City to Revitalize Downtown Street Parking with Tech Upgrades

The City of Des Moines is set to revitalize its downtown on-street parking system through a comprehensive technological upgrade, including the introduction of multi-space pay stations and a pay-by-phone mobile app. City Traffic Engineer John Davis highlights that this multi-year initiative will significantly improve the parking experience by providing more payment options and enhancing data collection capabilities. The project will see the removal of all traditional parking meters, with approximately 400 new kiosks installed to facilitate easier payments. The unified branding under "Park DowntownDSM" is designed to create a clearer and more informative parking experience for users. With a parking revenue budget of over $12 million for the fiscal year 2021, the city anticipates that these upgrades will optimize enforcement and increase overall revenue.

Currently, a notable percentage of traditional meters only accept coins, underscoring the need for this modernization. The initiative not only aims to improve convenience for customers but also to gather valuable data on parking trends and needs in the area. This strategic upgrade demonstrates Des Moines' commitment to enhancing city services and fostering a more user-friendly environment for residents and visitors alike.