Council to Receive Presentation on Town Center Parking Regulations on March 18, 2025

The Mercer Island City Council will receive a presentation about the parking regulations for on-street parking in Town Center and at the new Town Center Parking Area at its regular scheduled meeting on March 18, 2025.

The Sound Transit Light Rail Station is anticipated to open in late 2025. Parking demand in Town Center will likely increase when the Station opens. Managing the parking supply to ensure parking is available for both commuters and patrons of Town Center businesses will be crucial to the success of Town Center.

Last year, the City Council directed staff to an on-street parking system in Town Center where a user would register their vehicle for two hours of free parking and have the option to extend their parking to a four-hour maximum for a paid fee. Staff are hoping to confirm this approach and the recommended rate of $2.50 per hour.

Additionally, staff are seeking City Council feedback on the regulations and rate for the new Town Center Parking Area. Staff recommend providing a user with two hours of free parking upon registration and having the option to extend their parking to a twelve-hour maximum for a paid fee. Staff recommend using a rate of $2.50 per hour and instituting a daily maximum rate of $12.50.

This agenda item is discussion only and no formal action will be taken by the City Council. Staff will incorporate feedback and return to the City Council for approval before implementation.

Agenda materials for the meeting are available here (Agenda Item #13). The March 18, 2025 hybrid meeting will be broadcast live on MITV Channel 21 and live streamed on the City Council’s YouTube Channel.