Fort Collins to Host Downtown Parking Changes Info Session Sept. 17
Fort Collins will hold an information session for downtown business owners on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 3-7 p.m. at Elevations Credit Union to discuss upcoming changes to the city's parking management system. The drop-in event will cover plans to implement paid street parking, expand enforcement hours and improve parking options downtown.
No RSVP is required for the session at 221 E. Mountain Ave., and business owners can attend any time during the four-hour window.
The city announced its intent to overhaul downtown parking management on Aug. 27, moving away from what officials call an "upside-down" system where the most convenient on-street spaces are free while paid parking is relegated to garages and lots.
Current System Creates Challenges
Fort Collins currently operates free, time-limited on-street parking in the downtown core paired with paid parking in three central structures and selected surface lots, according to the city's parking services website. Most on-street spaces allow free parking up to 2 hours, while longer-term parking is available in paid garages at $1 per hour after the first free hour.
This system has created persistent congestion in desirable free street spaces while garages and lots remain underutilized. The city's parking program currently relies on General Fund subsidies to cover operational and maintenance costs, making it financially unsustainable.
The Parking Services Optimization Study, completed in partnership with Walker Consultants and the Downtown Development Authority, recommended expanding paid parking and enforcement hours to better manage demand and create a self-sustaining system.
Proposed Changes Aim for Balance
The upcoming changes are designed to support four main goals: maintaining a vibrant downtown economy, improving customer experience for both short- and long-term parkers, establishing financial sustainability, and aligning with the city's Transportation Demand Management program.
The Transportation Demand Management program aims to reduce automobile dependence downtown by promoting alternatives like walking, cycling, shared rides and public transit in the downtown core.
Specific updates being considered include implementing paid parking in currently free areas, expanding time-limited parking zones, extending enforcement hours beyond the current Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule, and improving wayfinding and employee parking options.
Community Input Opportunities
The business-focused session will be followed by a larger community engagement event this fall. Residents can also provide feedback and sign up for updates through the city's dedicated website.
"The City's goals for the updated system include supporting a vibrant and active downtown economy," city officials stated in announcing the changes.
The core downtown parking district encompasses the area around College Avenue, Mountain Avenue, Oak Street, Remington Street and Mason Street, with perimeter areas currently providing all-day free parking.
Community members can learn more and share feedback at fcgov.com/parkingupdates.