Sausalito, just across the Bay from SF, has replaced attendants with pay stations in four parking lots. While embedded sensors monitor vehicle activity in the lots, residents are given a tag to hang in their vehicles providing 3 hours free parking.
Sausalito's conversion to pay stations for off-street parking could provide an example for cities to overcome some local opposition to conversion from free to fee parking by the generous perk it provides to its residents. Since the purpose of the parking program is not to be a cash cow, the perk may make sense. However, the Sausalito program involves only a change of revenue collection and enforcement, not ending free parking.
"The city did not purchase the new equipment with the objective to increase revenues - instead the city is committed to ensuring that its residents and other customers are well-served by the parking managed in the public interest, and that the costs of enforcement are proportionate to parking revenues," said Jonathon Goldman, director of public works.
"Residents are allowed to park for free for up to three hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. but have to hang a tag in their vehicles. Out-of-towners pay $1 to $3 an hour, depending on the parking lot."
Thanks to MTC Headlines
FULL STORY: Sausalito's new high-tech parking makes ticket writing easier
ITDP's New On-Street Parking Pricing Guidebook
This report explores strategies for efficient and equitable parking management with an emphasis on pricing. These strategies enable cities to reallocate space for bus lanes, bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, and pickup zones, and generate revenue.
Opinion: Chicago Needs an Office of Parking Management
The city of Chicago needs a local agency empowered to planning, studying, or managing parking, according to a recent opinion piece published by Streetsblog Chicago.
Hong Kong Parking Plan Denounced as 'Wasteful'
Hong Kong's leaders want to build more parking for the growing number of private vehicles, but transportation experts suggest parking management could be a faster and more affordable solution.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie