Initial Commitment
"As for parking privatization, I will not as mayor be sending that to council." (Policy Platform, page 8)
Status
Commitment Met
Most Recent Update (Summer 2022)
Mayor Cooper and NDOT are moving forward with Smart Parking stations in replacement of 1,700 parking meters downtown. Meters will be replaced with new digital machines, which will enable payment via cash, debit, or credit card beginning in November 2022.
Previous Update (Fall 2021)
"As promised, Mayor Cooper decided not to move forward with the previous parking privatization plan and the procurement was subsequently nullified by the courts. Metro is pursuing a curb-space management plan to consider on-street parking as part of a comprehensive approach focusing on all uses and needs for curb access in increasingly urbanizing areas, from rideshare to micro-mobility to freight/delivery to transportainment.
Metro is actively working on a Smart Parking RFP, which is soliciting proposals from contractors to lead the installation, implementation, and ongoing management of a smart parking solution that includes modernized hardware and technology, automation, operational improvements, integrated enforcement solutions, and streamlined customer service. This RFP is specific to on-street metered parking, and requires Metro to maintain all rights and ownership to Metro's on-street metered parking assets, which will allow for integration into a comprehensive curb-space management plan."