Born on August 24, 1938, in Long Beach, California, Shoup earned his Ph.D. in economics from Yale University in 1968. He joined UCLA’s faculty in 1974, where he dedicated over four decades to teaching and research, profoundly influencing land-use planning and transportation. His seminal 2005 book, “The High Cost of Free Parking,” challenged conventional urban planning norms by highlighting the extensive economic and social costs of free parking. This work led to widespread policy reforms, including the reduction of parking minimums and the implementation of dynamic pricing for on-street parking.
Shoup’s innovative ideas cultivated a dedicated following known as “Shoupistas,” comprising urban planners, policymakers, and activists committed to sustainable urban development. His legacy is evident in the numerous cities that have adopted his recommendations, transforming urban landscapes to prioritize people over vehicles.
Beyond his academic achievements, Shoup was celebrated for his curiosity, credibility, and kindness. He is survived by his wife, Pat Shoup, his brother, Frank Shoup, his niece, Allison Shoup, and his nephew, Elliot Shoup, along with Elliot’s wife, Megan, and their three children.
Additional sources about Shoup:
- Bloomberg: Remembering Donald Shoup, the Father of Parking Reform
- UCLA: Remembering Donald Shoup
- LA Times: Donald Shoup, renowned parking guru and UCLA professor, dies at 86
- The Economist: Donald Shoup knew how to get cities going
- Strong Towns: Remembering Donald Shoup: A Legacy of Curiosity, Credibility and Kindness