Mount Clemens extends free one‑day juror parking through Jan. 1, 2024 while seeking county cost‑share

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted Nov. 6 to extend a trial program that issues one‑day free juror parking passes for the Rosov parking lot through Jan. 1, 2024, aiming to boost downtown holiday shopping activity while city staff negotiate a cost‑sharing agreement with Macomb County.

City administration told the commission the trial, approved in June 2023, had "a positive impact on the downtown district" but produced a decrease in parking-fund revenue. Administration said it has reached out to Macomb County about sharing the lost revenue and estimated the city would ask the county for roughly $50,000 to offset the shortfall during the extended trial.

Staff cautioned that data are anecdotal and that several variables — including seasonal traffic and whether jurors would otherwise park on the street — complicate precise measurement of lost revenue. "We have a rough idea of how many jurors are actually average per week and then we know approximately how many of those are taking advantage of this right now," staff said, adding that the administration believes it can "come up with something near that dollar amount that's something that would work for both parties."

The commission approved the extension by roll call and directed staff to continue negotiating with the county; officials said the extended trial covers the holiday shopping period and will allow more time to gauge benefits and finalize any cost‑sharing arrangement.