The council explored the possibility of constructing a parking structure to accommodate the expected increase in demand driven by new developments, such as the Victoria Condos project. The urgency stems from a deadline of April 16, 2029, to utilize the TIF district increment for this purpose. However, uncertainties about financing, community support, and the timeline for development projects have complicated decision-making. The council has considered comprehensive parking utilization studies, estimated to cost between $10,000 and $20,000, to better understand current and future parking needs. These studies would update data from previous years, accounting for changes brought about by new downtown businesses and developments.

In addition to the parking structure, the council discussed the implementation of a microtransit service to encourage parking outside the downtown area, minimizing congestion in high-demand zones. This service would provide free shuttle rides from peripheral locations to the downtown core, offering a potential solution during peak times or inclement weather. However, the estimated annual cost of $134,000 to $148,000 has raised concerns about its feasibility. Despite skepticism over its cost-effectiveness, some council members and community participants suggested evaluating successful models from other cities.

A recurring theme was the need for community engagement and data-driven decision-making. Council members emphasized the importance of gathering public feedback, considering the potential impact of parking solutions on the downtown’s character and accessibility. To this end, the council proposed conducting surveys and listening sessions to gauge community sentiment regarding various parking strategies. There was also a call to educate residents and businesses about existing parking options and enforcement policies to ensure optimal use of available spaces.

The council considered other options to enhance parking management, such as revisiting downtown parking code revisions and exploring shared parking policies. These measures would potentially address the balance between community goals and private property rights.

Finally, the council addressed concerns about employee parking habits, which contribute to congestion in core areas. A suggestion was made to encourage employees of downtown businesses to park in less congested areas to free up prime spots for customers. This strategy would effectively create additional parking spaces without the need for construction, although it would require cooperation from local businesses and possibly the introduction of new policies or incentives.