As a candidate for Greensboro City Council District 4, I believe in practical, bold solutions that support our local economy and enhance the quality of life for our residents. One critical area where we can make an immediate impact is downtown parking. To promote business growth in our downtown area, we must rethink how we approach parking fees and accessibility.
Imagine visiting downtown Greensboro to shop, dine, or attend an event and being greeted with an unmistakable message: “Downtown Greensboro is Open for Business.” Free parking for retail visitors would send a powerful signal to our business community and residents alike. It says, “We value your presence, time, and investment in our downtown.”
Right now, the looming demolition of the Bellemeade parking deck, which accounts for nearly a quarter of public parking downtown, presents a challenge—and an opportunity. While the loss of 1,300 spaces is significant, it’s a chance to reimagine how we approach parking and create a more visitor-friendly environment downtown.
Here’s why free parking makes sense:
Encourages More Visitors
Free parking removes a barrier to entry, making it easier and more appealing for people to come downtown. Whether it’s a family exploring a new restaurant, a shopper browsing local boutiques, or a visitor attending a cultural event, free parking makes their experience smoother and more welcoming.
Supports Small Businesses
Small business owners are the backbone of our downtown economy. Free parking ensures that potential customers aren’t deterred by additional costs, helping these businesses thrive.
Levels the Playing Field
Suburban shopping centers and malls offer free parking as a standard. Downtown Greensboro should compete on a level playing field to attract the same visitors and dollars.
Boosts Downtown’s Image
A welcoming downtown experience builds loyalty and goodwill. Offering free parking shows that we prioritize convenience and accessibility for everyone.
As the Bellemeade deck comes down and the City Council evaluates the next steps, we must resist the urge to raise rates or expand enforcement times. While these measures may provide short-term revenue, they could discourage downtown visitors and hurt businesses in the long run.
Instead, let’s explore creative solutions, such as reallocating underutilized spaces, partnering with private lots to increase availability, and investing in smarter parking technologies that make navigating downtown easier. Above all, we should focus on policies that encourage activity and investment downtown—not policies that make it harder or more expensive to visit.
I envision a bustling downtown Greensboro with activities: families enjoying the park, friends gathering for coffee, and entrepreneurs meeting to discuss their next venture. Free parking isn’t just a perk; it’s a promise that we are a city that welcomes everyone.
If you believe in a Greensboro that is truly “Open for Business,” join me in advocating for free parking downtown. Together, we can ensure that our downtown remains a vibrant commerce, culture, and community hub.
Let’s build a better future for Greensboro—one parking space at a time.
Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4