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There’s no such thing as free parking. Every “free” spot costs money to build and maintain while inhibiting more productive land use — those costs are just hidden in higher rents, pricier groceries, and higher taxes. We all pay for “free” parking, even those who don’t drive.
For decades, Sacramento required developers to build parking with every project — at $30,000-$50,000 per stall, costs passed directly to renters and buyers. Restaurants had to dedicate up to three times their building footprint to parking. All that pavement worsens flooding, traps heat, and spreads neighborhoods apart, making it harder to walk or bike anywhere. Meanwhile, free street parking fills up fast, forcing drivers to circle blocks — creating traffic and pollution for parking that only seems free while taxpayers foot the bill.
Our Actions
In 2024, we helped to mobilize hundreds of people to give public comments on the 2040 general plan, culminating in the elimination of parking minimums citywide! The city is now taking steps toward establishing parking maximums.
The next step is to treat curb parking as a public utility, not an entitlement. Today, we are pushing for the creation of Sacramento’s first parking benefit district program to help popularize parking meters by equitably funneling revenue to the neighborhoods where they are collected. They help to revitalize struggling neighborhoods and attract local businesses by creating financing for street trees and other walkability improvements.
During Parking Day in 2024 and 2025, we showed what a single on-street parking spot could become when reallocated to people. You’d be surprised how many benches, tables, and bookshelves fit in just one space!
Help make a difference, ask to join our Parking Benefit Districts working group, or our next Parking Day project.
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