City Proposes Phased Parking Meter Implementation and New Rates for Downtown Area
July 28, 2025 | Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho
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The Idaho Falls City Council held a work session on July 28, 2025, focusing on proposed changes to the city's parking management system. The meeting outlined a phased approach to implement metered parking and improve parking facilities in downtown Idaho Falls.
The first phase of the proposal targets the area from Bridal and North 2, excluding D Street, and extends from Yellowstone West to Memorial Drive. This phase will not include areas south of Broadway due to ongoing construction on a water tower. The city plans to transition from two-hour parking limits to metered parking using the Park Smarter app, which aims to enhance parking management and efficiency.
A notable discussion point was the need for improved signage and wayfinding in the downtown area. The proposal includes converting Constitution Way to metered parking, addressing issues of unregulated parking that have arisen in that area. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining access to City Hall and the Veterans Memorial Building, where existing parking regulations will remain unchanged.
Phase two of the parking program will expand to include Broadway South to Cliff Street and Yellowstone West to Memorial Drive. This phase will also introduce improvements to all parking lots managed by the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC), including enhanced wayfinding and the integration of technology to streamline parking management.
The council discussed proposed hourly rates for metered parking, which are still open for discussion. Initial suggestions include a rate of $1 to $2 for the first hour, with subsequent hours increasing to encourage turnover of parking spaces. The council noted that the implementation of these rates would also consider transaction fees associated with the Park Smarter app.
Public outreach and education were highlighted as critical components of the parking program's rollout. The city plans to utilize various communication channels, including social media, newsletters, and on-site engagement, to inform residents and visitors about the changes.
Next steps include hiring an additional parking ambassador, updating the downtown parking ordinance, and finalizing the fee schedule. The council is seeking support from the mayor and council members to move forward with the proposed parking management changes, which are expected to enhance the overall parking experience in downtown Idaho Falls.
The first phase of the proposal targets the area from Bridal and North 2, excluding D Street, and extends from Yellowstone West to Memorial Drive. This phase will not include areas south of Broadway due to ongoing construction on a water tower. The city plans to transition from two-hour parking limits to metered parking using the Park Smarter app, which aims to enhance parking management and efficiency.
A notable discussion point was the need for improved signage and wayfinding in the downtown area. The proposal includes converting Constitution Way to metered parking, addressing issues of unregulated parking that have arisen in that area. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining access to City Hall and the Veterans Memorial Building, where existing parking regulations will remain unchanged.
Phase two of the parking program will expand to include Broadway South to Cliff Street and Yellowstone West to Memorial Drive. This phase will also introduce improvements to all parking lots managed by the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC), including enhanced wayfinding and the integration of technology to streamline parking management.
The council discussed proposed hourly rates for metered parking, which are still open for discussion. Initial suggestions include a rate of $1 to $2 for the first hour, with subsequent hours increasing to encourage turnover of parking spaces. The council noted that the implementation of these rates would also consider transaction fees associated with the Park Smarter app.
Public outreach and education were highlighted as critical components of the parking program's rollout. The city plans to utilize various communication channels, including social media, newsletters, and on-site engagement, to inform residents and visitors about the changes.
Next steps include hiring an additional parking ambassador, updating the downtown parking ordinance, and finalizing the fee schedule. The council is seeking support from the mayor and council members to move forward with the proposed parking management changes, which are expected to enhance the overall parking experience in downtown Idaho Falls.
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