In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed significant amendments to public space codes aimed at revitalizing downtown Pasco and fostering small business growth. The presentation, led by urban designer Hope, outlined strategies derived from the Downtown Pasco Master Plan, which emphasized community engagement and the need for a vibrant, inclusive downtown environment.

Key proposals included the introduction of parklets, street cafes, and mobile vending opportunities. While sidewalk cafes are already permitted, the new amendments would allow for the establishment of parklets and street cafes, utilizing parking spaces for additional seating. The council expressed a strong desire to reduce restrictions on these new uses, aiming to create a more dynamic public space that encourages foot traffic and supports local businesses.

Hope highlighted the importance of flexibility in the code to avoid stifling entrepreneurial efforts. The proposed changes would eliminate previous time restrictions on mobile vendors, allowing them to operate for longer periods and in more locations, including vacant lots, provided they have the owner's permission. This shift aims to enhance accessibility for food trucks and other mobile vendors, which have become increasingly popular.

The council also discussed the need for a comprehensive parking study to assess the impact of these changes on downtown parking availability. Initial findings indicated that parking occupancy rates were generally below 50%, suggesting that the introduction of parklets and food trucks would not significantly strain existing resources. However, officials acknowledged the necessity of ongoing monitoring to ensure that new public space uses do not hinder access to downtown businesses.

The meeting concluded with a call for further feedback from council members on the proposed amendments, particularly regarding the establishment of food truck parks and the creation of a map of pre-approved vending locations. The council aims to finalize the code revisions soon, with the goal of implementing these changes to invigorate downtown Pasco and support its local economy.