“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work, reporting or approval of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to viewpoints@wchl.com.
Carrboro’s Free Parking Is a Progressive Gem, Let’s Keep It That Way
A perspective from Drew Stuck
Carrboro’s downtown parking debate needs a fresh perspective. We can all agree that plans to reduce car use, enhance safety, and create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown are noble. Many of us, myself included, would love to see areas like the Weaver corridor transformed into pedestrian-only zones. But as we discuss changes, let’s not overlook the remarkable system we already have.
At a recent town meeting, it was noted that Carrboro’s “free parking” isn’t truly free; it’s funded by city taxes which in Carrboro are overwhelmingly in the form of property taxes. This means we have a wealth based progressive tax structure that supports universal free parking downtown. This setup is nothing short of extraordinary! If you pitched our model to another city, it would be hailed as radically if not laughably progressive. Imagine asking homeowners to pay for an entire town’s worth of parking lots based on the value of their home. Yet, here we are, debating whether to dismantle it in favor of parking meters which are a regressive “use tax” that would disproportionately burden low and middle-income residents and visitors.
Why shift to a system that adds costs and complexity? Proponents cite plans for means-tested offsets and carve outs, like income-based exemptions for residents or local workers, which while well-intentioned often create more hurdles than they solve. Economic research consistently shows that universal access is more efficient and equitable than means-tested programs. Carrboro’s current parking system side steps these issues entirely. It eliminates the need for costly third-party enforcement, avoids reliance on apps that track users’ locations and sells their data, and removes technological barriers. No apps, no means-testing, just free parking for all. It’s a progressive city planner’s dream come true.
What’s more, our existing system and money allocated in the budget already gives us the tools to achieve the same goals as meters, without their downsides. The city can use its newly approved parking enforcement budget to fine overstays, limit parking times in high-traffic areas, or promote car-free alternatives like biking and public transit without charging for parking. Best of all, we know this approach works since it’s already in place, supported by the community, funded in our budget, and more equitable than the alternatives.
Carrboro has a rare opportunity to preserve a system that’s both progressive and practical. Let’s build on its strengths without sacrificing the equitable foundation we’ve already established. Our free parking model isn’t just good; it’s a model for others to follow. Let’s keep it that way.
“Viewpoints” on Chapelboro is a recurring series of community-submitted opinion columns. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work or reporting of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com.
