City Considers Raising Parking Meter Rates

Parking meter rates of $1 an hour could rise as much as 60% if the City Council approves a proposed increase, the first in 11 years, that would bring in about $2.6 million in annual revenue.

The city manager’s proposal recommends $1.60 per hour at meters in several neighborhoods including downtown, Hillcrest, Little Italy and Mission Hills. Rates would rise to $1.20 an hour in other neighborhoods.

“Everybody, including the council, hates the idea of raising the fees,” said Senior Deputy City Manager George Loveland. But, he added, “it’s one of those things where the time may have come.”