Mount Rainier to roll out app-and-phone parking payments March 17; council seeks signage and a brief grace period

Mount Rainier city staff said the city will switch from individual parking meters to a vendor-run system that residents can use via a mobile app or by calling a phone number, with a targeted go-live date of March 17.

"We should go live on March 17," City Manager Kamali said, adding that the vendor-provided signs will include the phone number so people without smartphones can pay by phone. Kamali said the fee will remain the same as today and staff will circulate a sign proof and outreach materials to the city's website and business email list before launch.

Council members pressed Kamali on communication and implementation. "Is there any signage put up so that residents know how to access the app?" asked Councilor Jakuda. Kamali replied that public works will post signs with the app information and phone number and that the city will run an email blast and social posts targeting business owners and residents.

Several council members requested a short grace period after launch so drivers can adapt. "Let's work on a grace period," Mayor Antaso said; Kamali responded the administration will provide at least two weeks for the community to get familiar with the program.

Kamali also reported the city is executing a contract for stop‑sign cameras at 16 locations approved by the county and expects installation within about 60–90 days after contract execution. He described the combined changes as efforts to "have a safer street for our community."

The manager’s wider report included several grant-funded projects that will affect streets and sidewalks this year and into the summer; councilors asked staff to share timelines and sign images so members can help amplify outreach. The council did not take a final vote on any of the enforcement items during the meeting; Kamali said staff will bring packaged outreach materials back to the council and to the community ahead of launch.