C
ouncil member Selvena Brooks-Powers is a politician who prioritizes parking over reduced rents. Her stance on the City of Yes proposal, now before the City Council, exemplifies this approach. Brooks-Powers opposes reform that would allow apartment developers to decide what amenities to offer their customers, such as parking spots or lower rent per square foot.

    As a Democrat, Brooks-Powers' position may seem counterintuitive, but she's not alone in her views. Conservative Democrats and Republicans on the City Council also want to preserve parking mandates. Progressives, however, favor letting developers choose how much parking to build.

    Brooks-Powers argues that eliminating parking requirements would put her at a disadvantage in rezoning negotiations, where she demands more affordability and community benefits in exchange for granting new zoning permits. However, this is not necessarily the case. Developers who cater to customers who need parking will provide it voluntarily. What they won't provide are money-losing units, such as affordable housing.

    Parking mandates can lead to excess parking in projects that don't require it, increasing congestion and encouraging car ownership. Brooks-Powers' insistence on preserving parking mandates could indicate that housing affordability is not a priority for her. Given past experience, this is a possibility.