Madison’s Transportation Commission in a 7–3 vote approved an increase in special event parking prices in garages off of State Street and near The Sylvee, according to The Capital Times. Special event parking will be raised from $8 to $15 in the garages on South Livingston Street and State Street campus, and there will be a $2 increase in garages on Wilson Street, at the Overture Center, and Capitol Square North.
The motion will take effect starting July 1. The increases aim to raise money to offset growing staffing and maintenance costs for garages and update technology in parking facilities. Some Madison alders and residents have voiced concerns about the hikes’ effect on equity and accessibility.
The city last raised special event parking rates in 2016 from $5 to $8. The city proposed parking rate hikes last fall from $10 to $20 that ultimately failed due to public criticism.
