The Main Street Parking Initiative

With the increased interest and investment in downtowns, there is a need to reengineer traffic and parking facilities. This article discusses the challenges in addressing parking issues and the role of the National Main Street Center (NMSC) in influencing the direction of parking in the central business districts of small cities. Survey data from over 100 cities and towns were used as the basis of a comparison of parking practices. From this data, a handbook on parking practices for small communities was developed by the NMSC and the Institute of Transportation Engineers. This handbook addresses topics such as gathering data and analyzing demand, increasing the effectiveness of existing facilities, planning and developing new parking facilities, and managing the parking system. Other parking-related accomplishments of the NMSC and similar agencies and organizations are briefly highlighted.