As expected, the Austin City Council has cleared the way for creation of a municipal parking authority that will build and operate for-profit parking structures in downtown and other high-density regions of the city. Proceeds from the garages will be used t support the hike and bike trails, bicycle lanes, and other alternative transportation projects. If parking is inexpensive, abundant, and well-integraed into new projects (underground!!!), than this decision will help the ity build a more vibrant downtown.As we have written before, it is clear that parking is becoming a problem: the easier it is to . . .