Park Omaha's strategy

[FlatwaterTurley]

Howdy, everyone. My name is Jeremy Turley, and I'm a reporter with the Flatwater Free Press. I'm working on a story about the city's parking strategy, and this seems like the perfect place to find smart people who think about this kind of thing.

The city revamped its approach to parking about 15 years ago and has grown its parking stock in that time from about 8,400 stalls to more than 15,000. Another 5,800 spots are on the way, including 2,200 in the new Mutual tower that the city agreed to buy for $99 million.

As I understand it, the city's strategy is to consolidate parking in prime areas and cross-utilize the same spots for different types of users (commuters, residents, nighttime crowd). This would eventually allow for underutilized surface lots – particularly in downtown — to be turned into apartment buildings and commercial spaces. The increased parking fees collected will help the city pay for streetcar operations and parking structure maintenance.

The upshot for everyday people: You'll probably have to pay the city to park in downtown and midtown more often than you do now.

I'm curious what y'all think of all this. I'm looking for people who would be willing to comment on different aspects of this. Feel free to reach out by email at jturley[at]flatwaterfreepress[dot]org. Thanks!

[OverlookedFarm]

Never forget one thing: Contrary to their claims, the city finance department is in the parking business. And they want to make good money on their investments. This is a good reason the small independently owned surface lots and garages no longer exist. Government hates competition.

They are not supposed to make "significant profit" on the parking operation, but do spend the excess revenues on related infrastructure. Same mission creep that is the "wheel tax" or "property tax". Expenditures are not responsible, tied or related whatsoever to the revenue sources. This turns the parking venture into a No-Rules-Just-Right Outback Steakhouse experience.

In my opinion, very little in the pay-for-parking areas of town are worth visiting, so I feel it impacts only those who choose to live and work there. If you want me to patronize your TIF-fueled fun zone that I'm already paying for, incentivize me by picking up my parking tab as a local resident. Until then, there are many other TIF-fueled fun zones I can visit and not have to redownload and rekey my CC info into their marginal at best parking app.

Forking over parking fees to offset the streetcar debacle is a pittance, and afterthought at this point.

IBthatsnothowTIFworksidiot

[ita]

Never forget one thing: Contrary to their claims, the city finance department is in the parking business. And they want to make good money on their investments. This is a good reason the small independently owned surface lots and garages no longer exist. Government hates competition.

I, personally would rather have city owned parking garages, which, according to you, are being paid not by taxes but the parking fees, that consolidate parking needs downtown/midtown than the small parking garages and surface lots in the urban core. Those small parking garages and lots are either private only or, if they are open to the public, also require a fee to park, often at a much higher premium than city owned parking garages and lots. Additionally, they are often located in valuable or very desirable areas or lots that could be redevelop into much better uses (same with some city owned garages). While I would rather not have any new parking built, when it is being built purposefully, ie. support the streetcar route and increasing the likelihood of success in terms of additional development along that route and built with multi-use in mind, ie. the garage at the Duo, Blackstone, Mercantile, Millwork Commons and the Builders District, I think it is a fine strategy.

[Jins123]

ParkOmaha being in Nebraska Medicine parking garages and “the edge” development is absurd and so eye rolling to see. A new development with a new brewery in town and their whole surface level parking lot (not the parking garages) is metered during regular hours

[locoluke]

Omaha parking rates as well as tickets are relatively cheap. Private lots are usually more expensive in my experience. It’s convenient to have the single app as well. My only gripes are that there isn’t a map incorporated into the app with parking locations/zones and rates. Parking rates have certainly never kept me from visiting somewhere.

[buildomaha]

Parking is a pretty seamless process in Omaha. I have had much more trouble in Lincoln in regards to paying, tickets, availability, etc.

[blueblood]

Old man yelling at clouds here. If the city increased its presence in parking 15 years ago that would coincide with issues with going downtown. Try going downtown for any event at the CHI or Steelhouse and parking takes longer than the drive down. Dinner in the old market is a cluster trying to navigate the phone ap. My top concern is not the cost or use of funds but the speed of getting to a parking spot and walking away from my car. Right now that lack of speed eliminates many people from stepping foot downtown right now.

