Downtown ParkingInformation about parking, mobility, and access in Downtown Albuquerque.https://www.cabq.gov/mra/downtown-albuquerque/parkinghttps://www.cabq.gov/++resource++plone-logo.svgDowntown ParkingInformation about parking, mobility, and access in Downtown Albuquerque.https://www.cabq.gov/mra/downtown-albuquerque/parkinghttps://www.cabq.gov/++resource++plone-logo.svg
Downtown Parking
Information about parking, mobility, and access in Downtown Albuquerque.
Park Once. Explore More.
Downtown Albuquerque has more than 21,500 parking spaces in public garages, surface lots, and on‑street spaces. Because many destinations are close together, most people can park once and walk to shops, restaurants, offices, and events.
Parking shapes how people experience downtown. When visitors can find a spot easily and feel safe walking, they stay longer and support more local businesses.
Most visitors are comfortable walking a few blocks to their destination when routes feel safe, well-lit, and easy to navigate.
Approximate walking times:
1 block = 1 - 2 minutes
2 blocks = about 3 minutes
3 - 4 blocks = about 5 minutes
Downtown Parking Study (2025-2026)
The Downtown Albuquerque Parking Study was completed in April 2026. It is the most complete look at downtown parking in almost ten years. The study helps the City understand how parking works today and what changes can make parking easier and safer for everyone.
Downtown has a lot of parking overall, but it is not evenly used.
Downtown has 21,534 parking spaces, but some areas fill quickly while other lots and garages remain underused.
Surface parking lots take up a large amount of land.
Nearly one‑third of downtown land is used for surface parking. Many of these lots are underused and represent major opportunities for redevelopment, housing, and public space.
Better signage and wayfinding could improve the parking experience.
Many visitors say they spend time circling downtown looking for parking, even when spaces are open. Clearer signs and maps would help people find parking faster.
A stronger “park once” environment is achievable.
Most people are comfortable walking three to four blocks when routes feel safe, well‑lit, and easy to navigate.
What We Heard
Public surveys and community feedback identified several common themes:
People want clearer parking signs and maps.
Safety and lighting remain important concerns.
Many visitors are willing to walk farther if parking feels safe and convenient.
People often prefer finding parking quickly over finding the closest space.
Next Steps
The study outlines several actions to improve parking, safety, and access downtown.
Improve wayfinding and signage
Upgrade lighting and safety features
Use parking management tools
Redevelop underused surface lots
Strengthen walking, biking, and transit connections
Coordinate with public and private parking providers
These steps support a safer, more walkable, and more predictable parking experience.
Engagement Timeline
Winter 2024–25 — Public Survey #1
Community members shared their parking experiences and priorities.
Summer 2025 — Public Survey #2
A second round of engagement gathered more feedback on parking needs.
September 11, 2025 — Open House
Residents, businesses, and visitors reviewed early findings and shared input.
2025 — Draft Chapters Released
Draft recommendations and data were posted for public review.
April 2026 — Final Report Published
The Downtown Albuquerque Parking Study was completed and released.
Contact: China Osborn, Redevelopment Project Manager at [email protected] or 505-810-7499
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Downtown Parking Study?
The study looks at how parking works in Downtown Albuquerque today and how it can work better in the future. It reviews how much parking exists, how people use it, and what changes could support a safer, more welcoming, and more walkable downtown.
Why is the City doing this study?
It has been almost ten years since the last full parking study. Downtown has changed a lot, and the City wants a clearer picture of what is working and what needs improvement. The study helps guide decisions that support redevelopment, safety, and easier access.
How many parking spaces were counted?
The study includes a full inventory of all parking in the Downtown Metropolitan Redevelopment Area. Downtown, there are 21,534 spaces! This includes:
On street parking (both metered and unmetered)
City owned garages and surface lots
Other government owned garages and surface lots
Privately-owned lots and garages
The study counts marked spaces in garages and all visible spaces in lots and on streets.
How and when was the data collected?
City staff and consultants collected data by:
Watching how people parked
Checking meter information
Reviewing garage records
Data was collected on weekdays and weekends to understand different patterns.
Will we see more parking spaces added?
Not right now. The study shows that downtown already has a large amount of parking, but it is not always used evenly. The focus is on using what already exists more effectively, especially underused lots and garages.
Will parking prices go up?
The study does not set prices, but it does discuss tools cities often use, such as adjusting prices based on demand, which means:
Busier areas may cost more
Less busy areas and garages may cost less
Demand-based pricing, which adjusts prices based on demand, helps keep some spaces open so people can find parking more easily
The goal is fairness and better access, not raising money.
How will these recommendations improve my parking experience?
The study aims to make parking:
Easier to find
Safer and more comfortable
More predictable, with clearer rules
Better connected to walking, biking, and transit
It also focuses on improving the walking experience between parking and destinations.
Will new technology be used?
The study encourages modern tools that make parking easier, such as:
Paying by phone
Better signs and wayfinding
Improved lighting and security in garages
These tools help people find parking and feel safer using it.
Is there a plan for the empty parking lots Downtown?
Yes. Many surface parking lots are underused and take up valuable space. The study notes that these lots are major opportunities for new housing, businesses, and public spaces.
Will new buildings have to include parking?
No. The City has already removed minimum parking requirements in Downtown. Developers can choose how much parking to build based on their project needs.
Are we going to see new parking garages?
Not right now. Structured parking is expensive to build and maintain. The study recommends using existing garages and lots more efficiently before considering new ones.
How will this plan help people who live near Downtown?
The study recognizes that residents worry about spillover parking from visitors and employees. It recommends tools, such as residential permits, that can help protect neighborhood parking while balancing other needs.
How will this plan help local businesses?
The study supports businesses by:
Making short term parking easier for customers
Improving safety and walking conditions
Helping employees find appropriate long term parking
Encouraging better use of private lots
A better parking experience helps customers feel more comfortable visiting downtown.
External Link Disclaimer
This link will take you to a site over which the City of Albuquerque has no control. The City assumes no responsibility for the content of the material contained at that site or for the accuracy of any information that is found there. The contents of any site or link not maintained by the City does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of the City of Albuquerque, its officials, agents or employees.
