City of Jackson Pauses Implementation of Metered Parking System to Reevaluate After Public Feedback

Street parking on Pearl Street. JTV file photo.

(March 18, 2025 3:53 PM ET) After receiving input from downtown business owners and members of the community, the City of Jackson has decided to pause the implementation of the new metered pay-to-park system in the downtown area. This decision follows a productive discussion between Mayor Daniel Mahoney and downtown business owners, where concerns were raised about the potential impact of metered parking on businesses and customer traffic.

“We have heard the concerns of our business owners and community members loud and clear,” said Mayor Mahoney. “Our goal is to create a system that works for everyone—residents, visitors, and businesses alike. After taking the feedback into careful consideration, we believe it’s necessary to take a step back and engage in further discussions before moving forward.”

A special meeting of the Jackson City Council has been called for Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. to reevaluate the decision to implement the metered parking system. This meeting will provide an opportunity for City leaders to address public concerns, explore alternative solutions, and ensure that any changes made to the downtown parking system reflect the best interests of the community.

The proposed metered parking system, which was initially scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, aimed to generate revenue for parking maintenance by transitioning the financial responsibility from business owners to those utilizing the spaces. However, feedback from the community has underscored the need to reexamine this approach.

“We are committed to fostering an open dialogue with our community and ensuring that any changes we implement align with the needs of Jackson’s downtown,” Mayor Mahoney added. “We look forward to a constructive and solution-driven discussion at the special meeting.”

The special meeting on Wednesday, March 26 will take place in the 2nd Floor City Council Chambers of City Hall, 161 W. Michigan Ave.