By Jorge Casuso

November 12, 2013 -- Downtown Santa Monica has won the International Downtown Association’s (IDA) Merit Award for its Interim Parking Strategy.

The award was presented at the IDA’s World Congress & 59th Annual Conference in October in New York City.

The parking program was one of 24 qualified entries in the category of Public Space, which recognizes capital improvements that “enhance the urban design, physical function, or economic viability of Downtown and the community.”

“Downtown Santa Monica’s project received the IDA Merit Award for delivering excellence in Downtown management,” said David Downey, IDA president and CEO.

“Each year, the IDA Awards jury recognizes organizations that utilize best practices in our industry.

“The Downtown Santa Monica Interim Parking Strategy is a shining example of excellent Downtown management that delivers real results,” Downey said.

The interim parking strategy encourages employees and other monthly pass holders to use the Civic Center and Library structures further away from the Downtown core by offering discounts and free unlimited bus passes. The program successfully moved 800 monthly parkers out of the Downtown by providing affordable parking options.

The plan also improves the parking experience for Downtown customers by limiting parking to three hours at the lower levels of the Downtown structures, freeing the spaces for short-term parkers. In addition, the structures provide SMART parking meters that take credit cards and provide real-time reports, which are also available on the Santa Monica ParkMe app.

Downtown officials called the award “an honor that reflects all the hard work that has gone into improving parking and circulation” in the central business district.

“The Interim Parking Plan Strategy has been a collaborative effort between the City and DTSM officials,” said Debbie Lee, vice president of DTSM. “It’s a perfect example of how to implement proactive programming that benefits the community in a cost-effective, efficient way.”

Founded in 1954, the IDA promotes vital and livable urban centers by providing support to business improvement districts and communities. Its mission is “to connect diverse practitioners who transform cities into healthy and vibrant places.”