The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency of the city held an open house on September 11 to discuss the Downtown Parking Study. The survey, conducted from mid-December 2024 to the end of January 2025, gathered input from 369 participants, including 225 unique written comments. The feedback focused on various parking-related issues in Downtown.
A significant portion of respondents, 74%, frequent Downtown for events, dining, or work, with most visiting weekly. Of these visitors, 71.3% drive and parking is split between on-street and facilities near Central Avenue. While 44.3% find parking easy, safety concerns remain high with 78.4% worried about safety at night.
Key findings from the report indicate that only a small percentage (3%) easily find parking while 14.7% struggle. A majority (61.2%) are willing to park a few blocks away from their destination, prioritizing quick availability over proximity. Saving money is important for 54.5% of respondents when choosing a parking spot.
Safety is a concern as only 21.6% always feel safe when parking and walking Downtown. Written comments suggested transforming some parking areas into housing, businesses, or parks despite there being over 21,000 spaces available.
Terri Brunner, director of the city's Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, mentioned that the city aims to improve accessibility by potentially adding more kiosks or signs.
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce has been involved in addressing these concerns as part of broader efforts to enhance Downtown's appeal.
Information from this article can be found here.
