TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Missie Barletto, Public Works Department
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: April 21, 2026
Title
PRESENTATION OF THE SIX-MONTH REVIEW OF THE PILOT EMPLOYEE PARKING PROGRAM AND REQUEST FOR DIRECTION ON THE FUTURE OF THE PROGRAM
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Presentation of the six-month review of the Pilot Employee Parking Program and request for direction on the future of the program.
Body
Background:
With increasing growth and demand in the City's downtown business district, in 2019 the City of Delray Beach initiated creation of a management plan to guide management of both parking and spaces along busy curbsides and bustling sidewalks. The Parking and Curbside Master Plan, developed by industry experts with robust public participation from local stakeholders including the Community Redevelopment Agency, Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Agency among others, presents recommendations for a performance based, actively managed parking system.
Strategies for implementation of the Master Plan are divided into three categories:
1) Systems -- including formation of a parking benefits district, right pricing parking, technology improvements, and mobility
2) Elements -- include periphery and shared parking, connected garages and Atlantic Avenue bypass, infrastructure, and wayfinding
3) Operations -- coordinated valet operations, employee parking programs, commercial loading zones, traffic management and enforcement, and funding strategy
On July 8, 2025, the City Commission (City) received a presentation containing options for additional progress on implementation of the Parking and Curbside Master Plan including discussion of a proposed monthly Employee Parking Permit. In addition to changes in parking rates, the City agreed to implement a Pilot Employee Parking Permit program for six months with a review of the pilot program to be provided in April. The parking permit is available to downtown employees of all types with a monthly cost of $10. All City-operated paid parking areas west of the Intracoastal Waterway are available for the employees with the exception of Atlantic Avenue, and time limits are lifted to avoid employees having to move vehicles during work hours. Overall the program has been well received.
City Attorney Review:
Not applicable
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
This program generates revenue and does not have an additional cost.
Timing of Request:
This matter is time sensitive as the pilot program is over at the end of April.