Eureka transitions to app-based parking with mixed reception
The city of Eureka officially launched its new mobile-based parking management program this month, requiring visitors to navigate a digital landscape to secure a spot in several Downtown and Old Town lots.
Effective April 1, the city began utilizing the Passport Parking app, a system already in use at Cal Poly Humboldt. The shift replaces traditional meters in designated lots, charging users $1.10 per hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. While the app is now required for specific city parking lots, on-street parking and the gravel lot at the foot of B Street remain free for the time being.
City Manager Miles Slattery said revenue generated from the program is earmarked for the maintenance and staffing of the city lots. The city of Eureka website shows where the paid parking lots are located. There are future plans to add the Passport parking requirement to on-street parking.
The transition has not been without friction. Local online forums have seen a surge of residents vowing to avoid the downtown core, citing a "digital-only" barrier. Addressing these concerns, Slattery acknowledged the current lack of a physical payment option but noted a solution is in development.
"We're working on a cash option and that's coming soon," Slattery said. "Until then, folks need to park in either the free lots or park on the street."
Slattery noted that a cash kiosk is slated for installation at the visitor center, though a specific date has not been set. Slattery indicated that expanding the program to on-street parking is "contingent" upon the kiosk becoming operational. He emphasized that if the app were to experience technical glitches, the city would suspend enforcement for that period.
The city lots with the Passport parking is enforced between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The cash kiosk to pay for parking will be located inside the Eureka Visitors Center, whose hours are listed as 10 a.m – 5 p.m. daily. When this reporter mentioned the conflict between the enforced hours and the Eureka Visitor Center's hours, Slattery said, "either way, we will adjust it."
Despite vocal opposition, Amanda Kruschke of Eureka Main Street believes the change aligns the city with national standards and will not deter shoppers.
"A lot of the visitors that are coming in from out of the area have been shocked that there isn't paid parking required because they're used to it in their own towns," Kruschke said. "It's just something that we have been spoiled and not having to worry about."
Kruschke urged residents to continue supporting the local economy. "Don't let a small price of parking deter you from supporting local businesses and restaurants," she said.
Efforts by the Times-Standard to contact local business owners about the parking program were unsuccessful.
Maranda Vargas can be reached at 707-441-0504.
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.