The Marquette Downtown Development Authority (MDDA) is offering a parking promotion to help new downtown businesses during their first year of operation. Eligible businesses that purchase one employee parking permit may receive two additional employee permits at no cost for one year.

Eligibility & Promotion Details

• Promotion period: Businesses may apply October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

• Business must be located within the Marquette Downtown Development Authority district.

• Application must be submitted within six months of the business opening date.

• After approval, the business must contact the DDA office to establish its business parking account and purchase one employee permit. Please do not create a parking permit account online before contacting the DDA.

• After permits are setup, they will be valid for an entire year.

• The paid permit must remain active for the full one-year promotional period. If the paid permit is canceled or becomes inactive, the two complimentary permits will also be deactivated.

• Businesses receiving the New Business Parking Promotion are not eligible for the Part-Time Employee Parking Permit Grant during the promotional period. Businesses may apply for the Part-Time Employee Parking Permit Grant in future years.

Parking Account Setup

Once your application is approved, DDA staff will assist with setting up your business parking account and activating the promotional permits. Account setup is completed through the DDA office, not as part of this application.

Where Permits Are Valid

Employee permits are valid in the Lakeshore Lot, Rock St. Lot, Baraga Ave. Lot, Spring St. Lot, South Main St. Lot, Lower Commons Lot, and the upper level of the Bluff St. Ramp.

Parking permits are valid Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Permits are not valid in the North Main St. Lot, lower level of the Bluff St. Ramp, or Pier Lot.