October | Policy Corner

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Getting Around Downtown – Parking Is Just the Beginning

Downtown Sacramento Partnership has been busy this summer and into the fall working with the City of Sacramento and the Golden 1 Center team to prepare for an incredible grand opening month in October. While policy issues are continuing to heat up, we’re going to park that conversation and talk about how to get around our thriving downtown now that the Golden 1 Center is here!

Our new “Get Around” page of GoDowntownSac.com is a one-stop-shop for getting here and getting around for an epic night downtown.

Here’s a quick tip sheet for how to take full advantage of our new page.

Earlier this week the City of Sacramento launched its very own Get Here Sac website, highlighting the multitude of ways to navigate our central city. According to the brand new website, “GetHereSac brings the mapping power of Google to an interactive, customizable navigation map specifically designed to easily get you to downtown Sacramento. Through the interactive navigation map, you can pick your route whether you are driving, walking, biking, taking light rail or the bus. Based on your chosen mode of transportation, it will provide you with information, resources, and a walking map.”

We’re excited to see how this new city resource grows and develops over the coming months, but there are also a few other parking tips and tricks available to accentuate your downtown Sacramento experience. SacPark.org isn’t just designed to educate you, it can actually save you money. By reserving your parking spot through this link, you can save time and money when you arrive. Compare rates for various lots around downtown and see which spot works for you.

Photo courtesy of Sacramento Regional Transit

Photo courtesy of Sacramento Regional Transit

Or, consider using our light rail system to get over to Golden 1 Center! In late September Regional Transit announced the grand re-opening of 7th & Capitol Station, the flagship station for light rail service to Golden 1 Center. The $1.89 million station renovation, which Downtown Partnership pushed for, is the culmination of improvements system-wide, including $6.7 million in station improvements, and a renewed focus on clean, safe and convenient service. A true community collaboration, this new station features a symbolic ribbon structure embedded with a color-changing lighting feature. Visit gosacrt.com for more information about Sacramento Regional Transit service to Golden 1 Center.

Now there’s no doubt that many of our policy corner readers already live in and around downtown. If that’s the case, you may be wondering how you’ll be able to compete with all the visitors who are going to be joining us in downtown. Fear not, downtown residents, the City of Sacramento has a handy FAQ sheet and pdf guide that outlines recent changes in downtown parking policy. The same page (found here) allows you to request temporary parking permits for your guests, with up to 10 permits per household allowed per month.

Lastly, there are a few cool apps that you can load up on your phone prior to visiting downtown.

  • Parkmobile: This service allows you to use a mobile app, a web browser, or a phone call to pay for parking at selected on-street meter locations in Sacramento. http://portal.cityofsacramento.org/Public-Works/Parking-Services/Parkmobile
  • BestParking: This app is a parking space search engine that allows you to search by price, time and location. The interactive map allows you to compare pricing and locations. http://sacramento.bestparking.com/
  • Sacramento Kings + Golden 1 Center App: Love the Kings? Score up-to-date stats, scores, and news. View team and show schedules, purchase tickets to upcoming games and events, manage your season tickets and parking for your next visit to the venue. Plus, get easy access to Kings and Golden 1 Center social media updates. Get it here.

Next Time

In the coming months, Downtown Partnership will continue to advocate for policies that encourage a variety of ways to get around in our vibrant and growing downtown core. From streetcars to light rail, and pedicabs to autonomous cars, the policy surrounding transportation never stops moving forward. For more information or to ask a question, contact DSP Policy Advocate Eric T Crane.