There are plenty of storylines coming out of the passage of the City’s 2015 budget, including a property tax hike, the return of diverted Regional Asset District money, amended agreements with the Parking Authority: most of these have been discussed in our 2014 Policy Briefs. But let’s look at the one decision that did not happen, the decision to hold off on policing parking meters after 6 PM.
In fact, nearly two years ago the City brought up, debated, held off, and then ultimately ended a plan to enforce meters after 6 PM after similar concerns about negative effects were raised. That plan would have affected more City neighborhoods and it was the current Mayor (then on Council) who proposed ending the plan. It was held until June 2013 when it was ended.
The rate increases for meters did stay in place, and following August 1 hikes at garages and lots (with rates expected to rise again in 2015) there will be a lot of money flowing for Authority operations and for agreements with the City.
