FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2014
 
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Carrie McCausland, Media and Communications Office, cmccausland@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005
 

Costs to Park Downtown Shift Aug. 25

Those visiting downtown will now have an opportunity to take advantage of decreasing parking rates in some City garages. At the same time, you will notice a slight increase to the on-street meter rates.  

Beginning Aug. 25, drivers will notice a decrease in parking rates at the City's Tacoma Parking Garage (110 South 10th Street), Park Plaza North (923 Commerce Street) and Pacific Plaza (1137 Commerce). Parking for three hours will cost $2 (compared to the current price of $7.50). At the same time, on-street meter parking will increase 25 cents per hour, making on-street metered parking rates one dollar an hour.

The City works with its Parking Technical Advisory Group, made up of volunteer citizens and business owners, to monitor the parking system and recommend changes, such as parking rates. One of the group's co-chairs, downtown business owner liaison Judi Hyman, says that they've recommended these changes to ensure those who wish to stay in downtown longer than two hours have a lower-cost option to do so without the risk of getting a parking ticket. The group also feels that the 25 cent an hour increase to on-street rates will help ensure the City's ability to deliver a positive downtown parking experience. Unlike many other communities, all parking money collected is dedicated for ongoing maintenance, operations and parking system enhancements - not to the general fund. 
 
According to Hyman, “With this slight rate increase we are able to tackle deferred maintenance and other issues which will further enhance the Downtown Tacoma experience for our customers, clients and visitors”.

Staff have compared the City of Tacoma's rates with other comparable communities and found that with these changes, Tacoma's downtown parking rates will remain some of the least expensive. 
 
"Being a geek of knowledge about parking-related issues, I am excited for these rate changes,” said  Hyman. “It shows that this brand new parking system - almost three years - is taking steps in the right direction. For the first time in a long time, rates to park in a garage are inviting.  This will encourage people to stay longer than two hours and help keep up vibrancy. Very exciting."