America’s parking evolution

Following a century of automobile-centric development, it’s little wonder that parking is now one of the most common features in America’s cities and suburbs. Yet what seems like a minor convenience for each driver is, in fact, a contributor to lower public health, environmental pollution, and reduced economic opportunity.

On Tuesday, February 6, Brookings Metro held a discussion with Henry Grabar, a staff writer at Slate, on how American cities can evolve their approaches to parking and, in the process, build more inclusive and sustainable neighborhoods. Grabar talked about his recent book, “Paved Paradise,” in which he details how the country designed itself into this situation—and features stories from many of the leaders who are trying to design a way out.

A panel followed with experts from across the transportation, urban planning, and real estate industries to compare notes on just how big the retrofit needs are and some of the promising examples beginning to emerge from across the country and beyond.

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