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City proposes modest downtown parking rate increases; on‑street meters to rise 25 cents
Summary
Parking staff proposed raising non‑event garage rates from $2/hr to $3/hr ($14→$21 daily), event garages from $3/hr to $4/hr, and increasing on‑street meter rates from $1.25 to $1.50 for about 68% of meters to fund meter replacement, striping and enforcement; staff previewed a Wilmington Street deck RFI and further outreach with downtown stakeholders.
Caitlin Parker, the City of Raleigh parking manager, presented a revised, scaled‑back set of parking proposals to the City Council that would modestly raise downtown parking fees and fund deferred maintenance and replacement of aging meters.
Off‑street garages: Parker outlined options to increase non‑event garage pricing from the current $2 per hour (with a $14 daily max and first two hours free) to $3 per hour with a $21 daily max while keeping existing hours (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.). For event garages located near venues, staff proposed a $4 per hour rate with a $24 daily max and bringing the Cabarrus Garage into a 24/7 event‑garage structure. Staff estimated the recommended package would generate roughly $1.8 million in additional off‑street revenue.
Monthly program and incentives: Monthly parking programs (currently near $125/month) were proposed to increase to approximately $135 per month. Staff would keep programs such as free two‑hour parking, free nights/weekends and a small business program for non‑event garages.
On‑street meters: Parker proposed unifying on‑street meter rates by raising meters currently at $1.25 to $1.50 (about 68% of meters are at $1.25; the remaining 32% are already at $1.50). The 25‑cent increase is earmarked for meter replacement, traffic striping and crosswalk maintenance, support for the residential parking permit program and expanded parking enforcement and resources, though specific statutory limits on striping were under review with the City Attorney’s Office.
Council reaction and next steps: Council members praised the scaled‑back approach compared with an earlier, more aggressive package, but asked for turnover and utilization data and clearer public communications. Council also asked staff whether on‑street revenue could subsidize the city’s streeteries or outdoor dining program; staff and the City Attorney’s Office said that legal restrictions limit that use. Staff said they will continue outreach with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and will return in May with the proposals as part of budget considerations. Parker also flagged an RFI/RFP process for the Wilmington Street parking deck as a next step.
Quote (Parker): "Our current pricing structure is $2 per hour with a $14 daily max ... proposed pricing is $3 per hour with a $21 daily max." (Caitlin Parker, Parking Manager)
No formal vote was taken; recommended changes will be considered as part of the FY27 budget process and after further stakeholder engagement.
