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Downtown 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

Downtown Parking Study – Public Comment Draft Now Available

Parking shapes how we move, how we feel, and how we experience Downtown. The draft study breaks down what’s working, what’s not, and how smarter parking choices could make Downtown easier, safer, and a lot more fun to explore.

This is your chance to help fix what isn’t working and build on what is. Please read the draft parking study below, then share your comments by completing the survey.

The public comment period is open through March 16.

Read the Draft Study

Downtown Parking Study Public Review Draft [PDF]

Share Your Feedback

Parking Study Survey [LINK]

Parking Study Timeline and Updates

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 

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That means with better communication and a parking management strategy, parking Downtown can be quick, easy, and safe!

Parking in the News

Resources for Downtown Visitors and Businesses

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.

Questions?

Contact: China Osborn, Redevelopment Project Manager at [email protected] or 505-810-7499

For media inquiries: Sarah Supple, [email protected] or 505-810-7501