How many parking spaces actually exist downtown, who’s using them and is supply meeting demand? These are some of the questions the City seeks to answer as it launches a downtown parking management study with the goal of stimulating economic growth in the area.

The first phase of the study will take an inventory of the existing City and privately-owned parking facilities, including garages and surface lots. It is estimated there are more than 20,000 parking spaces downtown. The inventory portion of the study will determine if that number is accurate as well as verify ownership, parking rates and hours of operation.

On-the-spot interviews of people utilizing downtown parking also will be conducted. During the next few weeks, patrons will be asked about their experiences, needs and desires in relation to downtown parking. Along with the user interviews, the study will assess typical use of parking spaces during both weekdays and weekends.

Following these first steps, the City and Carter & Burgess Consultants, the company hired to conduct the study, will organize stakeholder meetings and evaluate parking management practices of other cities. A report will summarize the findings and recommend best practices related to the parking rate structure, management and implementation, and ten (10) year plans for capital improvements and revenue allocations.

The City has identified best parking management practices as a key component toward smart growth, satisfying parking demands, improving user convenience and safety, and overall traffic management for the San Antonio downtown business district.

For additional information regarding the Downtown Parking Management Study or to receive public meeting notices, contact Sonia Jimenez at 354-2925.