Town of Carefree approves new parking space policy

By Maya McFall
Mail

The town of Carefree adopted a policy during the June 2 town council meeting to create 40 plus parking spaces within the Village Center.

The town currently owns and manages 245 shared public parking spaces — 115 of which are directly adjacent to retail buildings.

About $1 million in capital funding was approved in the 2027 fiscal year budget for projects in the town center redevelopment area.

Steve Prokopek, the town’s economic development director, said the approval of additional parking spaces is a “continuation of our commitment to the town center.”

Having available space for visitors will ensure a welcoming retail environment and provide vitality for the town center, leading to sales tax generation, Prokopek said.

Municipal sales tax comprise about 65% of the town’s annual revenue. According to the town, Carefree’s economic development efforts aims to attract residents, regional visitors, and tourists.

“We all want retail in this area,” he said. “Making sure that we have parking that is supportive is going to be important.”

According to Prokopek, the town may consider purchasing and leasing additional property for the spaces.

He emphasized the town’s commitment to investors and the town center, citing the façade program, which aims to improve the exterior buildings, courtyards, lighting, landscape and parking areas to attract tourism.

“Developers, investors, retailers — all those — they look for commitment,” he said. “And that’s what we’re doing tonight…making sure that that’s a commitment because this has been identified as a priority.”

Click here to watch the full town council meeting.