Important Correction - And Why June 8th Matters Even More Now
To everyone who has signed so far, thank you.
I want to update you with more precise information about where things stand, because the situation is more layered than initial reporting suggested.
What's already done: The City Council passed the parking rate increases on May 11 as part of the consent agenda bundled with routine items, with no separate vote and no public hearing. The on-street rate increase ($1 to $2), garage rate increase ($2 to $3), monthly pass increase, and event parking cap increase are all now approved. They take effect October 1, 2026.
What's not done and what June 8 will decide: A separate ordinance is on second and final reading June 8. It extends paid enforcement from 6 PM to 8 PM (directly into the downtown dinner hour), raises violation fees to $57, and makes other changes.
Why this petition still matters:
- June 8 is our last opportunity to push back on any element of this policy package. The 8 PM enforcement extension and the new fee structure are still up for vote.
- The way the rate hike passed is itself a problem. Passing major rate increases on the consent agenda, without a public hearing, is exactly the procedural shortcut that lets policy decisions stack on downtown without community input.
- The equity argument hasn't changed. Downtown is still the only Main Street district facing paid parking enforcement, AMS fees, a nightclub moratorium, enhanced security coding, and now doubled rates with extended enforcement. None of that applies in Mills 50, Audubon Park, Thornton Park, or any other Main Street district.
What to do now:
- Email all seven council members before June 8th, 2026.
- Show up Monday, June 8, 2 PM, City Hall, 400 S Orange Ave - public comment is open
- Share this petition with one downtown friend
The vote is in three weeks. We have time to be heard.
Thank you for standing with downtown.