Rent Your Driveway wins Rep. Tom Suozzi’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge in New York’s Third District

When asked what inspired the creation of Rent Your Driveway, the student said, “The inspiration for creating this app came from witnessing the daily struggle my mum faces as a contractor for the NYC Department of Education. Her role requires her to visit various schools across different districts and neighborhoods, where parking is notoriously scarce. Every morning, she competes with 40-50 other teachers and school staff for limited parking spaces in busy neighborhoods. The stress of circling around for 20-30 minutes, or arriving 1-2 hours early just to secure a spot, is a common experience for her and many of her colleagues.

This personal frustration sparked my desire to find a practical solution—not only for my mum but for countless other educators and essential workers facing the same challenge daily. I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between supply and demand; while homeowners leave for work in the morning, their driveways often sit vacant and unutilized. By connecting these unused assets with those in need of parking, the app addresses both sides of the equation. Homeowners can generate passive income by renting out their unused driveways, while essential workers, like teachers, can easily secure safe and convenient parking without the stress of competing for limited spaces.

In essence, I wanted to solve a real, everyday problem while creating a mutually beneficial economic exchange. This solution taps into the untapped supply of parking in residential neighborhoods, helping to alleviate the demand pressures on public spaces in high-traffic areas.”