Did Portland councilors decide to keep Sunday parking free? | Fact brief
Portland City Council Rejects Sunday Parking Meter Enforcement; Raises Rates Instead
Portland, ME – June 2, 2026 – In a decision that will affect downtown drivers and shoppers, the Portland City Council voted to scrap a proposed extension of parking‑meter enforcement to Sundays. The move came after the council reviewed City Manager Danielle West’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026.
The original proposal called for the city to extend the hours during which street‑parking meters are enforceable by one hour on weekdays and Saturdays and to add enforcement on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The intent was to raise revenue for the city’s $364 million budget for the coming year.
At the June 1 meeting, Councilor April Fournier introduced an amendment to remove the Sunday enforcement clause. Councilor Pious Ali further amended the measure, and the council ultimately adopted the change. An alternate proposal presented by Councilor Ben Grant, which had been discussed earlier in the year, was not brought to a vote.
Instead of adding Sunday enforcement, the council voted to increase meter rates by 50 cents, bringing the standard rate to $2.50 per hour in most city areas and $3.00 per hour in the Old Port district. The revised rates will also extend the Monday‑through‑Saturday enforcement period by one hour, closing at 7 p.m. instead of the current 6 p.m. time.
Sundays and major holidays will remain free of parking‑meter charges, preserving the city’s longstanding policy of providing unrestricted parking on those days. The new rate structure will take effect when the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
The council’s decision follows a broader review of the city’s budget by the finance committee, which continued to examine the City Manager’s recommendations through early July. The budget package, approved by the council on June 1, includes $364 million for FY27, reflecting the city’s priorities in public safety, infrastructure, and services.
While the council chose not to enforce Sunday parking, the increased rates on weekdays and Saturdays will generate additional revenue for the city’s fiscal plan. The measure also aligns with the city’s goal of improving street parking management and supporting downtown development.
City officials have emphasized that the new rates will apply across most of Portland, with the Old Port district receiving a higher rate due to its high demand and limited parking supply. Residents and businesses in the area are encouraged to review the updated rate schedule and plan accordingly.
The council’s vote was unanimous, indicating broad support across the board for the revised parking policy. Residents who have previously questioned the introduction of Sunday enforcement are likely relieved, while those advocating for higher parking rates will see the measure reflected in the new schedule.
The City of Portland will post the updated meter rates and enforcement hours on its website and in public notice boards by early June, giving motorists time to adapt before the new fiscal year begins.
