The City of Wichita has added a 5th option to consider for a new downtown parking plan. During a meeting Thursday, Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson reviewed the four options outlined last week before introducing the new fifth option. It was the final meeting where public comments would be taken before the Council would vote on the options, making it impossible for anyone to comment publicly addressing this fifth option.
The new option would enhance operations and management in city owned lots and garages by increasing rates. Parking meters would return to downtown in 2026. No immediate changes would be made to parking in Delano. Parking would be enforced from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Fees will be charged at a flat rate of $0.75 or $3 per hour in parking lots and structures only in 2025 – there will be no on-street parking meters in 2025. In lieu of hourly charges, a daily rate of $5 or $18 will be offered in parking lots and $10 or $22 in parking structures. Monthly parking agreements with the City would be available for $35 per space per month in parking lots and $70 per space per month in parking structures. Exceptions exist as rates could increase for special events.
City staff says this plan would help increase safety and security in city-owned lots and garages. This plan's disadvantages, it does not contribute to capital needs and does not recover all costs for operation and maintenance. Also, dealing with noncompliance will require lawsuits to recover fees.
The four original options previously presented are similar regarding hours of operation and fees. This new option is what's called a “phased approach.”
The City Council will be presented with all five options for downtown parking on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Anyone wishing to give feedback before the meeting, can contact their City Council member as the public comment period at council meetings has passed. For more information or specifics on each of the 5 plans visit wichita.gov.