At multiple points the article tries to argue that things are outside the cities control. But this often sounds more like a cheap excuse. From the text: "Sever

At multiple points the article tries to argue that things are outside the cities control. But this often sounds more like a cheap excuse. From the text: "Several factors are fueling this disconcerting trend, from low gas prices that make it easier to drive, rollbacks on state-level traffic safety laws, the ongoing prevalence of digital distractions, and the rising popularity of ride-hailing services and heavy-duty SUVs. Such factors are frustratingly beyond the control of local leaders." Some of those, ok. But well, you can't stop people from buying SUVs, but nobody says you have to give them free or cheap parking spaces in dense cities or make streets wider for them. You can't stop ride-hailing services, but you can police them to follow traffic rules. You can't control gas prices, but you can control parking fees (and police them). You can't change state-level safety-laws, but you can make sure the existing ones are followed.