October 16, 2023

Non-Agenda Public Comment for 10/17/2023 Council Meeting

Subject: Parking Rates and Policy in downtown San Luis Obispo

Dear Mayor and Council Members,

We are reaching out as community members and business owners, who represent hundreds of
employees, to express our concern with the parking situation in downtown San Luis Obispo.
The increase in hourly rates, hours of enforcement, and change to the free hour program is
negatively impacting the atmosphere of downtown and consumer spending.

We understand the change was made to fund the new parking structure and theater on Nipomo
Street, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of local support and a vibrant downtown in the
meantime.

What we’re hearing from customers:

The steep rise in parking rates is changing the reputation of downtown as a friendly, welcoming
destination. Customers and community members are sharing their frustration on a regular basis,
often choosing another place to eat, shop, play, or relax because of the high cost of parking.
Tourists may still make a stop downtown but locals are changing their habits. Local businesses
need local support.

What we’re experiencing in life and business:

According to Moody's Analytics, the typical American household spent $709 more in July 2023
than they did two years ago to buy the same goods and services. Coupled with the high cost of
living on the central coast, many families and individuals have experienced a significant change
in disposable income. Business owners are navigating this reality in addition to increased costs
and staffing shortages. The rise in parking costs for consumers and employees is only adding to
the stress of doing business.

We understand there is a normal churn of businesses, but longtime fixtures become part of the
fabric of the community. They create a sense of place and generate a following that often
supports surrounding businesses, especially new ones.

The argument that people should park further away and walk, or bike, to avoid paying is hurting
brick and mortar. Convenience has become a part of culture, changing the way we work, travel,
shop, etc. We can’t go back - the convenience of online shopping and food delivery service is
here to stay. Downtown shops and restaurants are competing with this reality everyday, and
current parking policy has undoubtedly made it harder to compete.
What we’re feeling as community members:

These changes don’t create a more inclusive or equitable downtown experience. The loss of the
free hour in all structures and the rise in rates is hardest on the most vulnerable in our
community. Though there is a free hour for locals in one structure, the barriers to accessing the
permit are real, even for those who are tech savvy and motivated.

What we’re seeing in other cities:

Paso Robles - first two hours are free; $2.00 per hour after

Chico - $1.00 per hour in downtown core; paid parking is enforced Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm;
weekends are free

Walnut Creek - Meters: $2 per hour in Downtown Core with 3-hour time limits
$1 per hour outside of downtown core with 10-hour limits; hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily;
Garages: 1st hour free and $1.25/hour after

Santa Barbara - first 75 minutes free; $2.50 fee per hour after

Santa Monica - Meters and lots are typically $2.50 per hour in the Downtown and Beach Meter
Zones and $1.25 per hour in all other Citywide Meter Zones. Parking structures: first 90 minutes
are free

Boulder, CO - First 90 minutes of parking are free, additional 90 minutes may be purchased for
$1.50 per hour with a 3 hours maximum, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m; Sundays
and City Holidays are free

Bend, OR - $1.00/hour and the daily rate is $10 (when parking longer than 6 hours) time-limits
and paid parking are enforced Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays and
holidays are free

What we’re advocating for:

We understand that the city has hired a consultant to review the parking program in January
2024 but that won’t help us during the holiday season/Q4. We all count on 4th quarter’s sales to
carry us into the next year so time is truly of the essence.

In the short term, we’re asking that you consider the return of the free hour in all structures for
the holiday season.
In the long term, we’re advocating for:

-First hour free in all structures

-Reduce hourly rate to be comparable with other cities
-Free Sunday parking
-End enforcement at 6pm rather than 9pm

As downtown business owners and concerned community members, we are united and
motivated to be part of solutions. The vitality of downtown and our businesses depend on them.

Respectfully,

Josh and Lindsey Haring, The Mountain Air and The Switchback
Amber Karson, Ah Louis Store
Emily Butler, Ah Louis Store
Kannyn January, Ambiance SLO
Shevon Sullivan, Anam-Cre’ Pottery Studio
Natalie Risner, Apropos
Billy Hale, Ash Management (Bulls, McCarthys, Library, Frog and Peach)
Kristin Huebner Walker, Avanti SLO
Robin and Sarah Peterson, BA Start Arcade
Jessi and Curtis Campbell, Banshee Beauty Company
Cherisse Sweeney, Basalt Interiors
Shelley Stuckey, Battle Axe
Matthew Baxter, Baxter Moerman Jewelry
Mathew Moerman, Baxter Moerman Jewelry
Tom W. Brown, BlackHorse Espresso & Bakery and Brown's General Offices, Inc.
Jodie Domareki, Myriam Olaizola, Nicole Walters, Black Sheep
Erica and Maryalice Hamilton, Blackwater
McKenzie Murray, Blue Harvest
Mike White, BooBoo Records
Florencia Breda, Breda
Robin and Rodney Cegelski, Carissa and Rod & Hammer’s
Scott Smith, Central Coast Surfboards
Solomiya Luce, Central Coast Wines
Tracy Bogue, Club Bubbly
Crescencio "Chencho" Hernandez Villar, Corazón Cafe SLO
Sara McGrath, Corazón Cafe SLO
Pedro Arias Lopez, Corazón Cafe SLO
Samantha Phelps, Fanny Wrappers
Randy Price and Callie Walter, Field Day Coffee
Debra Fogg, Finders Keepers
Hal Billingsley, Firestone
Gessica and Alberto Russo, Flour House
Ali Jansen, Frame Works
Joe and Giuseppe DiFronzo, Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica
Joshua Luce, Gold Land BBQ
Sara Voskov, Hands Gallery
Steven Wick and Katy Hemler, Hemp Shack and Euphoria
Randy “Doobie” Coates, High Street Deli
LynAnne Wiest, HumanKind Fair Trade
Carla Wingett, Idlewild Floral
Jenny Kompolt, Junk Girls
Melissa James, Junk Girls
Patricia Koberl, Koberl at Blue
James Whitaker, Kreuzberg and Batch
Leonard Cohen, La Esquina
Shannon Len, Len Collective
Mike and Becky Hicks, Lincoln Market Deli
Lindsey Harn, Lindsey Harn Group
Rusty and Alan Quirk, Linnaea's Cafe
Shanny Covey and Robin Covey, Luna Red Restaurant
Marianne Seaborne, Maison Marianne
Nicola Allegretta, Mama’s Meatball and Mistura
Catherine Doyle, Mannikins Tailoring
Michael Palmer, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
Earl Olson, Milestone Tavern
Randy Adler, Moondoggies
Robin Covey, Novo Restaurant
Matt and Danae Pearce, Old SLO BBQ
Angelic Dirden, Opulence
Jim and Patty Dee, Palm Theatre
Kay Porczak, Picking Daisies
Dede Bruington, Picking Daisies
Jon and Sara Peterson, Scout Coffee
Josh and Lauren Christensen, Sidecar Cocktail Co. and The Penny
Jeremy Christensen, Sidecar Cocktail Co.
Karen and Shari Rubino, Skipper’s Brew
Peter Shaker, SLO Froyo & Italian Ice and Slo a la Mode Ice Cream
Kelly Yates and Casey Hall, Summerland Co.
Shelley Stuckey, Tails Pet Boutique
Andrew and Stephanie Stackhouse, The Center Yoga Studio
Katelyn Kaney, The Mercantile and The Hat Bar by Kate Kaney
Brittany Brown, The Ritual
Larella Ellsworth, Tigerlily Salon
Christy Grierson, Trio Boutique
Amanda Miller, Twig & Arrow Salon
Anne Gough, Yarns at the Adobe