadelphia. This session explored how rethinking parking policies can serve as a powerful lever to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve equity, and create more resilient urban environments.
Parking Reform as a Climate Strategy
The transportation sector remains the largest contributor to GHG emissions in the United States, accounting for roughly 29% of total emissions. While progress has been made in areas such as electric vehicle (EV) adoption and fuel efficiency, one often-overlooked opportunity lies in parking reform.
Parking mandates – minimum requirements dictating the number of parking spaces for new developments – were largely established decades ago, often without re-evaluation. These outdated policies not only encourage car dependency but also contribute to urban sprawl and inefficient land use.
The webinar highlighted that by reducing or eliminating minimum parking mandates, cities can foster denser, walkable communities, significantly cutting transportation emissions. For example, studies show that reducing the total parking supply at residential sites can decrease resident vehicle emissions by up to 14%.
The Philadelphia Model – A Case Study
The City of Philadelphia has emerged as a leader in progressive parking reform. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of parking on equity and environmental sustainability, the city launched its Public Curbside EV Charging Program. This initiative aims to install curbside EV chargers in underserved neighborhoods while addressing issues of limited off-street parking access.
Philadelphia’s comprehensive approach reflects three primary goals:
- Equity: Prioritizing charger installations in historically disadvantaged communities.
- Multimodal Planning: Integrating parking reforms with bike lanes, bus lanes, and curb management initiatives.
- Scalability: Utilizing public-private partnerships to expand charging infrastructure across recreation centers and commercial corridors.
The program is already seeing success. Philadelphia secured $8.98 million in funding to develop fast-charging hubs at key locations, including the airport and community centers.
Lessons from Nashville and Beyond
Nashville’s Connect Downtown initiative offers another compelling example of how parking reform complements broader transportation goals. By piloting smart loading zones and enhancing curb enforcement, Nashville aims to manage congestion, improve safety, and encourage the use of alternative modes of transport.
The shift to digital parking enforcement and adaptive signals not only increases efficiency but also generates additional revenue – projected to reach $10-15 million by year five. These funds can be reinvested into public transit and pedestrian infrastructure, reinforcing the city’s sustainability efforts.
The National Movement
Cities across the U.S. are beginning to follow suit. From Seattle to Buffalo, jurisdictions are repealing parking minimums and adopting smart curb management practices. In Oregon, Washington, and California, statewide reforms have already been enacted, setting a precedent for others to emulate.
The momentum behind parking reform reflects a broader recognition that sustainable urban planning must account for more than just vehicles – it must prioritize people, communities, and the environment.
Final Thoughts
At Levitate Legal & Consulting, we believe that parking reform represents a critical intersection between environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social equity. As we continue to support our clients in designing impactful programs, integrating lessons from cities like Philadelphia and Nashville will be essential in shaping forward-thinking solutions.
By rethinking something as simple as parking, we unlock opportunities to build greener, more vibrant communities – a goal we all share.
