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Evanston committee weighs two-hour free parking as staff warns of $5.1 million annual hit
Summary
The Evanston Economic Development Committee debated offering two-hour free business-district parking after staff estimated a $5.1 million yearly revenue loss. Members asked staff to return with vendor usage data, a business survey, dynamic-pricing options and a plan to prioritize downtown wayfinding.
The Evanston Economic Development Committee opened a broad discussion on parking policy after staff estimated that eliminating parking fees across business districts would cost the city about $5.1 million a year.
Paul, a department staff member presenting the analysis, told the committee that "providing free parking results in a estimated $5.1 million loss in revenue on an annual basis," and cautioned that local retail sales tax would be unlikely to recoup that shortfall. Mr. Rivera, the administrative services director, added that "even if we eliminate the fees, you still have a cost structure in place to enforce the time limits" and that enforcement and vendor fees would continue to create expenses for the city.
Why it matters: Committee members framed the question as a trade-off between customer…
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