Good news for anyone planning a trip downtown this summer! The City of Lansing has introduced several parking improvements designed to make visiting downtown more convenient and customer-friendly. Based on feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors, these updates make it easier to stop in for a quick errand, spend more time exploring, or enjoy an evening downtown.
Beginning July 1, 2026, visitors can take advantage of one free 15-minute parking session per license plate each day when using a downtown parking kiosk. Parking enforcement hours have also been shortened, meaning paid on-street parking is now only enforced Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. As always, on-street parking remains free on weekends.
Another welcome change is the ability to extend on-street parking sessions, giving visitors more flexibility to enjoy downtown restaurants, shops, entertainment, riverfront attractions, and local businesses without worrying about rushing back to their vehicle. Parking rates for the first two hours remain unchanged, with higher rates applying only to additional time beyond the initial two-hour stay.
These updates are expected to be fully available through the city’s parking kiosks and mobile app by July 1. Parking enforcement staff have already begun following the new schedule, so drivers should not receive citations for on-street parking between 8–9 a.m. or 5–6 p.m.
