Parking

Annapolis residents shouldn’t have to stress about parking or avoid visiting downtown because of it. Our current system can be confusing!  You (residents) are entitled to two hours daily of free parking in the City garages, which is great, but using it requires storing a code (for Hillman Garage) or printing and having available QR codes (Gotts, Knighton, and Park Place Garages). The system has improved with gateless entry and exit, but it is still the cause of frustration, especially in Hillman Garage, when the app doesn't work correctly, you aren't getting a WiFi or data connection, you've got to estimate how long you’ll stay, or if you don't have the right smartphone app. 

My plan is to make parking easier and more intuitive. All garages should use license plate readers so drivers are simply charged for the time they actually park, with the residential discount applied, without codes or guesswork required. Residents should have access to street parking in their neighborhoods, and have a uniformed way to use their two hour free parking in all garages. And downtown employees deserve better parking options that reflect the value they bring to our local economy.

We must also recognize that improving other forms of transportation will help make it easier to find parking. As I explained at the recent Caucus of African American Leaders Debate, improving our bike and walking paths will help residents who feel isolated in their communities navigate the city without driving. I am also glad to see the city begin investing in microtransit options, which provide another way for residents to get around without a car. Building a smart transit system will reduce the number of cars on the road and free up parking spaces for those who need them.  You can review my full position on this issue on my website. 

By working with all parties, including residents, businesses, and our existing parking vendors, we can fix the system. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on parking in Annapolis, I urge you to share them via our Give Feedback website form.  Parking does not have to be a headache. We deserve a city that is welcoming and where finding a place to park is not a worry!

Warm regards,

Jared

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