Parking, crowds, and events…oh my! Sustainable tourism Parking, crowds, and events…oh my!

“Problem” Highway 9 - Tiger Road Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Traffic Highlights – Collecting traffic data on Hwy 9 since 1995 2018 – 11 months of record traffic numbers 2019 – First three months have the highest numbers Highway 9 - Tiger Road   Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2019 26,864 25,558 25,043 2018 24,454 23,112 23,746 17,638 16,681 21,491 25,586 23,805 21,848 17,993 19,613 24,572 2017 22,314 22,238 22,640 16,863 15,739 20,133 23,872 22,365 20,694 17,736 17,914 22,213 2016 20,067 20,166 19,771 15,583 15,315 20,234 24,369 22,538 21,058 17,606 17,498 20,596 2015 22,254 24,105 22,746 16,768 14,626 19,975 24,189 22,612 20,612 17,216 16,072 18,628 2014 22,074 21,741 22,695 17,203 21,545 2004 22,623

More cars, more traffic, more people Snow sculpture viewing weekend 2019 Fireworks – Breckenridge, Frisco & Keystone 2nd year of condensed format Traffic on Hwy 9 Saturday, January 26th 37,121 Sunday, Janaury 27th 34,271

More cars, more traffic, more people means… Traffic caused issues for first responders trying to get to calls Long delays for transit Poor parking experience Unhappy locals, unhappy visitors

What are we doing about it? Destination Management Planning Consultant to take a deep dive into what is happening and what the community would like to see Result – Many perceive there are too many events, too many people Creation of a Destination Management Plan Creation of Goals “Year Round Economy”

Shared Goals – BTO and TOB Goal 1. Deliver balanced, year-round economy driven by destination tourism by 2024. Diversify what is offered – arts, historic, culinary, etc. Attract and retain entry & mid-level workforce Fill in need periods Fiber9600 Goal 2. Elevate and fiercely protect Breckenridge authentic character and brand – Our hometown feel and friendly atmosphere. Protect cultural heritage and National Historic Designation Develop more robust peak day management strategy Augment transit services (public and private), increase messaging regarding not using cars in town, reconsider parking fee structure for peak season Develop more family oriented programming and events Local, diverse workforce housing options to preserve the sense of community and support the local economy Ensure access to affordable quality childcare for local working families Enhance and develop avenues for citizens to engage so they are informed, feel heard, become involved and collaborate to find solutions

Shared Goals – BTO and TOB Goal 3. More boots & bikes, less cars Improve pedestrian access, lighting, safety and use of crosswalks Increase public transportation use and busses Reduce visitor and resident car traffic by 10% Develop and implement a balanced parking and multi-modal transportation plan that preserves the character of the community Goal 4. Establish Breckenridge at the leading edge in mountain environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Develop cutting edge messaging/programs around responsible tourism and responsible citizenry (extends beyond environmental) Improve current recycling programs, usage and education All major events are zero waste by 2024 Identify and earn appropriate national sustainability certification (LEEDS, etc) Implement action that furthers the Town’s efforts towards suitability and reduction of our community’s carbon footprint

More boots, more bikes, less cars BUT HOW??!! How much lighting? Upgrading walking corridors Since 2016 – 56 new lights, 331 upgrades Improved poles to 12ft at crosswalks Pedestrian counts – Sidewalks Crosswalks Lighting

More boots, more bikes, less cars AND… Increase public transportation and reduce car use By the numbers… Doubled the size of transit in 2017 From 7 winter routes to 10 From about 17 staff to 35 staff (FT/PT) 1,177,164 riders in 2018 – 16.6% increase from 2017 Two downtown trolleys Adding two electric busses

More boots, more bikes, less cars AND… (GULP)… PAID PARKING Implemented on street 2016 Goal – Price as low as possible to effect change Occupancy at 85% Free and frustrated in May 2017 Increase in price for high utilization areas – winter 2018 Reconsidering all pricing for 2019

What’s next… What events should we have, how do we coordinate, how do we plan… Protect the character and brand of our community; Remember what’s important Travel Demand Management – Parking, Transit, Walkability, Vehicle Use Sustainability

shannon haynes assistant town manager E: shannonh@breckgov shannon haynes assistant town manager E: shannonh@breckgov.com P: 970-547-3133