Jackson to Consider Parking Management Technology for Parking Garage

The Jackson Town Council is evaluating a proposal to buy new parking management technology for the Millward & Simpson Parking Garage. The initiative aims to address ongoing parking issues by directing staff to draft a Request for Proposals for a software-as-a-service and equipment vendor. This technology includes an “armbar” system to enhance parking enforcement and optimize the garage’s usage.

The parking garage, connected to the Vertical Harvest greenhouse and located just blocks from the Town Square, offers 209 covered and 70 uncovered parking spaces. It currently allows 48-hour parking, aiming to serve downtown employees and reduce street parking congestion. However, challenges have arisen, including misuse by long-term parkers and visitors, leading to maintenance and enforcement difficulties.

The 2019 Jackson Downtown Parking study highlighted the need for better parking management to serve priority users like employees, customers, and visitors. It recommended converting the lot to 48-hour parking and discouraging long-term vehicle storage, especially during peak seasons.

To enforce the 48-hour limit, Community Service Officers currently manually patrol the garage, a process that the Town says is time-consuming and inefficient. Implementing parking management technology, such as an armbar with license plate reader technology, could automate enforcement, reduce the burden on CSOs and Public Works staff.

The proposed technology is capable of automating ticket issuance, reducing unauthorized use, and encouraging parking turnover. It can also facilitate access for residents and employees through RFID badges or key fobs, supporting the town’s transportation vision.

Staff visited Jackson Hole Airport operations to learn from their experience with SkiData, a parking equipment and software provider. The airport reported significant time savings and improved parking issues management after implementing the system.

Planners say that exploring parking management solutions aligns with the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for a more convenient travel alternative to single-occupancy vehicles. The fiscal impact of the proposed technology is estimated at under $250,000 for procurement, with an annual maintenance fee of about $25,000. Funding for this program could come from the town’s parking exactions.

The Town Council is considering various alternatives, including maintaining the current system or reducing the free parking period.