KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The City of Kalamazoo is preparing to implement a series of parking changes aimed at better aligning with the evolving needs of its growing downtown. The proposed 2025 parking update, presented to the Kalamazoo City Commission Monday night, includes new meters, adjustments to paid and free parking zones, and an expansion of accessible parking spaces.
City staff and consultants explained that the changes are designed to address shifts in parking demand, especially in areas experiencing new development. Parts of East Michigan Avenue, previously subject to paid parking, could be converted to free parking under the plan. Additionally, sections of Michigan Avenue, South Street, and Lovell Street may see paid spots replaced with free parking, while streets south of Bronson Park would continue to operate under base-rate paid parking.
Christina Anderson, city planner and deputy director of community planning and development, noted that the downtown area’s transformation is a key driver behind the updates. “At the south end of downtown Kalamazoo, there are two new large residential buildings and a very popular coffee shop. These changes have altered parking usage patterns in that part of the city,” Anderson said. She emphasized that ongoing monitoring of land use and parking demand will be critical to keeping regulations up to date.
Another significant component of the update is the replacement of Kalamazoo’s aging parking meters with modern pay stations. Parking consultant Rob Bacigalupi highlighted the benefits of new technology, which allows users to pay in multiple ways and provides the city with more precise data on parking usage. “One of the reasons that we’re pursuing new technology is it allows us to assess demand a whole lot easier than the old method, which involved physically counting spaces — a very time-consuming and laborious process,” Bacigalupi explained.
The upgrade, however, comes with a cost. The new equipment is estimated at nearly $423,000, exceeding the general purchasing budget of approximately $367,000. To manage expenses, the city plans to phase in new meters while using some existing units as temporary placeholders.
The proposal also calls for reallocating “a couple of dozen” parking spaces into barrier-free, accessible parking spots to improve inclusivity.
Bacigalupi emphasized that the goal of these changes is to address the perception of limited parking availability. “Parking is always available where you want it to be, and there are options if you want to be real close to those high-traffic areas,” he said.
Certain parts of the plan, such as purchasing new kiosks, require approval from the city commission before moving forward.
The update builds on previous parking reforms, including a 2023 initiative that introduced free first 90-minute parking at the Kalamazoo Mall Ramp and Epic Center Ramp. Parking kiosks along the Kalamazoo Mall currently charge $2 per hour with a 90-minute time limit.
The City of Kalamazoo expects the changes to better accommodate its evolving urban landscape while enhancing the parking experience for residents and visitors alike.
