Donald Shoup, a pioneering urban planner and economist, passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 86. Donald Shoup’s work transformed not just parking policy, but our fundamental understanding of how cities function and grow. Shoup challenged us to see parking not as a mundane necessity but as a powerful force that shapes the livability, equity, and sustainability of our cities. His ideas have reshaped the way Greenbelt Alliance approaches urban planning, transportation, and land use in one of the most congested and expensive regions in the country.
A Cultural Shift in Urban Planning
Shoup’s seminal work, “The High Cost of Free Parking,” published in 2005, challenged conventional urban planning norms by highlighting the economic and social consequences of free parking and mandatory parking requirements. His research illuminated how these policies contribute to suburban sprawl, increased traffic congestion, and environmental degradation.
Through his advocacy, Shoup inspired a global movement toward parking reform, earning him affectionate monikers such as the “pope of parking studies” and “Shoup Dogg.” Beyond policies, Shoup inspired a generation of urban planners, policymakers, and activists to think critically about the hidden costs of car dependency. His students and followers, often called “Shoupistas,” have carried his ideas forward by advocating for more livable and equitable cities. His work continues to shape conversations around housing, transportation, and environmental justice in the Bay Area.
I'm deeply saddened to share that Donald Shoup passed away last night. He was the ideal academic—curious, methodical, and concerned with turning ideas into real-world change. TAing his parking course these past few years has one of the greatest honors of my life. Rest in peace, Shoup Dogg.
— M. Nolan Gray 🥑 (@mnolangray.bsky.social) February 7, 2025 at 8:34 PM
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Shoup’s Impact Today
Advancing Dynamic Parking Pricing
Shoup’s advocacy for dynamic pricing—charging for parking based on demand—helped inspire programs like SFpark, which uses real-time data to adjust parking prices in San Francisco. This approach reduces congestion caused by drivers circling for parking, cuts emissions, and ensures that parking spaces are used efficiently. His influence on this initiative has helped make the Bay Area a national leader in smart parking management.
Parking Revenue for Community Benefits
Shoup didn’t just advocate for paid parking; he showed how cities could reinvest parking revenue into public services. Cities in the Bay Area have begun experimenting with Shoupian principles by directing parking fees into transit improvements, bike lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure—helping to build a more sustainable urban environment.
Cartoon sent from Shoup to Greenbelt Alliance in 2020
Shoup’s Impact on Greenbelt Alliance
In 2010, Shoup collaborated with Greenbelt Alliance and the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition to present a lecture in San José, discussing the detrimental effects of free parking on urban environments. This well-attended event, held at San José City Hall, sparked ongoing advocacy for parking reform in the region. Following this event, Greenbelt Alliance continued to champion parking reform, working with residents and groups to influence plans for the Diridon Transit Station in San José.
Shoup maintained a strong relationship with Greenbelt Alliance over the years, engaging on our social media platforms and supporting our work on reducing parking minimums across the region. In 2020, Shoup was instrumental in guiding our work supporting the City of San José’s parking policy work.
Greenbelt Alliance newsletter from 2020 promoting lecture with Shoup
Shoup’s Legacy will Live On
Donald Shoup’s passing marks the end of an era, but his ideas live on. As we continue to grapple with climate change, housing crises, and transportation inequities, his work provides a roadmap for more thoughtful and sustainable urban development.
For Greenbelt Alliance, Shoup’s lessons are more relevant than ever. His legacy challenges us to keep pushing for policies that prioritize people over parking, ensuring that our cities are designed for a climate resilient future.
