The document summarizes a parking plan for downtown Salem that was implemented to address parking issues. Some of the short term recommendations that were implemented included demand-responsive pricing for on-street and off-street parking, designating employee parking areas, and protecting residential parking. While some positive results were seen like incentives to park in garages, negative feedback also included a lack of signage and education about the new system. Over time some changes were made to the plan, but it is still not being actively managed.

1. SParking New Ideas – Salem Comprehensive Parking Plan
Rinus Oosthoek, Salem Chamber of Commerce
rinus@salem-chamber.org

2. Short Term Recommendations
1. Implement demand-responsive pricing on- and off -street
2. Establish designated employee parking areas
3. Protect residential parking in nearby neighborhoods /
establish a new area-wide permit for downtown residents
4. A new permitting program for tour buses
5. Establish a parking & transportation fund for downtown
improvements and connections to remote parking.
6. On-going monitoring of parking utilization
7. Implementation program for
pricing, regulatory, signing, and technology
changes, including a robust outreach and education
program.

3. Additional Recommendations
8. A municipal management program for private parking
facilities
9. Several low-cost supply increases in existing lots and on
wider streets
10. Smart parking technologies to enhance customer
convenience, information, revenue
collection, enforcement, and overall efficiency.
“X” = The recommendation to establish an
independent parking & traffic commission was
withdrawn due to Council objections.

4. Implementation: A Great Start
• Demand-responsive pricing on- and off –street:
• 8am – 8pm
• $0.25 - $1.50 per hour
• 4hr meters
• off-street more affordable than on-street ($25
tickets)
• A revised existing pass program and low cost option
(Two designated employee parking areas $25 / month)
• Continued protecting residential parking
• Implementation program for
pricing, regulatory, signing, and technology changes
• An outreach and education program.

5. Not Implemented
• Establish a new area-wide permit for downtown
residents
• A new permitting program for tour buses to reduce
under-utilized tow-zone space
• On-going monitoring of parking utilization to make
adjustments as necessary
• Establish a parking & transportation fund for downtown
improvements and connections to remote parking.
Additional Recommendations were not considered at this
point in time, except for the partial installation of smart
meters.

6. Results – Positive Comments
It’s working, as far as we can tell……
Positive comments included:
• For those in the know, the parking plan has made it
easier to find a parking spot in downtown Salem.
• Many praise the financial incentive to park in the garage
• Some commended the monthly parking zones which
makes parking much cheaper than feeding the meters.
And….
• Customers seem satisfied and able to find parking

7. Results – Negative Comments
It’s working, as far as we can tell……
Negative comments in general:
• No PR / messaging (existing brochures outdated)
• Meter feeding is still a problem
• The usefulness of the $25 monthly pass was questioned
(Employees are unaware of the monthly pass option)
• The lack of short term (15 – 30 minutes) parking
• Lack of signage / information that clarifies the system
• The payment system on surface lots is still questionable
• The lack of smart meters throughout the city and the
continuous need for quarters (!)

8. Changes made since implementation
• The program now runs 8am – 6pm
• The second employee parking zone has been eliminated
• At smart meters only, the first 30 minutes are free
• In some locations 2 hour meters have returned
• In one location, 15 minute meters have returned
But…
The program is not being managed by anyone……
the “X” Factor
However, the program is working, as far as we can tell…..