Chicago

I think that's how Chicago got started. A bunch of people in New York said, 'Gee, I'm enjoying the crime and the poverty, but it just isn't cold enough, let's go west.'

-Richard Jeni

Reduced Urban Driving

For many reasons it would be a positive development to reduce vehicular congestion in urban areas: pollution and noise reduction, greenhouse gas emission reduction, improved pedestrian and bicycle safety, to name a few. Through the years I have read about a variety of ways municipalities have attempted to reduce city traffic; for example, London imposes a fee to enter city center. Here's another idea: raise the price of parking. Basically Chicago has sold the right to set and enforce parking rates for the next 75 years. As Kevin over at Mother Jones points out, 75 years seems a bit excessive, but the idea of charging more for parking may work in much the same way a high gas tax could reduce overall driving. Worth a shot!