Title
Briefing and Discussion About Ideas for a More Friendly Approach to Downtown Parking
Agenda Item:
Briefing and Discussion About Ideas for a More Friendly Approach to Downtown Parking
Issue:
How to make downtown pay station parking fun.
City Manager’s Recommendation:
Discuss information and provide guidance.
Staff Contact:
Steve Friddle, Community Services Manager, 360.753.8591
Karen Herald, Business Manager, 360.753.8277
Presenters:
Steve Friddle
Mary Corso, Member of Parking Fun Committee, Owner of Courtyard Antiques
Connie Lorenz, Member of Parking Fun Committee, ODA Executive Director
Background and Analysis:
The Parking Fun Committee has been meeting regularly to develop ideas for making the downtown pay station parking more user-friendly and explore options that might spur people to come downtown to shop, dine and recreate. The ideas to add fun that the group would like to discuss tonight include:
• 12 Days of Christmas: 2-hour free parking pay stations and 3-hour meters
• Girls’ Night Out: Annual event with free parking starting at 12:00 p.m.
• First Friday: Monthly event with free parking starting at 12:00 p.m.
The Committee will also provide a status report on:
• Parking Program improvements
o Pay station relocation project
o Lot improvements - safer, cleaner, more attractive
§ Gravel lot resurfaced
§ Enhanced cleaning schedule
§ Artesian lot
• Ongoing customer service and education
• Downtown Ambassador Pilot Program
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
The Parking Fun Committee represents business owners in the downtown that also serve on the Parking Business Improvement Area and/or the Olympia Downtown Association. We rely on their experience as well as feedback from customers to develop these ideas. Staff supports this approach.
Options:
1. Recommend moving forward to implement these actions.
2. Recommend staff and the Committee look in to different and/or additional actions.
3. Do not recommend implementing these actions.
Financial Impact:
• Free parking for events such as Girls Night Out and First Friday would have a minimal impact on revenue.
• Funding for pay station relocation and parking lot improvements would be from the Parking Special Fund. Project scope for future lot improvement work has not yet been identified.
• Staff training on customer service is funded through the existing training budget.
The Downtown Ambassador Pilot Program is funded through the Parking Fund. ($50,000).