Higher parking rates and longer enforcement hours are on deck starting Memorial Day weekend in Traverse City.

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, enforcement hours for on-street/surface lot metered and pay station parking will be extended to 8am-8pm Monday-Saturday. Enforcement hours will return to 8am-6pm after Labor Day.

Seasonal meter rate adjustments will also take effect between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, with premium spaces increasing from $1.50 to $1.75 per hour and non-premium spaces increasing from $1.25 to $1.50 per hour. Following Labor Day, premium spaces will be $1.60 per hour and non-premium spaces will be $1.35 per hour.

Additional changes are being made to monthly parking permits. Surface permits will increase from $48 to $55 per month, Hardy Parking Structure permits will increase from $55 to $60 per month, and Old Town Parking Structure permits will increase from $35 to $45 per month. In addition, existing Hardy permits will no longer include access to the Old Town Parking Structure. A new combined Hardy and Old Town permit option will be available for $65 per month for users seeking access to both decks. Existing Hardy permit holders wishing to maintain access to Old Town will need to contact the Parking Services office to upgrade their permit.

The seasonal adjustments are "intended to help the parking system respond to increased visitation during peak summer months while supporting parking operations, maintenance, enforcement, and future system improvements year-round," according to the city's Bay Brief. "By aligning rates and enforcement with periods of highest demand, the city can better leverage the visitation economy to support the parking system as a whole."

Further annual permit and rate adjustments are anticipated in 2027 and 2028 as "part of broader parking system planning and operational sustainability efforts," according to the city.