Parking price hike could be coming to downtown Raleigh
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Raleigh City Council is considering raising rates for on-street parking - and scaling back free garage parking - as the city works to close a budget shortfall.
The proposed rate hikes have drawn strong pushback from downtown small businesses, who say they're concerned it could reduce foot traffic as downtown competes with areas such as Raleigh Iron Works, North Hills and Fenton.
Current proposals include increasing on street parking rates from $1.25 an hour to as much as $2.50 an hour, while also increasing rates in city-owned garages.
Council members are also weighing whether to scale back or eliminate the popular two-hour free parking program launched last year in those garages.
Staff said the shortfall comes as maintenance costs outpace revenue, noting that the city has had to pull money from the general fund in recent years to make up the difference.
Other proposed changes include eliminating the small business parking program, which allows employees at participating businesses to park for free in certain garages, and increasing monthly parking rates.
"That weekend free parking is important. I get a lot of good feedback about two hour free parking. I think switching both of those dials feels like it's going to get a behavior change, but perhaps not the one that we're looking for," said Megan Patton, who serves on the council.
Any changes under consideration would go into effect in 2027.
City staff pointed out that Raleigh's parking rates remain well below those of other similarly sized cities.