[Louie]

Old man yelling at clouds here. If the city increased its presence in parking 15 years ago that would coincide with issues with going downtown. Try going downtown for any event at the CHI or Steelhouse and parking takes longer than the drive down. Dinner in the old market is a cluster trying to navigate the phone ap. My top concern is not the cost or use of funds but the speed of getting to a parking spot and walking away from my car. Right now that lack of speed eliminates many people from stepping foot downtown right now.

What about the app is a cluster? I find it takes me maybe 30 seconds to handle paying for my parking.

[blueblood]

The ParkOmaha AP. First time use took a while to set up while the family was seated at restaurant. If I don't frequent downtown I have to reinstall it with each visit. I can see if you are a frequent downtown person how it would be 30 seconds. The removal of the straight up credit card slot is an inconvenience. I tend to use the parking garages more so If you are going to go with the AP couldn't it then be used with the parking garages in a way to eliminate the attendant?

[Brad]

Old man yelling at clouds here. If the city increased its presence in parking 15 years ago that would coincide with issues with going downtown. Try going downtown for any event at the CHI or Steelhouse and parking takes longer than the drive down. Dinner in the old market is a cluster trying to navigate the phone ap. My top concern is not the cost or use of funds but the speed of getting to a parking spot and walking away from my car. Right now that lack of speed eliminates many people from stepping foot downtown right now.

What about the app is a cluster? I find it takes me maybe 30 seconds to handle paying for my parking.

I agree I think the app is perfect. I use it for the garages and the meters and I never have any problems with it. I have both of our cars saved in there ready to go, and now that the app uses Apple Pay, I don’t have to worry about keeping my credit card in the app updated. I agree, 30 seconds at most.

The ParkOmaha AP. First time use took a while to set up while the family was seated at restaurant. If I don't frequent downtown I have to reinstall it with each visit. I can see if you are a frequent downtown person how it would be 30 seconds. The removal of the straight up credit card slot is an inconvenience. I tend to use the parking garages more so If you are going to go with the AP couldn't it then be used with the parking garages in a way to eliminate the attendant?

Other than the garage attached to City Hall, which parking garage in downtown Omaha still has an attendant? All the garages I frequent just have a three digit code for the Park Omaha app, like all the meters do.

[blueblood]

The one to the West of the Steelhouse.

[Greg S]

Overall I have found the Park Omaha app easy to use. I'm not a frequent user, maybe every other month but have never had any issues. I will say Park Omaha garages are typically very reasonable. I think when we go to shows at Steelhouse it's always 5 bucks.

The one area that Park Omaha is going into that I question is CrossRoads. That just doesn't seem to be a development that I think people are going to be OK paying to park. Especially when compared to Ak Sar Ben, it's plentiful free garages just down the street.

[Louie]

Overall I have found the Park Omaha app easy to use. I'm not a frequent user, maybe every other month but have never had any issues. I will say Park Omaha garages are typically very reasonable. I think when we go to shows at Steelhouse it's always 5 bucks.

The one area that Park Omaha is going into that I question is CrossRoads. That just doesn't seem to be a development that I think people are going to be OK paying to park. Especially when compared to Ak Sar Ben, it's plentiful free garages just down the street.

Completely agree with basically this entire sentiment.

[omaha79]

I like the app. It's easy to use and intuitive. I do not miss the days of getting downtown and realizing I didn't bring any change.

I had an issue in Blackstone at the garage where I left the minute my free 2 hours was ending and still got a ticket. It was exactly 2 hours. I called the office and they were at a loss why I got a ticket, but waived it. That has been my only hiccup.

I do think you're still fighting the small town mentality of Omaha where people are loathe to pay for parking in this city and think that's something you should only have to do in "big cities." But, as Omaha grows, it's the cost of doing business.

