Alexandria City Council May 12, 2026 Downtown Parking Updates

The City of Alexandria's City Council held a meeting on May 12, 2026, to discuss updates and strategies related to downtown parking, particularly in Oldtown. The discussion focused on managing the limited curb space amid increased demand due to the ongoing City Hall renovation and seasonal events. Staff presented current conditions, recent actions such as adding new parking spaces, enhancing enforcement through contractors and license plate readers, and adjusting parking rates to encourage turnover and off-street parking. They also highlighted the use of technology, including a curb management system (CDS) to monitor occupancy and support future autonomous vehicle readiness. Council members debated potential partnerships with private garages, shuttle services to connect remote parking, and ways to better market existing parking options to employees and visitors. No new contracts or procurement awards were announced, but staff indicated ongoing efforts to leverage grants and technology investments to improve parking management. The council expressed interest in pilot programs and further data analysis to optimize parking resources and support economic vitality in Oldtown.