FAQ
Why are we launching a new parking program in the downtown? How does it work?
See below!
Why are we implementing the new Downtown Parking Program?
Parking and congestion has created frustration in downtown St. Joseph for a long time. The City’s Master Plan mentions parking and congestion as a problem as far back as 2016. When we created our 2020 Downtown Vision Master Plan, we started with feedback. We had 2,000 replies through touchpoints like emails, focus groups, surveys. etc. One thing stood out above all others as a problem for everyone (residents and guests) visiting downtown: parking.
Our Downtown Vision Master Plan suggested utilizing paid parking to address the congestion, and the City hired an expert to help us understand St. Joseph’s specific needs. We found that we didn’t have a parking supply issue—in fact, on a Saturday in July only 60% of all available spaces were used—but an issue of parking distribution. Almost all parking on the west side of Main Street was nearly or completely full, with an abundance of parking spaces available on the east side of Main Street.
By adding paid parking on the west side of Main Street, drivers looking for free all-day parking will park on the east side of Main Street, creating less circling traffic and more parking availability for people who want to visit downtown shops and other amenities on the west side of Main Street.
Did we consider any other options?
Of course! We understand that our new downtown parking program is a new approach that impacts residents, businesses, employees and visitors. Here are some of the other options that have been considered:
- Use Time Limits: That's what we've had in place for years. It doesn't help motivate drivers to utilize lower demand parking in order to meet the needs of our businesses, residents and visitors.
- Ticket: The City already issues tickets for parking violations. Many people are willing to get a ticket or move their vehicle every few hours in the most convenient parking spaces. This didn't move traffic enough to reduce congestion.
- Build a Parking Garage: Parking garages cost about $50,000 per parking space to build. Even a single level parking garage would cost multiple millions of dollars to build, and even more to maintain. Additionally, parking garages are lower demand locations to park and aren't needed in the downtown outside of the summer season. It would be expensive and inefficient to invest in building and maintaining a garage that will only be used about four months out of the year.
- Add a Shuttle: We do not currently have the demand or the funds needed to run a shuttle service downtown. However, with the new parking program, demand may increase. With an increase in demand, and with the potential revenue from the new parking program, we may be able to run a shuttle service in the future.
Did the City make this decision on their 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.
Next, we hired a parking expert to help us understand the needs and challenges unique to St. Joseph and our downtown.
Then, as we held meetings and drafted details of what our downtown parking program would look like, we listened to feedback from social media, emails, phone calls, Commission meetings and meetings with downtown business owners. Based on what we heard, we made adjustments to help make the program work for everyone while still accomplishing our goal of reducing traffic and congestion in the downtown.
How much does parking cost?
Parking on and east of Main Street is always free. West of Main Street, parking is $1/hour in all day surface lots and $2/hour on-street for up to three hours. Visitors can park for 15 minutes up to the maximum time allowable.
Do employees have to pay to park downtown?
There is free parking available on and east of Main Street year round, with paid parking on the west side of Main Street from May 15 to September 15.
Downtown employees with mobility issue making less than 300% of Area Median Income (AMI) will be eligible for a waiver to park free in the all day lots west of Main Street. For more information click here.
Do residents have to pay to park downtown?
Residents of the City and the County have to pay for parking if they choose to park on the west side of Main Street between May 15–September 15. However, we are offering waiver programs for:
- Downtown residents who do not have dedicated parking
- Downtown employees who have financial and mobility limitations
Click here for more information.
Will I have to pay to park every time I visit?
The Downtown Parking Program will be in effect from May 15 to September 15, from 9:00am–9:00pm. Parking west of Main Street will be paid during this time, with parking on or east of Main Street remaining free year round.
What are we doing with the money from paid parking?
Revenues will first be used to pay for the costs associated with the program. We expect all implementation costs to be covered within the first season of the program.
We have established a Parking Benefits District downtown and will invest 80% of the net parking revenue into improvements in this district. That includes aesthetic improvements, maintenance improvements, pedestrian-friendly amenities. Our goal is to enhance what you love about St. Joseph.
You can see the guiding vision behind future downtown investment in our Downtown Vision Master Plan.
The other 20% of paid parking revenue will go into the General Fund, which allows us to provide services that take care of our City and residents. Take a look at our budget to see how we spend the General Fund.
What if changes are required?
The Downtown Parking Program is new and adjustments may be needed. The City will be monitoring the parking program as it goes into effect and will propose changes as identified.
