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Downtown Parking Committee forwards FY26 budget proposal to City Council with limited capital spending
Summary
The committee recommended City Council consider the parking fund budget that holds operating levels steady for FY26, pauses several capital projects, and creates a downtown services fund to shift non-parking expenses out of the parking fund.
The Downtown Parking Committee voted May 8 to recommend City Council consider staff’s fiscal year 2026 parking fund proposal, which holds operations near current levels, pauses several capital projects for one year and creates a downtown services fund for non-parking expenses.
Ed (staff member) presented the budget overview. Staff proposed modest operational changes intended to increase revenue by roughly $445,000 while pausing capital expenditures and moving non-parking costs (for example promenade maintenance and the downtown ambassador program) into a new downtown services fund. Staff presented a total downtown parking fund revenue figure of $10,879,000 for FY26 and showed a projected net shortfall of about $55,000 under the proposed plan after limited capital spending.
Major operational priorities described to the committee included a pilot to discount employee parking in Ortega Garage, lowering the 24/7 permit rate to better serve downtown residents, and expanding a locals weekender permit with a reduced price point. Staff also proposed a move toward a pay-and-display pilot in the Helena lot, with the possibility of later shifting to pay-by-plate.
On capital, staff said the department will defer larger projects in FY26 (including some concrete work, elevator upgrades and an Amtrak building roof project) and proceed only with a facilities assessment to prioritize long-term capital needs. Staff noted prior allocations (including Measure C funds) had been reallocated and that future access-control and revenue-control system projects will return when funding requests and project timing are finalized.
Committee member Newkirk moved to forward staff’s FY26 recommended budget to City Council; Committee member Sean Pratt seconded. The committee approved the recommendation on a voice vote.
Why it matters: The proposed budget changes are framed as stabilization for FY26 while staff performs a facilities assessment and prepares more substantial proposals for FY27. Pausing capital work is intended to buy time to reprioritize needs after the assessment.
