JACKSON, Wyo. — On Monday, Oct. 6, Town Council unanimously approved a rate increase for overnight parking at the Millward/Simpson Garage. The approval includes a directive for staff to gather information on parking needs for residents of nearby affordable housing units.
The new pay structure will give users the first eight hours free, then it will increase to $5 per hour, up to a maximum daily rate of $25. This was modified from the previously approved rate schedule of $3 per hour from midnight to 4 a.m., which was a maximum daily rate of $12. According to the Town, the new parking fees are projected to be implemented later this month.
In March, Town staff presented a number of challenges with continuing free parking, including rental car companies and private individuals storing their vehicles in the garage, overnight campers relieving themselves when restrooms lock overnight and reported criminal activity related to drugs and prostitution.
During the meeting, Town of Jackson Transportation Manager Charlotte Frei told Town Council that the parking garage is a normal, private good that has been underpriced since its construction in 2007.
With the new rate increase, several Councilors brought up concerns for those living in the Jackson Street apartments, a 100% deed-restricted affordable housing project, because many tenants rely on the garage for residential parking. Councilwoman Alyson Spery said that the cost increase is being placed upon the people who cannot afford the extra fee every month. Councilwoman Devon Viehman proposed a reduced fee for residents who need the parking.
“Can we direct the housing department to set aside some parking spots for Jackson Street Apartments?” Viehman asked. “The folks that moved into the Jackson Street apartments probably didn’t know that this wasn’t going to be a ‘forever’ option.”
Councilor Kevin Regan also suggested a residential discount code for use in the short term.
“Every rule has an exception,” Regan said. “I would like to see the housing department weigh in, and see a little more thought go into this, particularly with Jackson Street Apartments.”
During public comment, two local residents stressed that that parking fees would not be sustainable. To address the issue, Councilor Jonathan Schechter recommended adding a clause in the motion for a parking survey to determine the number of spaces needed for the nearby housing units.
“I would like to see the survey,” Schechter said. “This strikes me as a workable approach.”
Town Council directed staff to complete a survey of Jackson Street Apartments to determine residential parking needs, including the number of parking spaces needed and what pricing would be attainable.
Mayor Arne Jorgensen reminded Town Council that amendments to the parking fees can still be made, and that they will need to make some hard decisions.
“This isn’t the final solution,” Jorgensen said. “We are at a gathering data year. We invested in this infrastructure. We need to use this infrastructure and collect the data.”
Referring to the controversy over a Teton Village “parking hack” that erupted during the winter of 2024, Mayor Arne Jorgensen said that those who try to bypass paying by leaving and pulling back in after the eight free hours would be penalized. Frei said that drivers would have a time stamp on their ticket, which could be reviewed. Jorgensen stressed the need to start managing the parking garage.
“By not charging for parking, we are allowing those who can afford it to get access to the parking,” Jorgensen said. “We are far past time that we need to actively manage.”
In the final motion, Town Council also directed staff to consult with START to explore marketing options for garage users planning to take the Jackson Hole Airport shuttle.