The dynamic pricing model in some areas or where you get charged more for additional hours lacks some transparency and is confusing. Also, the 2 hour limit at some meters like in Blackstone is ridiculous as it barely allows you to get dinner, let alone walk around after.

[nebport5]

Overall I have found the Park Omaha app easy to use. I'm not a frequent user, maybe every other month but have never had any issues. I will say Park Omaha garages are typically very reasonable. I think when we go to shows at Steelhouse it's always 5 bucks.

The one area that Park Omaha is going into that I question is CrossRoads. That just doesn't seem to be a development that I think people are going to be OK paying to park. Especially when compared to Ak Sar Ben, it's plentiful free garages just down the street.

Assuming that Crossroads becomes the retail/entertainment center we hope it will be and the demand is strong I think people will get over it. Hopefully they'll have a free hour or reduced rate up front and increase the cost for extended periods. Quite frankly, I think Village Pointe needs paid parking, it's consistently a mess.

I'd say even Aksarben can be somewhat tricky at peak times, though it's not quite the major shopping center like a traditional mall. I agree it's generally easier to find parking there if you're dining in. However, I've picked up food several times there and it can be difficult to get in and out relatively quickly near some of the non-food hall restaurants. Compared to say The Old Market, where there are a lot more 15 min parking spaces I can usually find something close available vs the Aksarben "pick-up" spaces that don't seem to turn over as much. Perhaps if there's no threat of a ticket that's why?

[Greg S]

Overall I have found the Park Omaha app easy to use. I'm not a frequent user, maybe every other month but have never had any issues. I will say Park Omaha garages are typically very reasonable. I think when we go to shows at Steelhouse it's always 5 bucks.

The one area that Park Omaha is going into that I question is CrossRoads. That just doesn't seem to be a development that I think people are going to be OK paying to park. Especially when compared to Ak Sar Ben, it's plentiful free garages just down the street.

Assuming that Crossroads becomes the retail/entertainment center we hope it will be and the demand is strong I think people will get over it. Hopefully they'll have a free hour or reduced rate up front and increase the cost for extended periods. Quite frankly, I think Village Pointe needs paid parking, it's consistently a mess.

I'd say even Aksarben can be somewhat tricky at peak times, though it's not quite the major shopping center like a traditional mall. I agree it's generally easier to find parking there if you're dining in. However, I've picked up food several times there and it can be difficult to get in and out relatively quickly near some of the non-food hall restaurants. Compared to say The Old Market, where there are a lot more 15 min parking spaces I can usually find something close available vs the Aksarben "pick-up" spaces that don't seem to turn over as much. Perhaps if there's no threat of a ticket that's why?

We probably go to Ak Sar Ben more than any other spot in town. We park at Ak Sar Ben for UNO hockey, when we go to Inner Rail, Sonny's, events at Stinson Park (usually the concerts on Saturdays), going to the restaurants, and to hit some of the bars like Kinkaider or Pauli's. I have never encountered any issues parking there. Depending on where we are going we use different garages or sometimes street parking. I will say though, I rarely am looking for short term parking. If I am going downtown to concerts/events with friends from different parts of town we often meet at Kinkaider, then carpool because we know how easy it is to park in one of their garages.

[OverlookedFarm]

Old man yelling at clouds here. If the city increased its presence in parking 15 years ago that would coincide with issues with going downtown. Try going downtown for any event at the CHI or Steelhouse and parking takes longer than the drive down. Dinner in the old market is a cluster trying to navigate the phone ap. My top concern is not the cost or use of funds but the speed of getting to a parking spot and walking away from my car. Right now that lack of speed eliminates many people from stepping foot downtown right now.

What about the app is a cluster? I find it takes me maybe 30 seconds to handle paying for my parking.

I agree I think the app is perfect. I use it for the garages and the meters and I never have any problems with it. I have both of our cars saved in there ready to go, and now that the app uses Apple Pay, I don’t have to worry about keeping my credit card in the app updated. I agree, 30 seconds at most.

