Rep. Garcia reintroduces 'People Over Parking Act' to address housing shortage, promote walkable communities

Congressman Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach) on Monday reintroduced the People Over Parking Act, a federal bill aimed at easing the nation’s housing crisis by eliminating mandatory parking minimums in local zoning laws.

Garcia unveiled the legislation during the first event of the Congressional Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) Caucus in the 119th Congress. The proposal seeks to reduce construction costs and encourage the development of residential, retail, and commercial spaces in walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods.

“For far too long, mandatory parking minimums have driven up the cost of housing and limited the development of vibrant and accessible communities,” Garcia said in a statement. “We shouldn’t be paving parking lots where homes, stores, and restaurants should be.”

The bill mirrors recent zoning reforms in California, where cities like Downey are exploring new approaches to housing amid increasing demand. While Downey has expanded its support for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and mixed-use projects, critics say local zoning ordinances still present obstacles to addressing the region’s housing needs.

Nationwide, the U.S. is facing a shortage of roughly 3.8 million homes, according to housing advocacy group Up for Growth Action. “Mandatory parking minimums have been used to limit new construction of desperately needed housing,” said Mike Kingsella, the group’s CEO, in support of the legislation. “Congress must help remove barriers standing in the way of sustainable, transit-oriented communities.”

The reintroduced People Over Parking Act aligns with the bipartisan YIMBY Caucus’ goals to make housing more accessible and promote environmentally sustainable development. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, walkable communities connected by public transportation improve public health and help reduce emissions.

Garcia first introduced the bill during the 118th Congress. He has also launched several related efforts, including the BUILD GREEN Infrastructure and Jobs Act, which promotes the modernization and electrification of public transit systems. In recent years, he has helped secure funding for Los Angeles and Long Beach transit improvements ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

“As a member of Congress, I believe housing is a human right,” Garcia said. “This bill is about making communities more affordable, more sustainable, and more livable for everyone.”

The full text of the bill is available on Garcia’s official congressional website.