📰 What Happened: A new study modeled 75 development scenarios using city data and found that even with some voluntary parking included (e.g., 0.5 spaces per unit near light rail), Denver could see 460 more housing units per year. The city officially removed its parking minimums in August, following a trend in Colorado.

🔍 A Closer Look: Researchers found that parking mandates historically restrict housing output by limiting buildable area while raising costs. Removing these hurdles benefits smaller-scale and multifamily developments, unlocking more projects. Land previously reserved for parking could also be used for sidewalks, green space, or other public amenities.

🧠 Why It Matters: In tight housing markets like Denver, eliminating parking mandates is a simple yet effective way to increase housing supply without relying on taxpayer subsidies. The new policy aligns with improved walkability and transit goals, particularly in areas with light rail access.