Safer Streets Are Worth the Wait

On September 30th, the volunteer-based, tactical urban design group BetterBlockKC transformed a parking lane into what we’re calling a “Mobility Lane”. This mobility lane is a parking and cinder block protected two-way cycle track constructed for bicyclists, scooters, skateboards, and other forms of micro mobility transportation. BetterBlockKC did this by moving the existing parking lane…

Untangling the Westport Parking Controversy

A plan to replace a parking lot in Westport with new development is drawing criticism from both ends of the pro and anti-urban spectrum.  People on the pro-car, anti-urban side are criticizing the development because it removes parking spaces and increases density, which triggers their ‘where am I going to park/this neighborhood is unsafe’ reflex. On…

The River Market Is Many Things, but Mostly Parking

The River Market is buzzing with activity these days, with new development and major infrastructure projects poised to dramatically transform the neighborhood in just a matter of months. Streetcar construction is in full swing, and its impact will be felt in the River Market in particular, where the streetcar route loops through the entire neighborhood…

15 Ways Parking Districts Can Help Kansas City Park Smarter

In the past month, Kansas City’s Parking Advisory Board has begun circulating to Downtown neighborhoods and stakeholders a draft overview of a proposed ordinance that would enable Parking Benefit Districts. The basic idea of a Parking Benefit District is pretty simple. In the proposal’s own language, “a percentage of the funds collected from paid on-street…