To: Mayor of Providence, Providence City Council, Department of Planning and Development, and the Providence Parking Administrator

We, the undersigned merchants and business owners of Downcity Providence, respectfully urge the City of Providence to implement revised parking regulations in the downtown area in order to foster a more welcoming, accessible, and economically vibrant city center.

Proposal:
- Free parking after 4:00 PM on weekdays (Monday through Friday)

- Free parking on Saturdays and Sundays

Purpose:
1. Support Local Businesses and Increase Community Engagement
By enhancing and improving accessibility, especially during evenings and weekends, businesses can better attract local residents and out-of-town visitors, boosting the local economy.

2. Boost Workforce Well-Being 
Provide support for employees who work late shifts or attend after-hours professional development events.

3. Reduce Traffic Congestion 
Incentivize off-peak travel by allowing free parking in the evenings and on weekends, easing weekday congestion.

4. Create a Destination District
Many comparable cities have implemented similar free-parking periods to create attractive urban cores. Providence has the potential to lead in this movement and revitalize downtown as a premier destination.

We respectfully request that City Hall:
- Review the feasibility of this policy with a pilot program during peak spring/summer months
- Engage with local merchants in the planning process
- Provide clear signage and public communication about the parking changes

We, the undersigned, support this proposal and welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with the City to bring this vision to life.