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Commission discusses parking plan and transportation systems plan grant; staff say work is underway
Summary
Commissioners discussed a parking plan as part of a larger transportation systems plan; staff said a citywide transportation systems plan is proposed with a grant and that a parking management study could be pursued through that process or through grant cycles.
Commissioners discussed developing a parking plan to support downtown vibrancy and reduce barriers to tenanting storefronts, and staff said a citywide transportation systems plan — supported by a proposed grant — already lists parking management as a project.
Several commissioners said parking availability and configuration affect downtown foot traffic and property reuse. One commissioner suggested reframing the work as a “legibility” plan that considers both parking and pedestrian access; others highlighted that too‑much free parking at the curb can reduce downtown walking and vibrancy.
Staff reported that a transportation systems plan grant (discussed at the meeting as approximately $300,000 for a citywide plan) is in process and that parking management studies are eligible under related grant programs. A commissioner noted that parking management or a study funded through the grant would follow the grant cycle and competitive process.
Why it matters: Parking management choices influence downtown economic outcomes, project feasibility and design decisions. A funded transportation systems plan could include a parking management study and produce implementable recommendations for City Council consideration.
Planning commissioners asked whether the commission should list a parking plan as a proactive item. Staff said the transportation systems plan currently includes parking projects and that timing depends on grant cycles and staff capacity. The commission suggested follow‑up to refine scope and, if appropriate, recommend further advancement to City Council or apply for the relevant grant cycles.
