Policies: Where 2026 Can Take Us 

Leigh Thomas 

January 2026

Near the end of Season 2 of the Our Parking Industry podcast, we hosted a lively conversation with Julie Dixon, who works with municipalities to shape policies that strengthen community and commerce (you can listen to that episode here). She’s insightful, experienced, and genuinely fun to talk with. Our discussion focused on how appropriate transportation and parking policies can increase efficiency, accessibility, and local value. That interview got me thinking about policy and reevaluating its value. When we ended that podcast, I wanted to learn about the policies introduced this past year and their impact.  

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However, before diving into research about recent transportation policies, I couldn’t resist a brief look at some less helpful regulations from history. Sugar City, Idaho, once outlawed certain dances. Quitman, Georgia, forbade chickens from crossing the road (which does invoke some jokes about the chicken not crossing the road). Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, requires a permit for wearing high heels on its uneven sidewalks; we must protect ankles! They’re amusing reminders that policy can shape our cities—for better or for quirkier. 

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Thankfully, 2025 gave us plenty of examples of policy done well. Some cities are rerouting their bike lanes to improve safety for both bicyclists and drivers, which Julie mentioned in the podcast. Buffalo, NY, now uses data to modernize how curb space supports residents and businesses (you can read about it here). Cities reallocated curb space to better support PUDO services, enhance pedestrian visibility (daylighting), and improve enforcement. Bangor, Maine, embraced enforcement in its town to capture lost revenue and improve efficiency. Many cities implemented these changes alongside transportation demand management strategies designed to promote walking, biking, and public transit use. 

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In contrast, we saw an increase in communities eliminating parking minimums in 2025. While eliminating parking minimums can reduce development costs and encourage alternative transportation, it is not always a one-size-fits-all solution. In some cases, removing these requirements leaves communities without adequate parking options. Developers may choose not to provide sufficient off-street spaces, assuming that residents will rely on public transit. Yet in reality, public transportation networks often cannot fully meet the needs of all commuters, particularly those who are dependent on vehicles for work, family obligations, or other essential travel. Without thoughtful planning, the absence of parking can create real hardships, leaving residents with limited mobility options and generating unintended congestion on streets and in neighboring areas. Julie reminded our listeners that effective policy must strike a balance between encouraging sustainable modes of transportation and ensuring that everyone has reasonable access to reliable transportation. 

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TPN strongly advocates for modern curb management. Today, curbs are no longer best utilized solely for parking; curbs need to be flexible and functional to support current business and community needs. This means allocating space for PUDO services, bus lanes, delivery zones, and parking during slower periods. An effective curb policy must be data-driven and block-specific, since each block of a street has unique demands. Technology now provides tools to measure curb usage. Still, city managers must invest the time and find the expertise to analyze this data and translate it into policies that genuinely support their community's needs. 

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From chickens to parking minimums, policy matters. It shapes how our cities move, how people access opportunities, and how commerce thrives. Let’s make 2026 a year of engaged policymakers crafting strategic and practical solutions for the communities they serve. TPN is looking to get more involved, and we hope you will too. Whether you're a manager, a property owner, or a curious citizen, your attention and participation can help guide communities to more hospitable and more accessible. Let’s make 2026 a year of meaningful mobility progress.