AGENDA
ITEM
10 CITY AGENDA
CALEXICO California ITEM
COUNTY. CALIFO" WHERE CALIFORNIA AND MEXICO MEET 10
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: February 4, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
APPROVED BY: Benjamin Martinez, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Councilmember Lisa Tylenda disaGender
SUBJECT: Discussion and Potential Action to Direct the City Manager to Develop a Downtown Business Parking Pass Program Providing Two to Three Free Parking Passes per Business
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council discuss and provide direction to the City Manager to evaluate and develop a Downtown Business Parking Pass Program that would allow each qualifying downtown business to receive two (2) to three (3) free annual parking passes for use within the downtown parking district, and return to Council with a proposed program framework and procedures.
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
The Downtown Calexico business district was historically developed prior to modern parking standards and requirements. Traditional commercial buildings were constructed without on-site parking, and the district has long relied on public right-of-way parking as the primary source of parking access.
When on-street parking later became metered and enforced, downtown businesses began experiencing operational challenges due to limited or no private parking, meter costs, time-limited spaces, ongoing delivery needs, and lack of designated loading zones.
These conditions have created a long-standing economic and operational burden on downtown businesses, many of which are small, locally-owned, and integral to Calexico's economic identity.
PROPOSAL
To support Calexico's small business community, increase economic activity, and acknowledge the historic development constraints of the downtown core, Council Members Tylenda and Nuricumbo propose exploration of a Downtown Business Parking Pass Program with the following features:
- Two (2) to three (3) parking passes issued annually to each qualifying business - Passes apply to designated meter areas within the downtown district - Passes exempt the holder from meter payment during posted enforcement hours
- Eligibility requires:
1. A valid and active City of Calexico business license, and
2. Active Republic Services commercial solid waste service.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Provide staff direction consistent with the recommendation above;
2. Modify the program scope, including eligibility or number of passes;
3. Direct staff to explore alternative business parking relief strategies; or
4. Take no action at this time.
CONCLUSION
Given the structural and historical parking deficits within Downtown Calexico, supporting small businesses through targeted relief represents a practical and equitable approach that aligns with economic development and downtown revitalization goals. A limited parking pass program acknowledges long-standing hardships and helps foster a more business-friendly downtown environment.
Fiscal Impact:
None
Coordinated With:
None
Attachments):
1. Downtown Business Parking Pass Program Application
2 ATTACHMENT NO. 1
Downtown Business Parking Pass Program Application
Administered by: City of Calexico Police Department - Traffic Controllers Division SECTION 1 - BUSINESS INFORMATION
Business Name:
Business Address (Downtown Location):
City / State / ZIP:
Business Phone:
Business Email:
Business Owner / Authorized Agent Name:
Title (Owner/Manager/etc.):
SECTION 2 - ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
V Active Calexico Business License: Attach Copy
License Number:
Expiration Date:
V Active Republic Services Commercial Service: Attach Recent Statement or Confirmation Account Number:
Service Type:
SECTION 3 - PASS REQUEST
Number of Parking Passes Requested (select one):
• Two (2) Passes
• Three (3) Passes
Intended Use (check all that apply):
• Owner Parking
• Employee Parking
• Delivery / Vendor Access
• Maintenance / Service Personnel
• Other:
SECTION 4 - VEHICLE INFORMATION (If Applicable)
(If not vehicle-specific, leave blank; staff will issue transferable passes) Driver Name Vehicle Make/Model License Plate Use Type
SECTION 5 - AGREEMENT
By signing below, I certify that:
1. All information provided is true and accurate,
2. The business meets eligibility requirements,
3. Parking passes will not be duplicated or misused,
4. Any misuse may result in revocation and citation,
5. Passes remain property of the City of Calexico.
Applicant Signature:
Printed Name:
Date:
SECTION 6 - FOR CITY USE ONLY
Reviewed By:
Date:
Eligibility Verified: • Yes • No
Number of Passes Issued: • 2 • 3
Pass ID Numbers:
Notes / Conditions: _
Issuing Staff Name:
Division: Calexico PD - Traffic Controllers Division.