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Council approves six-month pilot to expand discounted parkade permits for lower‑wage downtown workers
Summary
City Council voted to temporarily expand discounted parkade permits for employees earning $25/hour or less, apply the pilot to Marion and Chemeketa parkades and require employer verification. Council also directed staff to report back with a comprehensive status update by January 2026.
The Salem City Council on June 23 approved a six‑month pilot expanding discounted parkade permits to employees who earn $25 per hour or less, with employer verification required. The pilot applies only to the Marion and Chemeketa parkades and runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 under the amendment adopted by the council.
Why it matters: Councilors and downtown business owners said the transition to paid on‑street meters risks harming small retailers and restaurants that depend on low‑paid workers. The discounted permit and the directed report are intended to reduce displacement of employees and give the city time to monitor effects.
What council voted - Council approved resolution 2025‑17 with amendments: the discounted permit applies to employees earning $25/hour or less (tips excluded), Marion Parkade permits set at $15/month and Chemeketa at $20/month for eligible employees, and the pilot period extends through June 30, 2026. Verification requires a simple letter from the employer. - Council also directed staff to return in January 2026 with a comprehensive report covering: impacts on downtown businesses, employees and visitors; usage and fairness of parkade permits (full‑time vs part‑time); alternative pricing strategies by income, job type and shift; parkade safety concerns and feasibility/costs for increased evening/night security; community feedback on the pay station system; and evaluation of small payment increments (25¢ for 10 minutes).
Public input and staff briefing Business owners and the Salem Main Street Association urged the council to consider increased security downtown and better communication with businesses. City staff told the council the downtown parking fund has been under pressure in recent years and that the primary goals for parking revenue are to stabilize operations and fund security and cleaning without ongoing general‑fund subsidies.
Roll call and outcome Council recorded unanimous support for the amended resolution at the roll call. Staff will begin implementing the pilot on July 1 and collect data for the January 2026 report.
Ending The motion gives downtown employees a lower temporary price point while the city collects usage and economic data; councilors said they would revisit the policy at the January report and before any long‑term changes.
