Getting your
Trinity Audioplayer ready...After strong pushback from the downtown community, San Jose City Council Tuesday postponed a decision on a proposal for parking rate hikes and extended enforcement hours until after its summer recess in August.
Already struggling with a high cost of living, downtown workers would face an added financial burden under the proposal, opponents told the council Tuesday, warning the changes could also drive away customers.
Under the proposal, meter enforcement for 1,600 downtown spots would be extended from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hourly rates would also double from $2 to $4 at meters within two blocks of city-owned lots or garages.
The proposed changes would not affect street parking in Japantown, areas outside of downtown, or on East Santa Clara Street east of Fourth Street. Parking on Sundays and holidays would also remain free.
According to city staff, the proposal would generate approximately $1.2 million in revenue, plus an estimated $70,000 in fines from drivers who overstay.
The projected revenue is already factored into the recently approved 2026-2027 budget, which closed a $50 million deficit through deep cuts to programs and services. City officials noted that when the council returns in August, it will face the challenge of balancing the city’s financial needs against the concerns of downtown workers.
Vice Mayor Pam Foley admitted that community outreach was lacking after hearing from dozens of speakers in chambers Tuesday, all of whom opposed the parking rate hikes.
Conducting outreach after the plan was approved in the budget seemed “backward,” Foley said.
Many community members expressed frustration that they only learned of the proposal when the agenda was posted online, urging the council to consult residents and workers before moving forward. Critics argued that higher rates are unsustainable for service-industry employees, noting that inadequate late-night public transit options make driving a necessity rather than a choice.
Without discussing too much in detail, councilmembers raised several potential alternatives during the meeting, including parking garage subsidies, downtown employee waivers and a comprehensive citywide review of parking programs.
*This is a developing story. Refresh for updates. *