Greensboro will begin paid parking in several downtown lots

The City of Greensboro announced on December 19 that it will begin charging for parking in several downtown surface lots starting in 2026. The decision follows recommendations from the 2024 Downtown Parking Plan, and officials said the change is designed to increase turnover in high demand areas and improve parking efficiency for businesses and visitors.

The new paid areas include the Elm Greene, Elm McGee and Elm MLK paved lots, along with the South Elm gravel lot. Rates will be set at two dollars per hour in all paved City surface lots. The South Elm gravel lot will carry a flat rate of three dollars per day. Payment will be required Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm using the ParkMobile app or by phone, as the City begins to transition away from coin operated meters. Parking will remain free after 6 pm and on weekends.

Parking Enforcement will begin patrolling the newly paid lots on January 2, and officials said patrollers will focus on educating drivers during the initial enforcement period as the new regulations take effect. Drivers who need information, have questions, or who wish to request monthly parking in any of these facilities may contact the Parking Operations office at 336 373 4786.

The change will affect a range of local users, from downtown employees who currently park daily to residents and visitors attending events. For small businesses along South Elm Street and nearby corridors, increased turnover can mean more available curbside space during peak hours, potentially boosting customer access. At the same time the move highlights equity and access concerns for drivers who rely on cash or who have limited smartphone access, issues municipal planners across the globe have wrestled with as cities shift to digital payment systems to manage curb space.

Residents who park regularly downtown should review commute options, explore monthly parking through the Parking Operations office, or consider alternative transit and ride sharing when possible. The City plans to monitor the transition and the effects on street parking and neighborhood demand as the paid program begins in early January.