Here's the latest available public information on downtown Topeka parking (as of early 2026), plus the executive summary from the key study. I pulled this directly from the City of Topeka’s website, recent official announcements, and the 2017 Comprehensive Parking Plan (the most recent full study). No newer public occupancy/utilization study or real-time dashboard was located—current data would need to be requested from the city.
Current Parking Meters, Prices, and Policies (Downtown/Central Business District)
- On-street meters: Uniform rate of $1.00 per hour (increased from $0.50 for 10-hour meters in Sept. 2025). Most meters accept coins or mobile app payment (Passport or similar); some areas now use signage + app only (no physical meter). Time limits: gray posts = 2-hour max; yellow = 10-hour max.
- Kansas Avenue: Still free with a 2-hour daily limit per block (yellow hoods removed in some 100-blocks east/west of Kansas Ave. between 6th–10th St. in Jan. 2026; those spots converted to paid 2-hour metered). Additional free 4-hour stalls added on downtown outskirts for longer stays/employees.
- Garage hourly rates: $1.00 per hour across all city garages. Free evenings (after 6 p.m.) and weekends.
Recent rate changes (approved June 2025, phased in Sept. 2025 and Jan. 2026) were made to standardize fees, fund garage repairs/infrastructure, and improve accessibility. They were not driven by reported overcrowding.
Parking Garages/Lots (City-Operated, ~3,253 total spaces)
The city runs 7 public garages + several surface lots. Hourly parking is available in most (except 512 Jackson, Coronado). Monthly lease rates have risen (some still pending structural repairs). Here’s the latest from the city site + announcements:
| Garage/Lot | Capacity | Hourly Parking? | Current Monthly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 512 Jackson | 443 | No | $74.00 (as of Jan. 2026) | Monthly leases only |
| 9th Street | 760 (100 hourly) | Yes | $51.00 (post-repair) | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Centre City | 261 (65 hourly) | Yes | $74.00 | — |
| Crosby Place | 251 (55 hourly) | Yes | $74.00 | — |
| Park N Shop | 390 (150 hourly) | Yes | $74.00 | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Townsite Plaza | 259 (55 hourly) | Yes | $74.00 | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Coronado | 251 | No | $74.00 (post-repair) | Pending repairs |
| Other lots (5th Jackson, 800 Madison, etc.) | 92–254 each | Varies | $18–$44 | Lower-cost options |
Occupancy data: Not publicly posted in real time or in recent reports. The last detailed counts come from the 2017 study (see below). Some business owners have noted underused spaces in recent news coverage.
The Main Parking Study: 2017 Topeka Comprehensive Parking Plan (DESMAN)
This is the most recent comprehensive study (data collected May 2017; some references to 2016). It was conducted to assess supply/demand, operations, enforcement, and future needs amid downtown growth. No full public update or new executive summary has been released since (a structural engineering review of garages by Walter P. Moore in ~2023 focused only on repairs, not utilization).
Executive Summary (key excerpts and findings):
- Overall supply/demand: “During the typical weekday peak demand period, there is currently not a shortage of parking when looking at the Downtown as a whole.” Combined public parking (on-street + garages + surface lots) was 53% occupied in the morning peak and 52% in the afternoon (May 4, 2017 counts).
- Breakdown:
- On-street: 38% occupied (both AM/PM peaks).
- Public garages: 66% AM / 65% PM.
- Public surface lots: 20–22%.
- Localized high-demand areas: S. Kansas Avenue and streets near the State Capitol (some blocks >85% full).
- Weekends: Much lower (~12% on-street).
- Operations issues: Old coin-only mechanical meters, manual enforcement/tracking, outdated garage equipment, and declining Parking Division profits (~$320k projected shortfall at the time).
- Future outlook: New development would create localized shortfalls; the city would need more supply or better management long-term (2020–2025 horizon).
- Recommendations (high-level): Modernize technology (smart meters, apps, counting systems), adjust rates/permits, improve enforcement/wayfinding, and consider demand-management strategies. The plan assumed continued free 2-hour parking on Kansas Ave. but noted the city was forgoing ~$280k/year in potential revenue. Additional funding beyond current fees would be needed for sustainability.
Full PDF (free): https://s3.amazonaws.com/cot-wp-uploads/wp-content/uploads/parking/Topeka+Comprehensive+Parking+Plan.pdf
Core Request to the City of Topeka (Draft Letter/Email)
Here’s a concise, professional open records request you can copy-paste and email to parking@topeka.org (or the City Clerk’s office for formal Kansas Open Records Act processing). It asks specifically for meters, prices, garage stalls, occupancy, and any studies/executive summaries.
Subject: Kansas Open Records Act Request – Downtown Topeka Parking Data, Meters, Garages, Occupancy, and Studies
Dear Parking Division / City Clerk,
Pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.), I am requesting the following public records related to downtown Topeka parking (Central Business District / study area bounded roughly by SW 2nd St., Tyler St., SW 12th St., and Adams St.):
- Current (2026) detailed schedule of all on-street parking meter rates, time limits, payment methods, number of active meters, and any recent changes to policies or zones.
- Complete inventory of all city-operated parking garages and surface lots, including: exact stall counts per facility, current hourly and monthly rates, operating hours, and number of spaces designated for hourly vs. monthly use.
- Any and all occupancy, utilization, or parking demand data/reports for downtown public parking facilities (garages, lots, and on-street) from the past 24 months, including peak-period counts, average daily/weekly occupancy rates, or any dashboard/summary reports.
- Any parking studies, assessments, or executive summaries completed since 2017 (including any updates to the 2017 DESMAN Comprehensive Parking Plan or the Walter P. Moore garage structural review), along with any recommendations implemented or pending.
- Any internal analyses or data on parking supply vs. demand, revenue trends, or enforcement statistics for downtown parking.
If any responsive records are already publicly available online, please provide the direct links. I prefer electronic copies (PDF or spreadsheet format). I agree to pay reasonable copying fees up to $25 without further notice; please contact me if costs will exceed that.
Thank you for your assistance. Please provide the records or an estimated timeline within the statutory period.
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