Donald Shoup, an influential figure in the realm of urban planning, passed away last week at the age of 86. Known for his deep exploration of municipal parking policy, he transformed a seemingly mundane topic into a vital area of study, earning a dedicated following of fans, known as Shoupistas. His approach highlighted the significance of what many overlooked, proving that even the least glamorous subjects can yield profound insights. Shoup’s unique perspective reshaped conversations around urban spaces and their challenges.
It’s unfortunate you’re only being introduced to Donald Shoup after his passing. He’s among the few people among us who correctly identified what’s happening in our communities — and specifically — the unseen factors that shape them. Parking is chief among them. If you’re a regular reader, you’ve been teased on this from time to time in the past, but the future holds a lot more about parking and Donald Shoup. And if you’re looking for an immediate introduction, watch below.