Downtown employer permit pilot extended after positive one‑year trial, parking director to continue program

Santa Fe parking officials reported the one‑year Downtown Employer Permit pilot program has shown steady use and strong business support and said the Parking Division intends to continue the program under its existing ordinance authority.

Steve Kaspin, parking division director, told the governing body the program — launched Jan. 9, 2024 under Resolution 2020-263 — provided up to 150 permits at a reduced monthly rate ($25 during the pilot) to downtown employers who verified that employee beneficiaries earn at or below the program threshold. Permits are issued to businesses, may be shared among staff at the owner’s discretion, and were sold on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Kaspin said 111 of the 150 permits were used over the pilot year and that garages registered…