Missoula Parking Commission approves 10% lease-rate increase for high-demand permits

The Missoula Parking Commission voted 3–0 on April 23 to raise lease permit rates by 10% in areas with active wait lists and to increase fees for loading‑zone, commercial and special‑service permits. Commissioners said the step is the third year of a multi‑year plan to align permit prices with market rates and manage demand.

Staff member Jody told the commission the parking plan adopted in June 2024 recommended a 10% year‑over‑year increase for three years to move rates toward comparable communities and reduce the ability for permit‑holders to hold unused spaces. "Our parking plan recommended an increase to lease rates of 10% each year for three years, and this is the third year of that increase," Jody said. She added that notices about the proposed changes went to leaseholders in March and that any approved rates would take effect July 1 (FY27).

The commission was presented a broader FY27 budget picture during the same meeting. Jody outlined revenue and expense projections, noting several changes: parking fines increased and took effect Jan. 1, 2026 (staff project fine revenue may fall as compliance improves), meter revenue is projected to rise, and lease revenue projections reflect the proposed rate changes. She also told the board the commission is establishing a deferred‑maintenance account; staff estimate roughly $500,000 can be allocated in FY27 toward deferred maintenance, while a consultant identified about $5 million in high‑priority repairs across structures and lots that cannot be addressed in one year because of time and financing constraints. "We will bring the budget back to the board for approval on June 9th and then MPC presents the board approved budget at City Council on June 17th," Jody said.

During public comment, residents and stakeholders asked whether the 10% increases were grounded in the commission’s maintenance needs or were an industry‑standard market adjustment. Staff responded that consultants recommended a phased approach to move rates toward market standards rather than an immediate large increase. The commission discussed operational tools beyond price — such as virtual permit management and opening lease areas to hourly parking — that are intended to improve utilization without pricing out users.

Emily called a roll‑call vote after discussion: Joe Eastston — yes; Jr. Casillas — approve; Latassa Stone — yes. The motion passed 3–0. The commission directed staff to include the approved changes in the FY27 budget package and to present the budget to City Council as scheduled. The board also discussed several FY27 capital and equipment items (including planned LPR installations and a fleet replacement recommendation) that staff said will be returned for formal approval at the June meeting.