City of Kalamazoo Parking

Downtown Parking Improvements Coming April 2026.

• Pricing will change on some streets to go along with free 90-minute parking in the Epic and Kalamazoo Ramps, which was established in 2023, as is called for in Downtown Kalamazoo’s parking plan: Parking+, Strategic Blueprint and Action Plan

• Pricing will better match demand for each block, with higher-demand streets with meters, and lower-demand streets without. Areas with meters have two pay zones, the ‘base rate’ zone, and ‘premium rate’ zones. Enforcement will extend into the evening in the premium rate zones.

• Those blocks with pricing will offer mobile pay through ParkMobile or through meters. Pricing changes are mapped below.

• Additionally, on-street barrier-free spaces will be expanded to enhance access to all downtown blocks.

• There will be new 15-minute merchandise pickup spaces added in select blocks to provide customers with quick parking options. This is in addition to the 53 loading zones that are currently in place.

• With the new parking improvements, there will be 10 blocks that are transitioning to free parking. This transition will offer more flexibility to customers.

• To better align with downtown activity, parking meters will be adjusted to begin at 10 a.m.

• Look for these changes to take place in April 2026

Why charge for parking on the street?

• Paid parking encourages visitors to use in-demand spaces wisely and opt for cheaper or free options for extended visits.

• By contrast, free parking on high-demand streets increases demand for a fixed supply, resulting in more people looking for parking precisely where they are least likely to find an available space.

• By managing demand through pricing, parkers can expect to find a space where they want it, thereby reducing parker uncertainty and frustration, and reducing car traffic.

• The locations selected for paid parking are based on historical data indicating where parking demand is highest, and where it is lowest with the result that some free spaces will become paid parking, and some paid-parking spaces will become free parking.

• Finally, paid parking in high-demand locations not only makes it easier to find available spaces, but it also generates revenue to help offset the cost of the hundreds of free parking spaces the City maintains to support downtown businesses, employees, residents, and visitors.

• Watch the City Commission presentation here (https://www.youtube.com/live/EjAT7snUeK8?si=hnVno8_Z4aPEMAQ9)  The presentation starts around the 8 minute mark.

https://youtu.be/xmKWJh6nVYE?si=kWOMyN7yKz-LmcLE