Austin proclaims March 2026 'Parking Reform Month,' cites costs of structured parking and 2023 rule change
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Summary
Austin City Council declared March 2026 'Parking Reform Month,' highlighting the city's 2023 elimination of minimum parking requirements citywide and warning that structured parking can cost "$5,000 to $50,000" per space, a cost often passed to renters and homeowners.
A council member read a proclamation declaring March 2026 as ‘‘Parking Reform Month’’ in Austin, saying the city’s shift away from parking minimums is aimed at lowering housing costs and improving walkability.
The proclamation noted that “in 2023, Austin became the largest city in the country to eliminate minimum parking requirements citywide,” and that minimum parking requirements historically increased construction costs, limited housing supply and raised rents. The council member said structured parking “can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000” per space and argued that removing unnecessary parking mandates helps lower costs, expand housing options and support walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods.
The speaker also previewed forthcoming council items tied to parking policy: an item from the speaker’s office on uncoupling parking and a separate item from another council office on parking maximums.
The proclamation credited the Austin Parking Reform Coalition for championing changes and noted that former council member Chris Riley helped lead parking reform in Austin. The proclamation framed parking reform as part of broader affordability, equity and transportation goals.
The session moved quickly to a photo opportunity after the proclamation; no formal vote or ordinance was recorded during the remarks.
The council did not take legislative action on the items mentioned during this hearing; staff or council offices were indicated as bringing future items for formal consideration.