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Friday Five: Shoup, Recovery, and Culdesac

Published over 1 year ago • 2 min read

Friday Five: Shoup, Recovery, and Culdesac

Happy Friday, and happy Valentine's Day! Here's what we're reading this week:

What We're Reading This Week:

Remembering Donald Shoup, the ‘Father of Parking Reform’

Donald Shoup, the influential urban planner whose work reshaped how cities think about parking, passed away this week at the age of 86. Shoup, author of The High Cost of Free Parking, argued that underpriced and abundant parking fuels traffic, sprawl, and pollution. His research inspired cities worldwide to adopt reforms like demand-based parking pricing and eliminating minimum parking requirements. Advocates credit Shoup’s work with freeing up urban space for housing, businesses, and green areas. His legacy lives on through the “Shoupista” movement—planners and activists continuing to champion smarter, more sustainable urban policy.

‘Recovery Urbanism’: Building Los Angeles’ Resilient Future

Los Angeles is embracing "recovery urbanism" to prepare for future disasters by rethinking how the city is built. The plan calls for retrofitting vulnerable buildings, expanding green infrastructure, and redesigning public spaces to withstand wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. City leaders aim to combine resilience with equity by investing in affordable housing and ensuring underserved communities are protected from climate threats. Experts say this approach will not only save lives but also position LA as a global model for disaster-ready urban development.

Trump Seeks to Halt NYC's Congestion Pricing Program

President Donald Trump is actively working to terminate New York City's recently implemented congestion pricing program. In discussions with Governor Kathy Hochul, Trump has expressed his opposition to the tolling system, which charges drivers entering Manhattan's central business district. He is considering leveraging the U.S. Department of Transportation to withdraw federal approvals or withhold funding to dismantle the program. Supporters of congestion pricing argue that it reduces traffic congestion and generates essential revenue for public transit improvements. However, opponents, including some suburban representatives, contend that it imposes an unfair financial burden on commuters. The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact urban transportation policy and funding.

Office-to-Apartment Conversions to Deliver Record 71,000 New Rentals in 2025

A record wave of office-to-apartment conversions is reshaping U.S. cities, with over 35,000 new rental units expected from adaptive reuse projects in 2025. Major metros like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are leading the trend, transforming outdated office towers into modern living spaces. Developers are capitalizing on high office vacancies and strong rental demand to breathe new life into urban cores. Experts say adaptive reuse not only expands housing supply but also cuts construction emissions compared to new builds, making it a win for affordability and sustainability.

Culdesac Tempe Redefines Community With America’s First Car-Free Neighborhood

Culdesac Tempe, a pioneering car-free neighborhood in Arizona, is reimagining urban living by prioritizing walkability, public transit, and shared mobility options. Residents enjoy a lifestyle centered around pedestrian-friendly streets, local businesses, and easy access to light rail. With no personal car parking, the community fosters social connection and sustainability while reducing traffic and emissions. Supporters see Culdesac as a model for future urban developments that break America’s car dependency and promote healthier, more connected neighborhoods.

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written by Michael Natelli

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