The San Diego City Council voted to double parking meter rates to address a $252.2 million budget deficit. The increase, expected to generate $9.6 million annually, will see hourly rates rise from $1.25 to $2.50 for most meters, with lesser increases in less-trafficked areas.
The San Diego City Council took a major step towards addressing a looming $252.2 million deficit by voting to double the city's parking meter rates. The council approved a proposal to increase the hourly rate from $1.25 to $2.50 for 4,449 of the city's 5,332 parking spaces, with meters in less-trafficked areas seeing smaller increases. Officials anticipate this change will generate approximately $800,000 per month, or $9.6 million annually, for the city's general fund.
Revenue projections assume the rate increase will take effect on February 1st, the day after the mayor signs the ordinance. This move is expected to bring in $4 million for the remainder of the 2025 Fiscal Year. While the revenue generated will only cover about 3.7% of the city's deficit, Councilman Raul Campillo emphasized that this policy, along with other 'smart, targeted things,' will contribute to a more stable budget position come summer. Part of the package includes eliminating the requirement to share additional parking meter revenue with Community Parking Districts, effectively adding these funds to the city's general fund. Council members Kent Lee and Sean Elo-Rivera supported the increase, arguing that it could encourage faster turnover of parking spaces, benefiting businesses like retail and restaurants. Lee pointed out that San Diego's rates are currently undervalued compared to similar-sized cities, and Elo-Rivera acknowledged the potential impact on San Diegans but emphasized the need to address the city's financial challenges. Councilwoman Vivian Moreno cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concerns that the rate increase would disproportionately burden residents already struggling with rising costs. She argued that many constituents in her district would be unable to afford the doubled parking rates.Council President Joe LaCava acknowledged past mistakes in not incrementally increasing parking rates and approved a resolution requesting Mayor Todd Gloria to present additional parking reforms aimed at generating more revenue or saving money for the city. Mayor Gloria, in his State of the City address, acknowledged the city's 'stark financial realities' and emphasized the need for decisive action, stating, 'This is not the time for retreat. This is not the time to slow down. This is the time to double down. We are moving forward.' The proposed rate increase comes after a one-cent sales tax measure failed in November, leaving the city to grapple with maintaining service levels and identifying areas for cuts
PARKING METERS BUDGET DEFICIT SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL PARKING RATES REVENUE INCREASE
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