Change for the Meter: Exploring the Equity Implications of Market-Priced Parking

Abstract

As California aims to curb its transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, policymakers and planners are implementing strategies to disincentivize single occupancy vehicle (SOV) use. Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) is a global non-profit organization specializing in community development and design. KDI was interested in understanding the most gender and racially-equitable approaches to disincentivize driving, given Los Angeles’ dispersed development pattern and decentralized job centers.

This capstone research project aims to better understand whether one proposed method of reducing SOV use—pricing parking—disproportionately affects people of color and female and gender minority drivers. The project uses a mixed-methods approach, beginning with a review of relevant academic literature to understand travel behavior, the theory behind pricing parking, and the equity implications of raising transportation costs. The research design also includes an analysis of the USC Understanding America Study (UAS) Survey 379, field observations, and an in-person survey in Hollywood. The small sample size limits the generalizability of the Hollywood findings. However, the survey is helpful in better understanding the variety of people’s parking preferences and responsiveness to potential parking-related policies. Finally, the project uses case studies to identify other cities’ strategies to price parking to meet their community needs.

Each methodological approach used in this report works together to build a more comprehensive understanding of parking behavior and preferences in Los Angeles. The findings reveal that parking preferences and experiences vary by race and gender. This report includes seven policy and planning recommendations that could redistribute the benefits of market-priced parking.

About the Project

This capstone project was completed in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Master of Urban & Regional Planning at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.