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City report: expanded shuttles, more restrooms and higher costs helped manage Nights of Lights crowds but businesses report uneven economic effects
Summary
City staff said expanded shuttle service, additional portable restrooms and targeted traffic controls improved safety and crowd management during the 2025 Nights of Lights season, but downtown business owners reported lost foot traffic tied to parking reconfigurations and restroom placement; staff reported a net city expense after grants and recommended continued shuttle and sanitation contracts.
City staff presented a detailed review of the 2025 Nights of Lights season, telling the commission that operational changes improved crowd management and public safety but increased city costs and produced mixed economic effects for downtown merchants.
City Manager David Burton and Assistant City Manager Meredith Bridal outlined seven areas of focus: parking, mobility and shuttles, public restrooms, solid waste and cleaning, public safety (police, fire and code), communications, and finance. Staff said the city expanded shuttle operations from 12 days in 2024 to 33 days in 2025, and overall shuttle passengers increased from about 19,450 to roughly 69,000. The city also increased the garage rate during shuttle operating times to $40 to disincentivize driving into downtown and actively managed…
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