Smart Parking & Mobility Master Plan Work Session | May 4, 2026

The City of Dubuque Government held a special City Council work session on May 4, 2026, focused on the Smart Parking and Mobility Master Plan. The meeting primarily discussed various parking management options including mobile app-based payment systems, kiosk parking systems, time-limited parking enforcement, and license plate recognition (LPR) technology. The council reviewed RFP results for mobile apps and kiosks, comparing costs, pros, and cons of each system. Mobile apps were noted for convenience and lower operational costs, while kiosks provided accessibility for users without smartphones. The LPR system was recommended to improve enforcement efficiency and support multiple parking functions. Budget considerations included upfront and ongoing costs for kiosks (ranging from $78,000 to $410,000 annually) and LPR systems (up to $200,000 initial plus $20,000-$35,000 yearly software costs). The council also examined parking policies in comparable Midwestern cities and discussed potential impacts on downtown business turnover and customer convenience. No contracts were awarded during the session, but recommendations were made to proceed with mobile app and kiosk systems alongside LPR enforcement to enhance downtown parking management.