Downtown Ellicott City Parking - There's an App for that

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

The quaint, historic district of Downtown Ellicott City in Howard County (founded in 1772) had a parking problem – or did it? After years of debate about how to address parking availability, Howard County used experts and then technology to solve a perceived lack of parking by better utilizing the parking it already had.With a Parker App designed by Streetline, Howard County decided to use the latest in GPS technology to help guide visitors to available parking spaces. It would prevent people from driving around on a frustrating search and improve the overall experience of visiting the unique dining, shopping and tourist attractions of this community. At the same time, the County updated its meter technology for all of its paid parking in Downtown and implemented a fee strategy that would make off-street parking more attractive to visitors and residents.A residential parking program also was utilized to accommodate the needs of dozens of residents who live above the businesses on Main Street without impeding the flow and convenience for visitors.