Parking Benefit Districts: A Tool for Parking Reform and Active Transportation

Written By Chris Pittman

Summary:

Parking Benefit Districts (PBD) offer a flexible strategy for managing parking demand, generating local revenue, and investing in the kinds of improvements that foster active transportation and vibrant neighborhoods. Their success in Texas and elsewhere provides a strong foundation for considering similar reforms in Amarillo.

A parking lot full of cars


1. What is a Parking Benefit District (PBD)?

A Parking Benefit District (PBD) is a defined area such as a commercial corridor, neighborhood, or downtown. Revenue generated from paid public parking is dedicated directly to improvements within that district. Unlike traditional parking revenues, which typically go into a city’s general fund, PBDs ensure that a substantial portion, if not all, of parking revenues are reinvested locally in that district. This funding can be used for a range of enhancements, including sidewalk repairs, landscaping, wayfinding, lighting, public safety, and other improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure.

2. How It Works and Key Benefits:

  • Paid Parking Implementation: On-street or public parking lots are priced to manage demand.

  • Revenue Collection and Local Reinvestment: Fees collected are tracked by district and earmarked for district-specific projects.

  • Eases Parking Congestion: Pricing encourages turnover, making it easier for customers and visitors to find spaces.

  • Positive Feedback Loop: As parking revenues are reinvested in walking, biking, and transit improvements, these enhancements make it safer and more appealing for people to choose alternatives to driving, creating a positive feedback loop that helps reduce traffic and parking demand, which in turn frees up more resources for further active transportation investments.

  • Supports Local Businesses: Improved streetscapes and reliable parking access can boost retail and dining activity. Street enhancements and active transportation improvements encourage patrons to visit more often and for longer.

  • Builds Community Buy-In: When residents and businesses see direct, visible benefits from parking revenues, public support for parking management and active transportation initiatives increases.

3. Why Consider a PBD for Our City?

  • Addresses Immediate Parking Needs: By managing parking more effectively, the city can reduce the need for costly new parking lots or garages.

  • Provides Ongoing Funding: Creates a sustainable source of funding for maintenance and enhancements, lessening the burden on general city funds.

  • Aligns with Modern Urban Planning: Supports the transition toward more walkable, bike-friendly, and economically vibrant districts, as recommended by current best practices in city planning.

  • Customizable: Each PBD can be tailored to local needs, with input from residents and businesses on how funds are spent.

4. Examples of PBD in Texas

5. Next Steps for Amarillo

  • Engage Stakeholders: Host meetings with local businesses, residents, and property owners to discuss potential boundaries, priorities, and governance.

  • Pilot Program: Consider starting with a pilot PBD in an area with high parking demand and strong business/resident interest.

  • Monitor and Report: Track revenues and improvements and share results with the community to build ongoing support.

6. Additional Information

Chris Pittman
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