Parking rate informational meetings scheduled for May 17 & 24

30-day comment period on parking rate increases begins May 15; public meetings scheduled

What?

The Department of Enterprise Services is planning to increase parking fees to meet the cost demands of parking on the Capitol Campus. Per WAC 200-200-290, DES posted a 60-day notice on March 20. A 30-day comment period begins May 15. Comments can be submitted at any time of the day or week during the 30-day comment period. Instructions on how to submit comments electronically will be sent May 15. In addition, two public informational meetings will be held this month in the OB2 Auditorium:

  • May 17, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  • May 24, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Each meeting will include:

  • A 20-minute presentation followed by a question and answer session
  • Additional time to speak one-on-one with DES staff
  • Parkers can also submit written comments during this time

Who?

Both employees and visitors who park on the Capitol Campus will see a parking rate increase. Unions were notified on March 16 and three demands to bargains have been scheduled in May.

When?

DES plans to implement the increase July 1, 2017. Parking stalls generally fall within one of four designations shown below. Rate changes for other parking types are available on the DES Parking Services website. View parking rate changes.

table of parking rate history comparison data

Why?

DES is required by law to establish parking fees for the Capitol Campus. When considering raising parking fees, DES compares our rates against local parking rates to ensure our proposed fees do not exceed and are typically well below the local market rate of a comparable privately owned parking as outlined in RCW 46.08.172.

The Capitol Campus parking fund is currently operating at a deficit. Parking rates have not been increased in nearly 10 years. By increasing rates, DES will manage the parking line of business on a cost recovery basis, which is required by SAAM 80.20.35b, and allows us to pay for costs of operations, maintenance, and critical infrastructure needs of garages and lots.

pie graph of state parking account fund expenditures

For more information, please refer to our website for Frequently Asked Questions which will be updated regularly.

Next update?

DES will send more information to parkers as it becomes available. Information about how to submit comments will be sent May 15. We will also update our website regularly.

Questions?

Contact DES at (360) 407-8450 or email us at DESParkingRates@des.wa.gov.