Henry Grabar, a reporter at Slate and author of "Paved Paradise," dives into the overlooked impact of parking on urban landscapes. He discusses how excessive parking mandates shape city design, hinder community projects, and contribute to pollution. Grabar shares the ideas of urban planner Donald Shoup, advocating for smarter parking policies that cater to communities rather than cars. The conversation also touches on the promise of electric vehicles, suggesting they could revolutionize how we think about urban parking in the future.

Henry Grabar, author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World", reveals the tangled web of parking policies and urban planning impacting cities, especially Los Angeles. He discusses how car-centric design hampers affordable housing and how parking minimums have fueled a housing crisis. The conversation also dives into the effects of an infamous parking meter deal in Chicago and the challenges cities face in balancing parking and housing. Grabar's insights blend humor with critical observations of America's parking crisis, making urban planning surprisingly engaging.

Henry Grabar, author of "Paved Paradise," dives into the fallout from Chicago's 2008 parking meter lease to Wall Street that left residents facing rising fees and lost access. He explores the emotional connection people have to parking, the broader implications of privatizing public services, and how outdated regulations shape urban life. Grabar also discusses the hidden costs of excessive parking requirements on housing and advocates for flexible urban planning that prioritizes livability and community needs.

Henry Grabar, a reporter at Slate and author of "Paved Paradise," dives into the complex relationship between parking and urban development. He discusses how excessive parking requirements shape communities and drive up housing costs. Grabar highlights innovative solutions for urban parking and how electric cars might transform our approach. He also touches on the socio-economic disparities in charging accessibility and the potential benefits of repurposing underutilized parking areas for community goals.

In this engaging discussion with Henry Grabar, author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World," listeners dive into the absurdity of America's parking obsession. Grabar highlights how we sacrifice affordable housing and walkable neighborhoods for parking space, unveiling the staggering statistic of six parking spots for every car. He shares anecdotes, like a frantic three-hour search for a lost car, illustrating urban stressors. Ultimately, he calls for a shift toward prioritizing housing and community over car storage.