Replace downtown parking enforcement with good-will ambassadors

Submitted by Chris Hardie in Tourism and Marketing

Okay, the idea title is a little cheesy, but bear with me. The current parking enforcement situation in downtown Richmond is hurting, not helping the community. The cost of paying for the enforcement officer to give tickets on top of the negative perception and unwelcoming spirit that it creates is not worth whatever minor infractions it might be preventing or ancillary revenue it might be generating.

Let's not only explore doing away with this version of downtown parking enforcement, but also consider shifting the resources involved to pay for a "good-will ambassador." This person would roam the downtown area looking for people to help out - finding where they're trying to go, offering up historical information and even tours, suggesting stores or eateries or walking routes that haven't been experienced yet, etc. They could have a clearly identifiable uniform or outfit, a big fat nametag, and lots of printed information to hand out (including the newly printed maps of the area). (Okay, fine, the ambassador could also let people know about parking time limits so they don't overstay their welcome.)

When we think about what kind of downtown experience we want people to have, do we want it to be associated with parking limitations, law enforcement, and hurrying, or do we want it to be about exploring, learning, and having fun?