Parking

Bellingham Votes to End to Parking Mandates in Housing Push

On Monday, Bellingham joined the growing list of cities that have opted to eliminate parking mandates citywide. Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund and an allied city council have more housing reforms on deck.
Shoreline North 185th Street station from the platform with an apartment building under construction

Shoreline Votes to Ditch Parking Mandates, Legalize Neighborhood Cafes and Stores

In approving a unanimous update to its Comprehensive Plan, the Shoreline City Council is set to go well beyond the minimum requirements of state law in pursuit of creating additional housing options and more vibrant neighborhoods.
A women walks down the trail to Paradise Inn and the crowded parking lot adjoining it. A mountain ridge and cirrus clouds are on the horizon.

Op-Ed: Transit in Rainier National Park Would Ensure Paradise for Everyone

A robust public transit network for Mount Rainier National Park could unlock trailheads and attractions to more visitors, while improving environmental sustainability. Rather than grousing about the park's timed-entry system, let's improve access for all.

Seattle Set to Double Down on Arbitrary Parking Mandates

Despite being a longtime parking reform leader, Seattle is set to require off-street parking, even as it unlocks significant housing capacity near transit. This will make housing harder to build.

Spokane Just Ditched Parking Mandates. What’s Stopping the Rest of Washington?

Cities across the country are ditching arbitrary requirements around how many parking spaces must be built with new housing, but Spokane is the first major Washington city to take the plunge. Will others follow?
A new six-story apartment building in Downtown Spokane.

Spokane Poised to Abolish Parking Mandates in Urbanist Reform Package

Spokane is advancing a package of urbanist-minded reforms that would make on-site parking optional for new buildings. It's part of a broader effort to spur homebuilding and reduce car dependency in the Lilac City.

Seattle Transforms Alki Point Street with Added Walking and Rolling Space

The newly transformed section of Beach Drive SW has turned walkers and rollers into priority users while still allowing vehicle access. Meanwhile, a coalition allied around parking concerns continues to plot a way to undo the safety project.
Bird's eye view of downtown Bremerton with the marina and some midrise buildings in the foreground.

Bremerton Considers Bold Housing Reforms in its Comprehensive Plan Update

Reforms being considered by Bremerton as part of this year's major planning update include eliminating parking mandates, removing height limits in downtown, and expanding neighborhoods where additional density is allowed.