Your Voices Changed Everything: Paid Parking Plan Paused in Idaho Falls

This week, we saw a triumph for common sense and a victory for every Idaho Falls resident, worker, and small business owner who believes in being heard by their city government.

The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC), in collaboration with the Mayor and City Council, was on the verge of implementing a paid parking scheme that would end free on-street parking downtown. Under this proposal, all drivers, even those stopping for a quick five-minute errand, would have been required to pay via an app or select kiosk, with escalating rates for longer stays and no option for businesses to validate parking.

City leaders claimed this would enhance turnover and align us with major cities. However, it appeared as a one-size-fits-all policy that treated Idaho Falls citizens as mere revenue sources, rather than neighbors.

The Public Outcry

As soon as the details emerged, residents and business owners voiced their concerns. A citizen petition amassed over 2,400 signatures, and social media buzzed with personal stories from downtown workers, patrons, and businesses, accompanied by pressing questions:

  • How does paid parking attract more downtown visitors, especially for brief visits, lunch breaks, or shopping?
  • Why adopt big city policies when our community’s needs and culture differ?
  • Why weren’t business owners, employees, and families part of the initial discussions?

Frustratingly, as the backlash grew, city leaders distanced themselves, suggesting the plan was solely IFDDC’s initiative, despite evidence that it was jointly developed over the past year. For transparency, watch the July 28, 2025 City Council session (see it here).

Defining Our Own Path

When questioned about their reasoning, city leadership claimed, “We will need paid parking as we grow; all major cities do.” This is not leadership—it’s merely following the herd. Idaho Falls should carve its own path, rather than importing solutions that may suit Portland or Boise but not our families or small businesses.

Consider Jackson Hole: bustling, thriving, and free to park downtown. True leadership prioritizes the unique needs of our community.

A Call for Real Leadership

This situation highlights a broader issue: city leadership is disconnected from the people and businesses that enrich Idaho Falls. Policies must be crafted with authentic local input. The stakes are too high for “copy-paste” solutions and token public engagement.

Leadership should mean:

  • Prioritizing the needs of current residents, business owners, and workers.
  • Seeking bespoke solutions tailored to our community.
  • Ensuring transparency and accountability, with leaders owning their responsibilities.

Why I’m Running for Mayor

This incident crystalizes why I’m running for mayor. Idaho Falls deserves leaders who listen, value transparency, and treat citizens as partners rather than cash sources. We need decision-makers who transparently share their plans, defend their ideas, and welcome constructive criticism before enacting policies.

Your voice has the power to change Idaho Falls’ course. Let’s sustain this momentum and demand leaders who justify their decisions instead of recycling ineffective excuses.

Join me if you believe in this vision. Engage, share your thoughts, and help us prioritize Idaho Falls now and in the future.

Let’s build a city for all of us—on our own terms.