We all want to see downtown Tillamook thrive. Our local shops, restaurants, and businesses are the heart of our community, and they deserve our support. But as our town continues to grow, we face a familiar challenge: finding a place to park. Whether you’re a resident running errands or a visitor hoping to experience all that Tillamook has to offer, limited parking can make the experience frustrating. And when parking is a barrier, our businesses feel the impact too.
Recently, after presenting a number of observations and proposed changes regarding downtown parking, the City invited us to the table to discuss parking concerns, and we were ready and excited to collaborate. A small group representing the City, Chamber, business owners, and downtown property owners shared one simple goal: make downtown parking more accessible for customers and visitors while also providing reliable, convenient options for the employers, employees, and residents who keep downtown moving.
Current City code does not permit employers, employees, or residents to park in downtown so they often have to park a few blocks away from their place of employment or housing. During a recent evaluation, more than 30 vehicles belonging to employers, employees, and residents were regularly parked on downtown streets. While it’s easy to see how this creates challenges for customers, it’s important to note that downtown workers and residents haven’t always had clear or convenient alternatives. We believe that once better accommodations are made for businesses and downtown residents that the parking for residents and visitors will be more readily available.
The meeting between the City and Chamber was a breath of fresh air – collaborative and thoughtful – and the City was highly responsive to a number of our proposed solutions. First, the City is committed to updating the parking code to allow downtown business owners and employees to use the main City lots on First and Second Streets. This practice has already been in place informally on Second Street since the pandemic, when the City paused enforcement in order to support businesses. Making it official will create a better awareness for downtown businesses on where they can park and open up more on-street spaces for residents and visitors.
In addition, the City is working on further details of a paid permit program for the Old Library Lot at the corner of Second and Ivy that we proposed. This plan would create up to 26 designated spaces for downtown employees, residents, or business vehicles like delivery vans. As more housing comes to our downtown, demand for parking will only continue to grow. A reserved permit option ensures that those who need consistent, long-term parking can access it, while freeing up nearby street parking for shoppers and guests.
Ultimately, these efforts are about more than just parking spaces. They’re about creating a welcoming, accessible downtown where businesses can succeed, and visitors and locals alike can enjoy their time. By working together, the Chamber and the City are taking meaningful steps to support our businesses, strengthen our local economy, and make downtown Tillamook an even better place to be.
If you have questions or would like to learn more, please reach out to me at justin@tillamookchamber.org or call the Chamber office.
— Justin Aufdermauer, Executive Director, Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce