A Better Downtown Starts With Easier Parking

ALBUQUERQUE – Parking shouldn’t be the plot twist in your trip to downtown. Anyone who spends time in Albuquerque’s city center deserves a parking system that feels safe, predictable, and easy to use. The City is inviting the community to review and comment on a new Downtown Parking Study designed to make everyday experiences smoother and more welcoming.

The study provides the most complete look in nearly a decade at how parking works in the downtown area. It outlines a long‑term strategy to modernize the system, improve access, and support redevelopment, public safety, and transportation options like walking, biking, and transit.

“Downtown is changing, and we want those changes to make life easier for the people who use it every day,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This study shows how we can make parking safer, simpler, and more predictable, and we want the community’s voice to help guide what comes next.”

The study recommends a coordinated approach to managing parking supply, demand, pricing, curb space, and street design. It includes tools such as demand‑based pricing, shared parking agreements, updates to the residential permit program, and a pilot Parking Benefit District to make parking more efficient and user‑friendly.

A key priority is making better use of existing parking before adding new supply. While downtown has a large amount of parking overall, it isn’t used evenly. Some blocks feel crowded while nearby lots and garages sit underused. Recommendations include leasing underused public and private parking, creating a matchmaking service to connect businesses with available spaces and exploring shared use agreements with other public agencies.

“If we want a stronger downtown, we have to make it easier for people to get into the area and feel safe once they do,” said MRA Director Terry Brunner. “This plan helps us use the parking we already have more effectively and reinvest in the kinds of improvements that make downtown cleaner, safer, and more inviting.”

The study maintains the City’s policy of no minimum parking requirements for new development and recommends exploring parking maximums in areas with abundant existing supply. It also outlines strategies to expand mobility options, including transit, biking, walking, and micromobility.

Residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to review the study and share their comments through March 16. Community feedback will help shape the final recommendations before they move toward implementation.

The full draft study and comment form are available on the Downtown Parking Website.