Downtown Raleigh parking rates could increase under revised plan

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Parking in downtown Raleigh could soon cost more under a revised proposal that city leaders say reflects community feedback and scales back earlier ideas.

At a town hall Thursday morning, officials outlined several proposed changes. Parking deck rates would increase from $2 an hour to $3 an hour, and the daily maximum would rise from $14 to $21. Event parking near venues such as the Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater would increase to $4 an hour, with a $24 daily maximum. Monthly parking rates would also go up, from $125 to $135.

On-street parking meters would increase from $1.25 an hour to $1.50 an hour for most spaces. City officials said the change would create a consistent rate across downtown.

Leaders emphasized that the current proposal is a significant reduction from earlier concepts, which included raising some rates as high as $2.50 an hour.

Several popular programs would remain in place. These include the first two hours of free parking in city-owned decks, free parking during nights and weekends, and a free parking program for small businesses.

City leaders said the increased revenue would help pay for facility maintenance, replacement of aging parking meters, and improvements to safety and cleanliness downtown.

Bill King of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance said a survey conducted last fall showed the two-hour free parking program has had a measurable impact on local businesses.

"There was a $3.8 million economic impact on downtown. So that's 3.8 million more in sales generated from that program that might not have otherwise happened," King said. "So we've seen a really nice benefit from it. Very important. I think that's part of why it's been enshrined in this proposal."

The parking changes are still part of the city's budget process, and no final decision has been made. City leaders are targeting an Aug. 1 implementation date, pending City Council approval.