The City of Spokane City Council members will get together for a study session tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 to discuss the proposed downtown commercial parking tax.
The tax would be on all for-pay commercial parking in greater Downtown. It would apply only to parking paid for by the user and would not apply to businesses which appear to provide “free” parking as in suburban retail or business districts. No other neighborhood in the city or region would face a similar tax.
The tax rate could range anywhere from $10 to $100+ per year, per space. Funds would be allocated for use in the operation and preservation of city streets, implementation of the Complete Streets concept, and other transportation improvements.
The meeting will be on the first floor of the downtown Spokane Library. It will be open to the public but no public testimony will be taken.
What do you think of this proposed tax? Some proponents for downtown are against it becuase they say downtown is already at a disadvantage due to the pay parking situation. Some people aren’t willing to pay and will go to outlying malls and shopping centers instead.
Well I think everyone knew that sooner or later the city would need to raise more money from parking to offset the money the city is paying for the River Park Square parking garage. Since I seldom use downtown parking it really won't bother me much, but I do agree it may cause many to stop shopping downtown and do more shopping at the malls.
The Downtown Spokane Partnership also believes this will harm downtown businesses. They have put together an informational flyer and have been working with partner businesses asking them to call their City Council representative and ask them to vote against the tax.
Maybe they should tax commercial parking at a way higher rate. Yes, tax mall and discount store parking at a HUGE rate.
Interesante! Saludos