Parking Implementation
After being informed from almost 20 years of downtown parking studies, the City Council has passed a Resolution affirming the timing of implementing parking improvements, that were recommended by our Parking Committee (established 2023) and a parking consultant, Walker Consultants.
On March 19th, the City Council passed a resolution to implement improved signage, increased employee parking and enforcement by summer 2025 and to proceed with paid parking in selected areas of downtown by the summer of 2026.
The Q & A below provides the implementation recommendations from Walker Consultants to the City Council on November 20, 2024 and has not been approved at this time.
The City Council will be asked to move forward with exploring enforcement options at their April 2 city council meeting as well as receive an update on employee parking and signage.
Commonly Asked Questions
How did we get here?
Interested in learning the history of paid parking conversations in the city over the last almost 20 years? Visit the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee webpage that includes an overview of the meetings held by the committee and the reports received between 2006 and 2023.
Where is Paid Parking Proposed to Occur?
- Anderson Parkway – aka, Waterfront parking lot
- Front Street (from Hostmark to before the King Olaf Lot)
- Jensen Street (from Front Street to Iverson Street) (see image below)
Council is also considering Moe Street and 3rd Avenue, as recommended by the consultant.
When Might Paid Parking Occur?
Council passed a Resolution to implement paid parking in the summer of 2026.
How many days of the week are considered for paid parking?
6 or 7 days of paid parking, with Sunday as a potential grace day.
What is the paid parking system being considered?
Council has expressed an interest in using a mobile pay option.
What hours are being considered?
10 am to 6 pm, providing early morning grace hours.
What will the hourly cost of parking be?
The consultant has recommended starting at $2/hour. The council has not made a final decision on cost/hour.
Where will employees park?
The proposal is to include 42 spaces in King Olaf overflow lot (see image below).
What will the cost of employee parking be?
The proposal is $20/month. Council has not made a final decision on monthly cost.
Will there be enforcement of parking?
The recommendation from Walker is to enforce parking from Hostmark to Front Street to Sunset and portions of 3rd Avenue and 4th, per the hatched purple area in the image below.
Next Steps
City Council’s next discussion on the timing of paid parking improvements is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2nd.
Contact Information
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