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Council advances paid parking ordinance; staff and Main Street say outreach ongoing
Summary
City ordinance to enable paid on‑street downtown parking advanced to second reading; staff and downtown stakeholders described outreach and said paid meters will be paired with parking-structure options.
The Salem City Council advanced an ordinance on May 27 that would authorize paid on‑street metered parking in the downtown parking district and update time limits and proof‑of‑payment rules. The ordinance (ordinance bill 8-25) was advanced to second reading by vote of the council.
Why it matters: Council and staff say paid on‑street meters will help manage limited curbspace, improve turnover for downtown businesses and generate dedicated revenue for downtown maintenance and programs that previously relied in part on the general fund.
Outreach and implementation: City staff and the Downtown Advisory Board have conducted outreach to property owners, Main Street and neighborhood groups, sent email updates to an interest list of more than 500 people, met with the Chamber and other stakeholders, and ran an online open house. Sherry Wargreen of the city’s planning department summarized those efforts and said staff have produced FAQs and communications to merchants and property owners.
Business and resident concerns: Speakers at the meeting asked about how assessment revenues will be phased with the existing downtown parking tax. Staff explained the parking tax will remain for roughly a year to provide transitional funding while meters and enforcement are established; staff intend to bring a future code change to unwind the tax once meter revenues are in place. Councilors and commenters asked for clarity about permit pricing for garage parking and how resident parking and ADA/EV stalls would be treated; staff said permits and rates vary by garage and that accessible and EV stalls in lots will be maintained.
Next steps: The ordinance was advanced to second reading for enactment; staff will continue outreach and return with implementing details, fee structures and signage. Parking meter installation and operations will follow the ordinance and supporting administrative steps.
Ending: Council advancement does not by itself start meter enforcement; it moves the ordinance toward final adoption and gives staff authority to continue implementation planning.
