Fort Collins business owners and community members are petitioning the City Council to oppose paid on-street parking in Old Town, arguing it will deter customers, harm local businesses, and undermine the area's unique, accessible environment. 

To the Fort Collins City Council,

We, the undersigned downtown business owners, managers, and community members, petition you to reconsider and oppose the implementation of paid on-street parking in Old Town. We believe this policy poses a direct threat to the economic and cultural vitality of our downtown.

A Barrier to Business

Paid on-street parking would create an unnecessary financial and psychological barrier for customers, discouraging both locals and visitors. The new cost and hassle would likely cause patrons to seek alternatives, whether online or at businesses in other parts of the city that offer free parking. This decline in customer visits would directly reduce sales and, consequently, sales tax revenue for the entire city. 

A Threat to Our Identity

Fort Collins' downtown revitalization is a widely recognized success story. One that was built on creating an accessible and welcoming environment. Introducing paid parking now would undermine decades of work. We fear the negative publicity- the perception that "now you have to pay to go to Old Town"- would cause a decline from which our businesses may not be able to recover.

A Call for Support

Downtown businesses are still navigating the challenges of post-COVID recovery, economic uncertainty, rising property taxes and rent, increased theft, and the impending College Avenue construction. This is not the time to introduce a new obstacle. We ask the City Council to recognize the livelihood of your voters and the downtown stakeholders when making decisions that will significantly impact our business community.

Please reconsider and oppose the implementation of paid on-street parking in Old Town.