Council approves one-year extension for Ace Parking contract while RFP is finalized

The San Diego City Council on Jan. 26 approved a one-year extension to the Ace Parking management contract for the Evan B. Jones Parkade downtown, to expire Feb. 10, 2027, at the current monthly contract amount of $21,685 and a not‑to‑exceed appropriation of $260,220.

Terrell Brown, supervisor and property agent with the Economic Development Department, told the council that the original five‑year management agreement began in January 2021 and that staff needs additional time to complete a procurement process and issue a request for proposals. Brown said staff expects to release the RFP within 60–90 days, subject to required review under Assembly Bill 339.

"Approval of the first amendment and extending the contract will provide staff the time needed to complete and advance the appropriate procurement process while ensuring the continued professional management of the parkade," Brown said.

Public commenters strongly criticized aspects of parking contracts and expressed concerns about long contract durations and cashless payment practices. Several speakers described a previously proposed or reported contract with a much longer term in public discussion and urged that cash payment options be required in city contracts; Bob Kozewski asked that contracts ensure the public can pay with cash.

Councilmember Moreno moved to approve the one‑year extension so staff could finalize and release the RFP; President Pro Tem Lee seconded. Staff told the council the RFP is substantially complete and will undergo required review before release. The clerk recorded the vote as unanimous 8–0 with Councilmember Campeo absent.

Councilmembers thanked operations staff for keeping the facility running and emphasized the expectation that the forthcoming RFP will provide opportunities for a future procurement with updated terms, while the one‑year amendment maintains operations during the transition.