City parking enterprise outlines revenue, new meters and $40M replacement estimate for aging garage

Alyssa Alt, parking enterprise manager in Public Works, gave the council an overview of the department that manages on‑ and off‑street parking for downtown and Old Colorado City.

"My name is Alyssa Alt, and I am the, parking enterprise manager for the division of public works," Alt said as she outlined staffing (21 positions), enforcement (about seven enforcement staff currently) and transaction volumes (roughly 2.5 million annual transactions). She said the enterprise budget is roughly $10.5 million and is funded by parking meters, monthly passes and other user fees rather than general tax revenue.

Alt explained recent capital work including meter replacements completed in June and an ongoing five‑year structural maintenance program for garages. Public Works Director Richard Milady told council the enterprise has carried reserves around $14 million and is setting aside roughly $1.0–1.5 million per year for capital; Milady estimated an approximate $40 million ballpark to replace the Kiowa garage if needed.

Council questions focused on occupancy, the revenue impact of changed parking hours (8 a.m.–8 p.m. vs. prior schedule), the role of private lots and how the enterprise prioritizes streetscape spending from its revenue. Alt said occupancy in key garages during weekdays runs around 80% on typical mid‑week days and that the department is improving signage and wayfinding to help drivers find underused garages.

No immediate pricing or hours changes were proposed; staff said they are collecting and analyzing meter and occupancy data to inform future adjustments and will return with more detailed reports.