Downtown Parking Program Proposal

You can review the draft proposal for the 2026 Downtown Parking Program here. This program has not yet been approved by City Commission.

Downtown Parking Vision

Foster a vibrant, year-round downtown district by improving access to local businesses—especially during peak season.

Reasons for Paid Parking

Parking downtown is a challenge, with high demand, high congestion, use of prime parking by beachgoers and employees, and underutilization of lower-demand lots.

Diverse funding sources—including user fees—meet downtown infrastructure needs, supporting updates and other improvements.

Overview of Changes

The 2025 program had 807 total paid spaces (378 on street + 436 in lots.) The proposed 2026 program would include only 175 total paid spaces, all of them on street. All other City parking will be free.

In 2025, parking west of Main Street was paid and parking east of Main Street was free. The 2026 proposal has updated the map to focus exclusively on high-demand spaces for paid parking, with free parking in lots and along Lake Bluff Park. The proposal also includes some paid parking on the east side of Main Street.

Free parking that was limited to a two-hour maximum prior to 2025 will be limited to a three-hour maximum. This includes free on-street parking on and east of Main Street, The Apricot, Blueberry and Cherry parking lots, and parts of the Apple and Pear lots. Additional free 30-minute spaces on street will also be added.

Revenue Priorities

After recouping the equipment costs, 80% of revenue will be reinvested in maintaining and improving the downtown. The other 20% of revenue will go into the City's General Fund.

Potential uses for the 80% include:

Infrastructure Improvements

• Road maintenance
• parking lot repairs
• Utilities (ex: wifi)
• Alleyway maintenance
• Streetscaping

Business Improvement Grants

• Facade improvement grants
• Other investments into downtown businesses

Downtown Programs

• The return of annual public art
• Additional events
• Other downtown promotion

Next Steps

Over the next few weeks

The Parking Subgroup will collect and consider feedback from community information sessions and make any necessary changes to the proposed program.

Late winter

City staff will bring forward the Parking Subgroup's program recommendations to the City Commission for consideration.