Cities are ripe with sharing opportunities. That's kind of the point of cities, when you think about it. Shared infrastructure, culture, and space are what make cities dynamos of the global economy. And when citizens and governments plan a city together, an even more shareable city is possible. Increased innovation, resilience, and prosperity can follow. That's what Park Won-soon, mayor of Seoul, South Korea, is banking on with his ambitious "Sharing City" initiative. 

Below are 12 policy ideas to consider for your city from Shareable and Sustainable Economies Law Center's just released 40-page guide, "Policies for Shareable Cities: A Sharing Economy Policy Primer for Urban Leaders."

A bikesharing rack in Madison, Wisconsin

Photo: compujeramey/Flickr



1. Designated, discounted, or free parking for carsharing: Easeful parking is consistently one of the most cited incentives by folks who share cars. They know they are special and they appreciate it when cities acknowledge their effort. 


3. Adopt a city-wide public bikesharing program: Quite a few cities have hopped on the bikesharing bandwagon in recent years, and pretty much all of the other cities should, too. When access is noted as the biggest barrier to entry, fall back on the tried-and-true wisdom of "Field of Dreams": If you build it, they will come.

A man hands an older man an ear of corn

Photo: Joseph.Morris/Flickr




5. Create food-gleaning centers and programs: The amount of food wasted from farm to grocer to table adds up to about 40 percent of the total. Why not encourage the food producers and distributors to redistribute the not-perfect products to those in need?


A small container housing community in London

Photo: plentyofants/Flickr



7. Support the development of cooperative housing: Rents in major metropolitan areas are, quite frankly, ridiculously high. By banding together, like-minded residents can usually get more bang for their buck. Cities should see that as a good thing.

8. Encourage the development of small apartments and "tiny" homes: Municipal codes often include size restrictions for housing units that prohibit things like micro-apartments, tiny houses, yurts, and container homes — all of which are affordable, sustainable, shareable options.

9. Factor sharing into the design review of new developments: Forward-thinking urban planning is vital to creating a Shareable City. Housing that encourages resident interaction and properties that include mixed-use units both start with a smart design.

Empty store

Photo: Seth W./Flickr



10. Expand allowable home occupations to include sharing economy enterprise: The zoning codes that separate home life from commercial life — thereby making it illegal for many people to generate income at home — needs to go. Full stop.


12. Assist cooperatives through city economic development departments: Local jobs, local money — that's what cooperatives are all about. Every city should provide support staff and resources to help folks wanting to set up a co-op. It's just good business.

This story was written by Kelly McCartney and originally appeared on It is republished here with permission.

Related on MNN:

12 policies to boost innovation, resilience and prosperity in cities
Cities are ripe with sharing opportunities.