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A Resolution Approving a Renewal of a Parking Lot License Agreement Between the Village of Oak Park and ZipCar, Inc. and Authorizing Its Execution
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Introduction
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The Village’s existing agreement with ZipCar, Inc., which permits ZipCar to utilize up to ten (10) public parking spaces in select locations throughout the community, will expire on December 31, 2025. Staff recommends the Village Board approve a renewal of the license agreement, which would extend the Village’s arrangement with ZipCar through December 31, 2026. This is the final of two (2) optional one (1) year renewals.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On December 3, 2024, the Village Board adopted RES 24-362 authorizing a parking lot license agreement between the Village of Oak Park and ZipCar, Inc.
• On December 4, 2023, the Village Board adopted RES 23-373 authorizing a parking lot license agreement between the Village of Oak Park and ZipCar, Inc.
Background
ZipCar is the world’s leading car-sharing network, providing on-demand access to cars by the hour or by the day in cities across the globe. ZipCar’s mission is to enable simple and responsible urban living- a future in which there are more car-sharing members than car owners in major cities around the globe.
The agreement provides permission for ZipCar to utilize up to ten (10) public parking spaces at the following locations throughout the Village. ZipCar is charged per space, at the rate for 24-hour parking permits, as established in Chapter 15 of the Village Code.
Lot 1 (833 S. Euclid Avenue)
Lot 34 (300 South Boulevard)
Lot 24 (435 S. Taylor Street)
Pay-by-plate parking spaces adjacent to Lot 10 (1010 North Boulevard)
Pay-by-plate parking spaces adjacent to the Avenue Parking Garage (720 North Boulevard)
ZipCar has agreed to renew the license agreement under the same terms, continuing to purchase up to ten (10) parking spaces at these designated locations. At this time, ZipCar has not requested any changes to the number of spaces or locations. In addition to providing a reliable transportation option for Oak Park residents, ZipCar contributes to the Village’s sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing vehicular traffic congestion, and overall vehicle ownership.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Budget Impact
While the agreement allows ZipCar to purchase and utilize up to ten (10) spaces, ZipCar has indicated they will only need eight (8) spaces during FY 2026. Based on this projection, staff estimates approximately $6,112.72 in FY 2026 revenue from this agreement. If ZipCar needs the additional two parking spaces, additional revenues will be collected at the same rate as the eight spaces. Revenue will be deposited into the Village’s Parking Enterprise Fund, account 5060.43770.101.422482.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this action.
DEI Impact
Since 2000, ZipCar’s mission has been to create better neighborhoods by cutting carbon emissions, reducing traffic, and promoting shared mobility. The company reports it has lowered CO₂ emissions. The proposed agreement is aligned with Goal # DP02 of the Climate Ready Oak Park Plan: Implement coordinated parking asset management strategies inclusive of shared mobility.
Community Input
Renewal of the ZipCar license agreement supports multi-modal transportation options for residents by offering access to shared vehicles without requiring ownership. The program reduces parking demand in dense areas and supports the Village’s sustainability and mobility objectives.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approving the Resolution approving the renewal of the parking lot license agreement with ZipCar, Inc. for a one-year term and authorizing its execution.
Advantages:
• Maintains a successful partnership that supports Village sustainability and mobility goals.
• Generates revenue for the Parking Enterprise Fund.
• Provides residents with cost-effective access to vehicles and reduces overall vehicle ownership rates.
Disadvantages:
• Limits the Village’s flexibility in reassigning the designated spaces to other uses during the agreement term.
• Relies on a third-party provider for continued operation and participation in the program.
Alternatives
Alternative 1
Delay Action on the Resolution
Advantages:
• Allows time for additional discussion or evaluation of alternative shared mobility providers.
• Provides an opportunity to gather updated data on utilization or community impact.
Disadvantages:
• May risk a lapse in the agreement and temporary interruption of ZipCar services.
• Could reduce parking utilization and revenue during any delay period.
Alternative 2
Do Not Approve the Resolution
Advantages:
• Eliminates the Village’s administrative responsibilities for managing the ZipCar license.
• Allows reassignment of spaces for other municipal or public uses.
Disadvantages:
• Ends the Village’s car-sharing partnership, removing a sustainable transportation option.
• Reduces revenue to the Parking Enterprise Fund.
• Diminishes progress toward Climate Ready Oak Park objectives supporting shared mobility.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item, unless ZipCar is anticipating a new contract with the Village of Oak Park in 2027.
Prepared By: Marlin Jackson, Parking & Mobility Services Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Director of Development Services
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution Zip Car Renewal
2. Parking Lot License Agreement Renewal
3. Approved Resolution for 2025 Zip Car
4. Original Zip Car Agreement