Published 10:00 am Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Free parking is too cheap.

That’s the argument that has won over Oregon state policymakers. And it is almost certain that downtown Bend will have paid parking everywhere, sooner rather than later.

The Downtown Bend Business Association has a draft proposal for paid parking downtown. The Bend City Council that would make the final decision on any plan. The association’s plan is a good starting point for debate.

For on-street parking, the proposal is for a fee of $1 an hour for 1-2 hours, $3 an hour for 3-4 hours, and $5 an hour for 5 hours or more. There wouldn’t be a maximum stay. Payment would be required immediately. There would be some 15-minute parking spots for quick loading and unloading.

The pricing for the downtown surface lots would be similar for slightly more time. Parking in the downtown garage would be $1 an hour.…