The ParkOmaha AP. First time use took a while to set up while the family was seated at restaurant. If I don't frequent downtown I have to reinstall it with each visit. I can see if you are a frequent downtown person how it would be 30 seconds. The removal of the straight up credit card slot is an inconvenience. I tend to use the parking garages more so If you are going to go with the AP couldn't it then be used with the parking garages in a way to eliminate the attendant?

Other than the garage attached to City Hall, which parking garage in downtown Omaha still has an attendant? All the garages I frequent just have a three digit code for the Park Omaha app, like all the meters do.

The Park Omaha App is hard to use* and not as intuitive as other cities.

After reading this thread, it confirmed that other users have the same issues I have experienced: If you don't use it frequently, even if you have it downloaded, you have to rekey and/or redownload the app and your information. I, personally, avoid using my CC on my cell phone for security. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I try to limit my downtown+blackstone visits to one time a year +/- a CWS visit or two if at all possible, and I have had to go find a QR, redownload, go back to my car, key in the plate, key in my CC, then auth payment every time I use city parking. PITA.

*While at the CWS the past few years, I have witnessed out of town visitors struggling to a) know where they are at, b)how and what to download, then attach the prepaid fare to their plate. I have found myself commandeering their phone to push it through on a couple of occasions. One even said "screw it, I'll pay the ticket if it comes in the mail".

[almighty_tuna]

Using a CC on my iPhone is easily the most secure transaction I make. I trust that way more than using my physical card at a gas station or a self-park kiosk for example. Takes 30sec to enter the zone from the bollard and my license plate, then double-click the side button to pay, all of that happening while I walk to my destination. The only time the ParkOmaha system has failed me was inside the Blackstone garage when it was brand new and I got a ticket for not paying during the first two "free" hours.

Sounds like your issues are self-inflicted by removing everything from your phone every time you're done using it.

[Louie]

I try to limit my downtown+blackstone visits to one time a year +/- a CWS visit or two if at all possible, and I have had to go find a QR, redownload, go back to my car, key in the plate, key in my CC, then auth payment every time I use city parking. PITA.

That is a ton of complaining for what amounts to maybe 3 minutes of mild annoyance.

[ita]

My experience with the app is one you have your license plate and payment set up, it is incredibly easy to use. I don't think I have ever had it crash. Even if it did, there are kiosks. Parking downtown is easy and is only going to get easier with the additional parking structures on the horizon.

[OverlookedFarm]

Sounds like your issues are self-inflicted by removing everything from your phone every time you're done using it.

Nope, app remains installed. But go ahead, because apparently I'm not the only casual user that has experienced issues.

[Garrett]

Sounds like your issues are self-inflicted by removing everything from your phone every time you're done using it.

Nope, app remains installed. But go ahead, because apparently I'm not the only casual user that has experienced issues.

Based on this thread it mostly sounds like you are.

[locoluke]

Sounds like your issues are self-inflicted by removing everything from your phone every time you're done using it.

Nope, app remains installed. But go ahead, because apparently I'm not the only casual user that has experienced issues.

I try to limit my downtown+blackstone visits to one time a year +/- a CWS visit or two if at all possible, and I have had to go find a QR, redownload, go back to my car, key in the plate, key in my CC, then auth payment every time I use city parking. PITA.

I’m confused. If the app remains installed, then what are you redownloading?

[nebugeater]

Sounds like your issues are self-inflicted by removing everything from your phone every time you're done using it.

Nope, app remains installed. But go ahead, because apparently I'm not the only casual user that has experienced issues.

I try to limit my downtown+blackstone visits to one time a year +/- a CWS visit or two if at all possible, and I have had to go find a QR, redownload, go back to my car, key in the plate, key in my CC, then auth payment every time I use city parking. PITA.

I’m confused. If the app remains installed, then what are you redownloading?

Maybe it works differently on a flip phone

[OmahaBadger2]

I work in the Civil Engineering Space. I’d say I’m mostly one favor of what they’re doing since it will be necessary to continue the transition to a more transit friendly and dense urban core.

