VII.1. Consideration of a Parking Study; Bishop
CITY OF HOPKINS
MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Nick Bishop, Finance Department
Sam Gallagher, Economic Development Department
Date: May 19, 2026
Subject: Consideration of a Parking Study
_____________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE
To provide input and guidance on a proposed Parking Study.
OVERVIEW
Staff are looking for feedback on a proposed parking study focused on fee recovery.
Parking revenue generated could be used for the maintenance and operating costs of
the City’s parking system, which is underfunded. The study would include receiving
feedback from residents, business owners and other users. The City’s most recent
parking study was completed in 2013. The anticipated cost for the study is $65,000 –
75,000.
Current Parking System
The City of Hopkins vehicle parking supply includes on-street parking throughout the
city, a municipal parking ramp off 11th Avenue South, on-street parking along
Mainstreet with varied time limits, residential permit parking on 12th Avenue North, and
municipal parking lots with daytime and overnight parking permits available on a daily,
monthly, quarterly and annual basis. The current total of downtown municipal parking
lot/ramp spaces is 1,009 across eight Hopkins Municipal Parking lots/ramp.
Downtown parking lots and Mainstreet on-street parking for a duration of one to three
hours is free depending on the lot or space. For parking over the one to three hour
limits, permits are available for most municipal lots and the ramp. However, the
permitting process is antiquated and requires a paper permit purchased at Hopkins City
Hall, which lessens compliance. Many cities are moving towards parking apps that
allow customers to pay via their phone and enforcement through license plate readers.
Overnight parking is available for Hopkins residents with a special permit in the
municipal ramp, and Lot 200 and 300.
Finance & Planning &
Economic Development
Parking Revenue
The primary source of parking revenue has been long-term parking permits for
Downtown lots and the parking ramp. Revenue peaked in 2019 but has been steadily
declining since the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenue collected has not covered operating
expenditures.
Deferred Maintenance Costs
The current condition of municipal parking lots is poor and in need of reconstruction.
The last significant maintenance at the parking ramp was completed in 2016. There is
currently no funding source identified for deferred maintenance costs. A paid parking
system could ensure that parking users are paying the related costs.
Opportunity Cost of Parking
An updated Parking Study would provide context on Hopkins municipal parking supply
and how to manage it properly, which may include a different fee structure, time limits or
enforcement process. The City currently allows other public uses for public parking lots
and off-street parking including the Hopkins Farmers Market and sidewalk café system.
Once parking needs are determined, the city can move forward with a management
plan and consider opportunities for other uses.
Parking Study Approach
If the city hired a consultant to lead the Parking Study, the scope could include:
o Analyze public parking utilization including municipal lots and on-street
parking spaces downtown.
o Based on demand and market averages, recommend a parking fee
structure and time limits going forward.
o Recommend digital third-party paid parking system for the city to collect
parking fees and manage parking use for enforcement
o Determine how parking revenue should be utilized to prioritize safe travel
for all modes, increase public awareness of available parking spaces, and
fund long-term maintenance of the municipal ramp.
o Pair parking considerations with a curb management plan that prepares
for Autonomous Vehicles (AV) loading requirements and delivery needs.
o Consider residential permit parking areas
o Engage with community to share knowledge on municipal parking
available for use and changes to the municipal parking structure.
o Establish a wayfinding design toolkit for municipal parking to increase
knowledge of and convenience to available parking.
ALTERNATIVES
o Continue the current parking system as is
o Continue the same framework but hire a third-party to manage
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
• Downtown Public Parking Map