Title
Proposed Changes to the Parking Program Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Direct staff to proceed with a public outreach program regarding proposed parking program changes to carry out recommendations of the Downtown Parking Strategy.
Report
Issue:
Whether to Direct staff to proceed with a public outreach program regarding proposed parking program changes to carry out recommendations of the Downtown Parking Strategy.
Staff Contact:
Chelsea Baker van Drood, Parking Services Program Specialist, Community Planning & Development, 360.239.3468
Presenter(s):
Chelsea Baker van Drood, Parking Services Program Specialist, Community Planning & Development
Background and Analysis:
Adopted by the City Council in 2019, the Downtown Parking Strategy guides the development of parking policy and parking management strategies that support community goals. The Parking Strategy recommends expanding hours of enforcement, converting more meters to a three-hour limit, improving the use of off-street parking, improving way-finding signage, increasing the use of mobile payment options, and adjusting prices to achieve an 85% occupancy rate.
Staff will present draft proposals for each of these actions, which are informed by public feedback received in 2023 at a public meeting. The next step would be an additional public outreach program to further discuss these proposals with potentially affected downtown stakeholders.
Climate Analysis:
Expanding enforcement hours for parking will cause some to look into other transportation options and will lower the occupancy rate on evenings and weekends. This reflects fewer auto trips and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Improving wayfinding will reduce the number of vehicles parked in spots that aren't ideal (such as long-term parkers in short term spaces) and will allow drivers to go directly to a parking space that fits their needs so they aren't clogging traffic and driving around searching for a space.
Fully utilizing city leased lots by consolidating permits and adding more hourly paid spaces will open up more on-street spaces for customers and reduce the demand for new surface lots. Monthly permits encourage daily driving because parking becomes a sunk cost once the permit is purchased, thus discouraging the driver from using other modes of transportation. Providing hourly paid spaces in the lots will reduce the number of leased permits sold, disincentivize daily driving, and ensure that drivers only pay for the amount of time that they park.
With the conversion of the 2-hour meters to a 3-hour limit, we plan on maintaining the $1.25 per hour price at those meters, but because vehicles will be allowed to stay an extra hour, this may tip occupancy rates over the 85% goal. A higher hourly price may be needed to bring the occupancy rate down and encourage drivers to use other modes of transportation. Increasing the presence of 3-hour meters may also inadvertently encourage employees to park on the street near their businesses which would also negatively affect the occupancy rate.
Equity Analysis:
Increased City staff presence will improve the sense of safety downtown for marginalized individuals. Expanded hours will lower the occupancy rate to allow for more accessible parking for those who need it during the busiest hours. Removing coin operated meters will create a barrier for un-banked individuals and older people who have difficulties with technology, but the vast majority of the areas that will be mobile payment only contain meters that currently do not frequently receive coins.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Parking availability is a concern for visitors to and residents of Olympia.
Financial Impact:
Increased enforcement hours are projected to pay for increased enforcement costs. The estimated costs are $119,622 with revenue estimated at $140,155. Further details are included in the attachment. Removing meters will also reduce maintenance costs.
Options:
1. Discuss proposed changes to the parking program and provide feedback to staff and direction on beginning public outreach program.
2. Discuss proposed changes of the parking program at another time.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Hours Expansion Financial Impact