#143: What could be in these spaces instead? (ft. Tony Jordan)

It's Not Just In Your Head

"Land is expensive for housing and free for parking, and you wonder why we have a problem"

We discuss a surprising and an often overlooked issue around sprawling urban design: the high cost of 'free' parking.

Tony highlights various important aspects to parking reform: how lower income households are subsidizing wealthier households, America's unexamined 'socialist' attitude to free parking, parking as a battery for traffic & pollution and better use's for the land.

From an organizing perspective Tony shares his opinion why it's important not to waste your time trying to convince people who are against you, but instead activating a small core who are passionate about the issue.

We also cover the problem of the low social prestige of public transport drivers and mechanics, parking-lot violence, the communal benefits of public transit and why it's important to be exposed to humanity.

References:

Parking Reform - For climate action, housing affordability, and safer streets.: https://parkingreform.org/

The High Cost of Free Parking: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/101843.The_High_Cost_of_Free_Parking

Picture Windows: How The Suburbs Happened: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1443177.Picture_Windows?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=DFPmUOw9dp&rank=1

Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63329951-paved-paradise?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dxvm8hwmKR&rank=6

Meet the Numtots: the millennials who find fixing public transport sexy: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jul/05/meet-the-numtots-the-millennials-who-find-fixing-public-transit-sexy-urbanist-memes

Parts of the YIMBY Movement Are Moving Left: https://jacobin.com/2022/10/yimby-movement-social-public-housing-bill-california-darrell-owens-left

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Harriet’s other shows:

WBAI Interpersonal Update (Wednesdays): https://wbai.org/program.php?program=431

Capitalism Hits Home: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJpiw1WYdTNYvke-gNRdml1Z2lwz0iEH

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ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dystopia/Obligatory 'don't sue us' message: This podcast provides numerous different perspectives and criticisms of the mental health space, however, it should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with regards to any health decisions or management.