Parking
The Downtown Parking Study is assessing how parking is used, identifying challenges, and shaping strategies to make parking in Downtown Albuquerque safer, easier, and more accessible.
Why Parking Matters
Parking plays a key role in Downtown Albuquerque’s economy. When visitors know where to park and feel safe doing so, they are more likely to stay longer—dining, shopping, and enjoying Downtown entertainment.
For this reason, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) has engaged Toole Design to complete the 2024–2025 Downtown Parking Study. This study will:
- Assess current parking supply and demand
- Estimate future parking needs
- Recommend strategies for parking management in Downtown Albuquerque
Parking Study Timeline and Updates
- Parking Study Survey Results
- In winter 2024-25 and summer 2025, three surveys were conducted to assess the public's use and perceptions of Downtown Parking. See the preliminary data analysis here: Draft Survey Results for Public Review [PDF]
- Parking Study Open House
- On September 11, 2025, MRA hosted a Parking Study Open House, with guest speaker and consultant, Bill Fulton from the William Fulton Group (WFG).
- Downtown Parking Open House WFG Presentation [PDF]
- Afterward, Bill published a feature piece on parking in Downtown Albuquerque on his blog, The Future of Where. Read the article here: How to Make Parking Work in a Downtown [PDF].
- Parking Supply Initial Findings: Downtown Parking Study - Draft Chapters for Public Review [PDF]
- Draft Report & Recommendations for Public Review: To be released at MRA's Downtown Celebration in January 2026. More details to come!
- Final Report: Winter/Spring 2026
What We’ve Learned So Far
ABQ Downtown Parking Open House Boards [PDF]
Key Facts
- 21,000+ parking spaces exist Downtown, distributed across parking structures, surface lots, and on-street spaces.
- Nearly one-third of Downtown land is currently used for surface parking.
- High-demand spots fill quickly near popular destinations, but many spaces are still available within a short walk.
- Surface lots are underused — some remain less than half full even during the busiest times of day.
Why Does Parking Feel Difficult?
Perceptions don’t always match reality. According to the Parking Study Survey (February 2025):
- Visitors often feel frustrated by parking, even when spaces are available.
- Many are willing to walk a few extra blocks if they can find a spot that feels safe and convenient.
What People Want
- Better wayfinding and signage to locate parking more easily.
- Improved safety and lighting, especially in parking garages and along walking routes.
The Good News
Most visitors are comfortable walking 3–4 blocks from their parking space to their destination when these needs are met.
How Long Does a "City Block" Really Take?
- 1 block = 1-2 minutes
- 2 blocks = 3 minutes
- 3 blocks = 5 minutes
That means with better communication and a parking management strategy, parking Downtown can be quick, easy, and safe!
Parking in the News
- KUNM: Lets talk about parking
- KRQE: Albuquerque officials share more about results on downtown parking study
Resources for Downtown Visitors and Businesses
- Downtown Parking Flyer – Businesses [PDF]
- Downtown Parking Flyer – Visitors [PDF]
- City Parking Downtown Map
Questions?
Contact: China Osborn, Redevelopment Project Manager at [email protected] or (505) 810-7499
Fore media inquiries: Sarah Supple, [email protected] or (505) 810-7501