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What is Boulder's Access Management and Parking Strategy?

The Access Management and Parking Strategy (AMPS) was developed to improve Boulder’s approach to multimodal access and parking management, and help evaluate access management policies and practices. AMPS is complementary to and reflective of numerous adopted plans and policies such as the Sustainability Framework, the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, the Transportation Master Plan, the Economic Sustainability Strategy and the Climate Commitment.

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Continuously Improving Boulder’s Approach to Multimodal Access and Parking Management

Boulder is a recognized national leader in providing a variety of options for access, parking, and transportation. To support the community’s social, economic, and environmental goals, Boulder acknowledges the need to continuously innovate and prepare for a world that is rapidly changing.

Revitalized Parking & Transportation Access projects happening in 2023

Happening in 2023

  • Performance-based pricing went into effect April 3, 2023. The strategy sets different parking rates for on-street blocks depending on demand for that block and offers uniformly lower off-street parking pricing.
  • The Residential Access Management Program (RAMP) is continuing to evaluate parking in neighborhoods to determine prioritization for consideration of new, modified, or removal of management zones (NPPs).
  • Our Chautauqua Access Management Plan (CAMP) program will be evaluated to determine if it should continue and what changes should be made. Over the last 6 years, the program has combined managed on-site and neighborhood parking, employer transportation demand management (TDM) programs, and a free shuttle from remote lots to manage parking demand in and around very popular Chautauqua Park.
  • The Curbside Management Project is working on developing policy guidance to manage competing demands on the curb as well as an Implementation Guidebook on how to make proactive and reactive changes to curbside uses.

Revitalized Parking & Transportation Access projects completed to date

2022 was a busy year!

  • At the beginning of 2022, the City of Boulder made updates to our parking program to provide expanded options and better access to Boulder’s special districts (downtown Boulder, University Hill, and Boulder Junction).
  • Implemented 15 minutes free with the start of a parking session for on-street and garage parking for customers running quick errands.
  • Created the Mobile Vendor Permit to support businesses that provide frequent services in Neighborhood Permit Program (NPP) zones (such as lawn care, painting, or heating and cooling repair businesses).
  • Adjusted parking pricing for on-street ($1.50/hour) and downtown garages ($1.25/hour with a flat rate of $15 after 6 hours) to support the community’s social, economic, and environmental goals.
  • Updated the fine schedule for parking citations to help keep streets safe.
  • Updated the City of Boulder’s approach to neighborhood parking management by undertaking an annual assessment based on key metrics, such as parking occupancy, trip generation and access to other modes of transportation. Parking behavior data collected will inform eligibility and prioritization for consideration of new or modified management zones.
  • Evaluated on-street parking occupancy to determine where pricing should change to balance supply and demand of the curb.
  • The Curbside Management Project collected existing inventory of the curb, identified best practices from around North America, piloted a ‘Flexible Loading Zone,’ and engaged with stakeholders and members of the public through the process.

Revitalized Parking & Transportation Access Guiding Principles

Provide for All Transportation Modes

Support a balance of all modes of access for a safe transportation system. Modes include pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and multiple forms of motorized vehicles—with pedestrians at the center.

Customize Tools by Area

Use a toolbox with a variety of programs, policies, and initiatives customized for the unique needs and character of Boulder’s diverse neighborhoods, both residential and commercial.

Support a Diversity of People

Address the transportation needs of different people at all ages, stages of life, and mobility levels—residents, employees, employers, seniors, business owners, students, and visitors.

Seek Solutions With Co-benefits

Find common ground and address trade offs between community character, economic vitality, and community well-being. Seek elegant solutions—those that achieve multiple objectives and have co-benefits.

Plan For the Present and Future

While focusing on today’s needs, develop solutions that address future demographic, economic, travel, and community design needs. Align with Boulder’s master plans, including the updated Transportation Master Plan, the Climate Commitment and Sustainability Framework.

Cultivate Partnerships

Be open to collaboration and public private partnerships to achieve desired outcomes.

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Contact Samantha Bromberg

Phone
303-441-4030
Email
brombergs@bouldercolorado.gov