Green Bay Council proposes parking rate hike for 2025 NFL Draft

In a recent meeting held at Green Bay City Hall, city officials gathered to discuss a significant proposal from the Department of Public Works regarding parking rates in anticipation of the 2025 NFL Draft. As excitement builds for this major event, the city is preparing for an influx of visitors, which has prompted a recommendation to adjust parking fees in public ramps.

Emory Knight, a representative from the Department of Public Works, presented the proposal to increase hourly parking rates from $1 to $2, with a maximum daily charge rising from $12 to $24. This adjustment aims to help cover the additional costs associated with increased demand for parking, security, and monitoring during the draft, which is expected to draw large crowds to downtown Green Bay.

Knight emphasized that the parking division operates as a special revenue fund, meaning it does not rely on tax levies to cover expenses. The proposed rate increase is intended to be a short-term measure to offset the anticipated costs of staffing and maintaining the parking facilities during the event. He noted that regular patrons who use monthly parking passes would not be affected by this change, as their rates would remain the same.

The discussion also touched on the challenges of adjusting meter rates, which would require extensive reprogramming of the existing equipment. Ultimately, the decision was made to focus solely on the ramp rates, as the effort to modify meters was deemed impractical.

While the proposed increase may seem significant, Knight reassured attendees that parking in Green Bay remains relatively affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the actual demand for parking during the draft, as this type of event is unprecedented for the city.

As the meeting concluded, questions arose about transportation options for visitors, including the possibility of free bus services to and from the event. However, Knight could not confirm this detail, suggesting that further inquiries would need to be directed to the transit department.

With the NFL Draft on the horizon, Green Bay is taking proactive steps to ensure that both residents and visitors have a positive experience, balancing the need for increased revenue with the goal of maintaining accessibility in the heart of the city.