My main concern is it feels like they’re early to a lot of these developments and there isn’t demand. For example, that garage near catalyst in the edge district really doesn’t need to exist yet. I’m guessing we’re at least 5 years out from needing it. Probably more. That’s time off the lifecycle of the assets without revenue and it seems like poor capital management.

[Ben]

I work in the Civil Engineering Space. I’d say I’m mostly one favor of what they’re doing since it will be necessary to continue the transition to a more transit friendly and dense urban core.

My main concern is it feels like they’re early to a lot of these developments and there isn’t demand. For example, that garage near catalyst in the edge district really doesn’t need to exist yet. I’m guessing we’re at least 5 years out from needing it. Probably more. That’s time off the lifecycle of the assets without revenue and it seems like poor capital management.

Conversely, the city has a much longer view on these projects than the developers, who may sell off the asset once buildout completed and main tenants secured. Besides the fact that most governments borrow at significantly lower costs than commercial developers. So the city is better positioned to hold long term. Its a form of an incentive the city can offer a developer, but yet the city will continue to generate revenue on it (unlike TIF, which discounts tax receipts for an extended period).

[locoluke]

My main concern is it feels like they’re early to a lot of these developments and there isn’t demand. For example, that garage near catalyst in the edge district really doesn’t need to exist yet. I’m guessing we’re at least 5 years out from needing it. Probably more. That’s time off the lifecycle of the assets without revenue and it seems like poor capital management.

Is it possible that already having a parking structure in place could help to attract new developments and also help w/ pushback from neighbors about parking (or a lack thereof)?

[Garrett]

My main concern is it feels like they’re early to a lot of these developments and there isn’t demand. For example, that garage near catalyst in the edge district really doesn’t need to exist yet. I’m guessing we’re at least 5 years out from needing it. Probably more. That’s time off the lifecycle of the assets without revenue and it seems like poor capital management.

Is it possible that already having a parking structure in place could help to attract new developments and also help w/ pushback from neighbors about parking (or a lack thereof)?

That’s kinda how I view it. If the city built garages are the type of infrastructure that bring more development, then great, it’s probably good to have them in advance. But if they spark nothing, uh oh.

[locoluke]

My main concern is it feels like they’re early to a lot of these developments and there isn’t demand. For example, that garage near catalyst in the edge district really doesn’t need to exist yet. I’m guessing we’re at least 5 years out from needing it. Probably more. That’s time off the lifecycle of the assets without revenue and it seems like poor capital management.

Is it possible that already having a parking structure in place could help to attract new developments and also help w/ pushback from neighbors about parking (or a lack thereof)?

That’s kinda how I view it. If the city built garages are the type of infrastructure that bring more development, then great, it’s probably good to have them in advance. But if they spark nothing, uh oh.

Future Park & Ride facilities?

[blueblood]

The park ap may very well be an age thing. Under a certain age think it's great from the start. Those less familiar struggle with it. No reason to demean. Like I said earlier if I went downtown once a week it's very smooth but since I don't it can be annoying at times. I will adapt.

Now on to the parking garage west of the Steelhouse. Yes it costs 5 bucks that's great but the line to get in can go 2-3 blocks the 45 minutes before an event. Thats a bigger problem to me than the ap. The lots to get into CHI can have the same issue. If the ap works then somehow use it in those spaces and get rid of the attendant.

[OmahaRedWing]

I use the Park Omaha app a couple times a year. I haven't ever had to reenter any of my information. It remembers our cars and payment method. I think it's easy. I also use one that Lincoln has, Passport, along with SpotHero and ParkWhiz when I travel (highly recommend both of you are going to a downtown event in a big city, have saved a ton of money). I think Park Omaha is as easy to use and up to date as any of them.

I use Park Omaha both for meters and garages.

[locoluke]

Now on to the parking garage west of the Steelhouse. Yes it costs 5 bucks that's great but the line to get in can go 2-3 blocks the 45 minutes before an event. Thats a bigger problem to me than the ap.

The queue to get in that garage is the bane of my existence. It makes the ORBT stop in front of that garage completely unusable.