Homelessness: Not Just a Housing Problem

The homelessness crisis in America is real and has far-reaching economic and community impacts. Parking and mobility owners and operators are facing issues on both the operations and enforcement fronts, from people sleeping outside in and around the garages to those seeking shelter in automobiles using parking garages and lots as places to sleep for the night or longer to stay safe. 

Considering the root of the issue, parking requirements often drive residential costs. As the price of housing escalates, fewer people can afford a stable place to live. While the cost of incorporating parking requirements into residential development is not a direct cause of homelessness, parking and the unhoused have an intrinsic link that cannot be ignored. 

This session will examine tactics that can be implemented in parking, mobility, and transportation management to address the effects of the homeless crisis on parking operations. From direct action to help the unhoused using parking garages and lots as a resource to measures to keep the parking public safe while maintaining an empathetic response to those in need, the parking community can have a significant impact on the homeless challenge. We will discuss the power of partnerships and how working with other local agencies and organizations can magnify the power of the response.