City of Santa Monica Downtown Parking PlanDowntown Parking Plan

How a study to fund the construction of new parking spaces led instead to new possibilities for accessing its downtown and saved the City

approximately $57,000,000 in unnecessary new infrastructure.

The Challenge: Previous Studies recommended the construction of two new additional parking structures containing 1,000 new spaces.

The Finding: Redistribution of the parking demand to existing, underutilized spaces and transportation alternatives eliminates p pthe need to build new structures and encourages more sustainable transportation options.

The Solutions: Change the goal by changing the mindset. Pricing, management and technological solutions redistribute the peak demand for parking into peripheral parking locations and p p g p p p galternative modes of transportation.

71% of Cars Parked in 31% of Spaces.

i i i i

Parking Inventory W kd P k

Peripheral and Private Spaces Underutilized.

31%

Parking Inventory

Other Downtown

29%

Weekday Peak

Cars Parked in Oth S

69%Downtown Parking Spaces

In PS 1 - 6, 971%

Other Spaces

Cars in PS 1 -6, 9

The transportation system provides residents, tourists and employees with access to destinations.

Parking is just one component of a comprehensive transportation system, one way to access a location.p y , y

The parking system has different components including valet operations private facilities and public facilities in peripheral operations, private facilities, and public facilities in peripheral locations

Building new parking is not the most cost effective method of Building new parking is not the most cost-effective method of providing access.

Charge premium and tiered rates to ensure parking availability, particularly during peak times and seasons;

Increase enforcement to address habitual violators;

Increase wayfinding and signage that directs Increase wayfinding and signage that directs visitors to available spaces away from the impacted area.

Lower the relative cost to user and increase the convenience of parking at these locations.Create wayfinding and signage to lead visitors to available spaces.Develop shuttle operations for employees, and visitors during busy periods.Use valet services and technology to effectively make inconvenient spaces premium, curbside spaces. Tiered parking pricing policies.

Utilize planned bicycle parking and bike lanes;Street/sidewalk improvements to enhance pedestrian activity;S ee /s de a p o e e s o e a ce pedes a ac y;Parking “cash out” and transit pass programs to provide non-parking perks; andShared parking including between private and public usesShared parking including between private and public uses.

Reduce traffic;

Increase sustainability;

Lower expenditures, user fees and taxes;

Increase equity: help employees by offering them the cash

value of their parking space; and

Consider quality-of-life issues.

“changing the very psychology of urban psychology of urban vehicle storage.”– Los Angeles Times, October 15, 2009.

United States Secretary of Transportation “tweets” Parking Plan.g

"Your study has turned out to be a revolutionary document.” - Council Member Kevin McKeown.

"This report is fabulous and long overdue " said Council member This report is fabulous and long overdue, said Council member Richard Bloom. "We've had an inefficient approach to manage our parking over the years…. This will help us further our sustainability goals.”y g

- Council Member Richard Bloom

“This vote marked a sea change for the council members.” - Columnist Frank Gruber, The Lookout