On Wednesday, the Martinez City Council approved free holiday parking in the downtown area through December 31, 2024.
The council approved the item with a unanimous vote in an effort to make it easier to shop locally this Holiday Season. Enjoy FREE PARKING through the end of the year while you explore the amazing shops and businesses in Downtown Martinez. Find unique gifts, enjoy festive vibes, and support your community. Shop local, stress less, and spread some local cheer!
The lost parking meter revenue for December 13, 2024, to January 3, 2025, is estimated to be approximately $18,000 and the lost revenue from parking citations is estimated to be $12,000 for a total of $30,000
According to the Agenda Item:
Recommendation
By motion, waive parking meter fees in the Downtown, as depicted on the map attached to the staff report, during the upcoming holiday beginning at 12:01 am on December 13, 2024, and ending 12:01 am on January 4, 2025.
Background
Parking meter fees are required Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, except for City holidays. In previous years the City Council has supported the Martinez Downtown merchants by providing free parking in the downtown restaurant / shopping / entertainment area during the holiday season. The City Council provides this free parking to support the downtown merchants and to encourage holiday shoppers to support downtown merchants by patronizing their establishments.
Since many of the City’s Downtown merchants own restaurants and social gathering venues, providing this free-parking incentive from December 13, 2024 through January 3, 2025, serves to support downtown businesses through the New Year’s celebration. Of note, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are City holidays when the meters are not enforced.
Discussion
Staff recommends the City Council waive parking meter fees from Friday, December 13, 2024, through Friday, January 3, 2025. Parking fees will be collected again starting on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Fiscal Impact
The lost parking meter revenue for December 13, 2024, to January 3, 2025, is estimated to be approximately $18,000 and the lost revenue from parking citations is estimated to be $12,000 for a total of $30,000
