We’re exploring a new approach to downtown parking — Read the plan + take the survey

Parking in downtown Bend isn’t always easy—and we’ve heard you want more flexibility.

This draft plan explores ways to make parking easier to find and more flexible to use.

Parking is one of the most common challenges facing downtown Bend—for visitors trying to find a space and for businesses working to create a welcoming, accessible environment. Over the past year, we’ve heard consistent feedback that people want more flexibility: the ability to stay longer when needed, without worrying about a ticket, while still making it easier to find parking overall.

The Draft Downtown Parking Management Plan explores a more flexible approach to on-street parking that better balances short visits with longer stays.

One concept under consideration is a progressive pricing model—keeping short visits affordable while encouraging turnover in high-demand areas. This could allow visitors to stay beyond the current 2-hour limit by paying a small, incremental fee, rather than needing to move their car.

The draft also includes:

A simple, consistent payment system across downtown
Better use of garages and surface lots for longer-term parking
A limited number of clearly designated 15-minute spaces for quick, in-and-out visits

The goal is to make parking easier to find, more flexible to use, and better aligned with how people experience downtown.

what we’re exploring

This draft is informed by community and stakeholder surveys, ongoing conversations, and input from the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee.

This is a draft plan. No decisions have been made and no changes are being implemented at this time.

the DBBA’s role

The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) does not make decisions about parking policy—that responsibility belongs to the City of Bend. Our role is to engage the community, gather input, and bring forward thoughtful, community and stakeholder-informed recommendations on issues that impact downtown.