Submitted by Fox First at Ten on November 21st
SPOKANE, Wash. - On Friday, the City of Spokane's new customer-service approach to parking officially launches. As part of the launch, city officials will be available at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, at the Main Avenue entrance of River Park Square to display their newly branded "Parking Services" carts and uniforms.
During the day, the My Spokane Parking Services Team, along with Council Members Mike Fagan and Steve Salvatori and other City and Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) representatives, will be parking elves. They'll have maps, provide directions, welcome shoppers and diners, as well as distribute coupons provided by local merchants and Riverfront Park's Ice Palace.
Also, Friday marks the start of free metered street parking after 5 p.m. for the holiday season. The pilot program will continue through Saturday, Jan. 5. Parking meters usually have to be paid until 7 p.m.
The My Spokane Parking Services Team will routinely provide directions and answer questions related to parking. They have completed Tourism Ambassador training with Visit Spokane and will work closely with the DSP and downtown businesses.
"We're excited to showcase our new look and, more importantly, our new focus on the customer," says Jan Quintrall, the City's Division Director for Business and Development Services. "Parking in our downtown can be easy—and fun."
"We are happy to continue to work with the City to improve parking downtown," says Marla Nunberg, interim President of the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP). "We encourage people to take advantage of the free parking and fun activities through the holiday season."
Many activities are planned downtown during the holiday season. Go to http://www.downtownspokane.org/holiday-season.php for information.
Over the last year, Mayor David Condon has implemented changes to enhance customer service. The changes grew out of recommendations advocated by the Mayor's Transition Team and included in the Mayor's 100-Day Action Plan.
Last month, the City unveiled its new My Spokane customer service desk on the first floor of City Hall that's designed to provide citizens with an easier way to do business with the City.
The City also is working to improve customer service and communication with citizens in other ways. The City is working on an update to its website, enhancing use of social media tools, and working to enhance the number of services that are offered online.
