Downtown Area Parking Management Plan

Project Description

In 2024, the City was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to undertake the Downtown Area Parking Management Plan. This plan aims to produce a clear understanding of parking conditions and identify strategies to optimize parking and curb utilization in support of a thriving downtown.

The Plan will include: 1) an assessment of existing conditions, including an inventory of public on and off-street parking, weekday and weekend utilization counts, and a turnover analysis, 2) engagement of downtown businesses, employees, and visitors to understand parking/travel behavior and challenges, and 3) recommendations on how to better optimize on and off-street parking availability, as well as other curb uses, such as loading zones.

The City’s consultant, Sam Schwartz, will produce a Draft Plan outlining several recommended strategies to optimize parking availability and curb usage based on their understanding of Petaluma’s conditions and their international expertise. The Draft Plan will go to City Council for review and feedback prior to the publication of a Final Plan. It is expected that the actual implementation of any strategies outlined in the Plan will be subject to further community and City Council involvement.