Six red meters will be installed downtown with the proceeds being donated to local assistance programs in Chico.

The goal of these donation stations is to provide long-term solutions for those in need and are specifically for donations. Not to be confused with smart parking options downtown, however, the meters do accept cash or payment cards.

The Parking/Access Resource Committee, a volunteer group, has been working with the Chico, the Downtown Chico Business Association and the Clean and Safe Action Group to help institute this alternate donation initiative.

IPS Group, the city’s smart parking vendor, has covered the cost of these meters to help the cause. The names of the groups receiving the funds to help those in need have not been stated at this time, but will be released in the future.

The purpose of the meters is to encourage community members to donate to programs rather than directly give money to panhandlers.

North Valley Community Foundation will be monitoring the donation proceeds until the city council decides how the money is to be divided among the various programs. The red donation meters will be located permanently until further notice at the intersections of:

· First and Salem

· Second and Main

· Second and Broadway

· Third and Broadway

· Third and Main

· Fourth and Broadway

For more information please visit www.GoDowntownChico.com or call the City Engineering Division at 530-879-6900.

Carly Plemons can be reached at [email protected] or @plemnz on Twitter.