Shared Parking - It makes "cents"!

Walk through almost any city and you’ll notice a strange contradiction: massive parking lots sitting half-empty while drivers circle endlessly, frustrated that they can’t find a spot. How can both be true? How can there be too much parking and never enough at the same time?

The answer lies in the way parking is managed. Most spaces are locked away for one “priority” use — office workers during business hours, churchgoers on Sunday mornings, or retail customers during peak shopping times. Outside of those windows, those spaces sit empty. The result? A landscape full of underused asphalt and garages that feel “off limits” to the average driver.

Cities have responded to this frustration by requiring developers to build more and more parking, often far beyond what’s actually needed. A recent study of 27 mixed-use districts in the U.S. found that parking was oversupplied by an average of 65%. Yet the perception persists that there’s “never enough.”

The Case for Shared Parking

Instead of building more, what if we shared what we already have?

Shared parking is simple in concept: the same space serves multiple users at different times. An office lot could be used by diners at night. A retail plaza could support nearby residents after hours. By putting existing supply to better use, we reduce the pressure to pave over more of our cities.

The challenge, of course, is execution. Drivers wonder:

• Am I even allowed to park here?

• How much will it cost?

• How do I know if space will be available when I arrive?

Parking owners have their own concerns:

• How can I make sure my priority users still have access?

• How do I manage payment and security?

• Is it worth the operational headache?

Enter Parker: A Smart Solution

This is where technology steps in. Parker makes shared parking seamless by connecting unused spaces with drivers who need them. Our platform handles availability, access, and secure payments — giving cities, property owners, and drivers peace of mind.

Think of it as Airbnb for parking. Just as cities once questioned whether homes could be shared safely and fairly, they now have the opportunity to embrace a smarter, more flexible approach to parking.

With Parker, cities can:

• Reduce congestion and emissions by guiding drivers directly to available spaces.

• Eliminate the need for static parking minimums, freeing developers to focus on housing, offices, and retail.

• Encourage more walkable neighborhoods by reducing the footprint of massive, underused garages and lots.

• Boost local economies by making it easier for people to reach shops, restaurants, and venues.

Why Cities Should Say Yes to Shared Parking

Parker offers a win-win. Drivers save time and stress. Property owners generate revenue from unused assets. Cities get a cleaner, more efficient transportation ecosystem without the cost of building new infrastructure.

The technology is ready. The demand is clear. What’s needed now is for cities to open the door — just as they once did for home sharing and ride sharing — and embrace parking that works smarter, not bigger.

Because the best parking spot isn’t always the one you build. It’s the one that’s already there — waiting to be shared.