Did the City make this decision on its own?

No. First, we heard over 2,000 points of feedback saying that parking is a top frustration or concern in the downtown.  As a result, the Downtown Parking Plan recommended adopting a paid parking program.

We then hired a firm that specializes in parking planning to help us understand the needs and challenges unique to St. Joseph and our downtown.  

Then, as we held meetings and drafted details of our downtown parking program, we listened to feedback from social media, emails, phone calls, Commission meetings and meetings with downtown business owners and employees. 

This input all shaped the parking program.