10.15.2026: Parking Advisory Committee

The City of Ventura Parking Advisory Committee met on October 21, 2026. The committee reviewed the downtown free-parking program, including revenue data and options ranging from paid parking to 60- or 90-minute free periods. Staff reported about $286,000 in parking revenue during the April 2025–March 2026 baseline year and estimated revenue losses of up to 65% under the options considered. Members discussed turnover, customer clarity, rates after the free period, and the program’s financial effects, but did not make a final recommendation. The committee indicated that staff should return with additional revenue, citation, and—if feasible—parking-occupancy information for consideration at a future meeting. The revised FY2027 budget removed projected revenue from expanding paid parking to surface lots because the implementation timeline is uncertain; related services-and-supplies expenses, including parking-management costs, were reduced from about $1 million to about $400,000. The report projected a roughly $650,000 FY2027 deficit and an accumulated deficit of about $2.5 million.

Staff also reported that negotiations are continuing on an agreement with Flash for parking-garage equipment; execution of the agreement and issuance of a purchase order would precede implementation, with an approximately eight-week equipment lead time discussed. No contract award or spending approval was recorded. Members requested a more detailed breakdown of salary and benefit costs and asked that financial materials be provided with the staff agenda when timing allows. The committee approved the June 18 and September 17 meeting minutes; no procurement-related votes were taken.