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6d ago

San Diego Shelves Sunday Meter Plan as Council Moves to Suspend Balboa Park Fees for Residents

City budget officials warn the retreat from parking revenue will deepen deficits.

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SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 24: Surrounded by concerned citizens, Margaret Virissimo, a founding member of San Diego United Communities, speaks during a rally at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, protesting the newly implemented parking fees at the park, Saturday January 24, 2026, in San Diego, California. (Howard Lipin / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Shane Harris, back facing, speaks to San Diego City Council leaders about a ballot measure related to paid parking in Balboa Park on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 during a City Council meeting in Downtown San Diego (Photo by Sandy Huffaker for The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Overview

  • City leaders dropped a plan to start charging for parking on Sundays in downtown, Uptown and Mid-City, reversing a proposal that included a $141 annual resident permit.
  • Council President Joe LaCava, joined by Kent Lee and Sean Elo-Rivera, set a Feb. 9 vote to suspend Balboa Park parking fees for San Diego residents while keeping charges for nonresidents.
  • The Sunday enforcement rollback erases roughly $2.8 million in anticipated annual revenue, adding to gaps tied to the rocky Balboa Park rollout.
  • Museum leaders report visitor drops of about 20% to 25% since paid parking began at Balboa Park, warning of potential $20 million to $30 million in lost annual revenue if the trend holds.
  • Mayor Todd Gloria and finance officials say the moves worsen a $15 million mid-year hole and an $88 million projected shortfall next fiscal year, signaling service cuts or use of reserves as the council continues debating the program’s scope.