Parking management would benefit downtown

I support for the proposed parking lease agreement that would transfer oversight of the downtown parking system to the Cedar Rapids Downtown District.

Downtown parking has never and should never be a top priority for a City Council. However, parking has been and continues to be a top priority for those who visit, work, live and/or own a business or property downtown. The Downtown District is well positioned to take on strategic oversight of the parking system and has shown great commitment to stakeholder advocacy. Turning the parking system around will be an enormous task, yet the Downtown District stands ready to take on the challenge for the benefit of the greater downtown community.

This change is a win-win for the city and for downtown, as each benefits from improved parking, reinvestment in the system and a focus on economic development. Support of this lease agreement is a vote in support of a vibrant and revitalized downtown.

Ken Kintzle

Cedar Rapids