Data:
; Map: Axios Visuals
More than a quarter of downtown Des Moines’ central business district is dedicated to parking lots, according to analysis by Parking Reform Network .
- That’s slightly more than neighboring Omaha, Nebraska (23%) but less than Grand Rapids, Michigan (28%), for example.
- Larger and more commuter friendly Chicago is only 4% parking lot .
Why it matters: Parking lots decrease walkability and create dead space by sprawling out between buildings and taking up space that could be used for housing.
- They’re bad for the environment, too. Pavement creates more flood risks due to lack of vegetation and also retains and creates warmth when it’s sunny outside, according to a Yale study .
How it works: Parking Reform Network analyzed the downtown area encompassing the Iowa Events Center, the Des Moines Civic Center, Court Avenue and Hotel Fort Des Moines and determined 26% of it is dedicated to parking lots and garages, excluding street and underground parking.