Council adopts amended paid downtown on‑street parking plan after hours and scope debates

The City Council adopted an amended paid on‑street parking ordinance on Aug. 26 after an extended, hours‑long debate that covered revenue projections, business and neighborhood impacts, kiosk technology and equity mitigations. Deputy City Manager Solberg presented the proposal and data from consultants showing district‑level occupancy and revenue estimates; staff recommended weekday and Saturday paid hours designed to balance revenue needs and convenience for local businesses and patrons.

Council members proposed multiple amendments. Councilmember Johnson moved to shift the paid‑parking start from noon to 1 p.m. to preserve lunch‑hour quick stops; Councilmember Miller successfully amended the amendment to extend the evening cutoff to 11 p.m. The council approved the amended timing (1 p.m.–11 p.m.) by roll call vote. A separate amendment to add Sunday paid parking failed 4–6. During debate staff estimated that moving the start hour by one hour would reduce projected annual revenue by roughly $60,000–$70,000 under conservative assumptions, while emphasizing tradeoffs between revenue and business impacts.

Council and staff discussed kiosk selection and cash acceptance, enforcement staffing and potential mitigation programs such as subsidized ramp passes or low‑income transit subsidies. The ordinance as adopted directs staff to proceed with implementation steps including procurement of kiosks and monitoring, while promising further work over the coming months on implementation details (employee/merchant passes, quick‑stop accommodations and outreach).