SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane City Council members are considering a proposal to implement a 12% tax on commercial parking lots across the city. The plan is part of a broader strategy to encourage development in Spokane, where available parking reportedly exceeds demand.
Spokane Transportation and Sustainability Director Jon Snyder explained the proposal to the council. He expressed skepticism about the immediate impact of the policy, saying, “We’re trying to move things in a general direction – can I say to you that like by February we could like see a lot redeveloped just because of this policy? Well, probably not.”
Downtown business leaders have expressed concerns about the potential burden of the tax and its timing. Emilie Cameron from the Downtown Spokane Partnership questioned the allocation of funds, saying, “We also know that a majority of the funds would be generated in downtown.”
According to the proposal, 85% of the parking spaces affected by the tax are in private garages or lots, while 15% involve on-street parking. The tax would not impact all commercial lots equally. Two-floor structures would face a 6% tax increase, half the standard rate. Additionally, lot owners with approved city building permits for redevelopment might qualify for a lower rate.
Cameron emphasized the importance of downtown businesses, stating, “We have new restaurants and shops that are opening. We should be celebrating that and really focusing on how we can continue to drive revenue for our city budget and other opportunities through those means.”
Some Diamond Parking-owned lots, such as the Wonder Garage on West Mallon Avenue and the lot at 215 West Main Avenue, could be affected by the tax. Cameron expressed concern over the short timeline for implementation, saying, “And if this were to take effect in less than two months, there’s not a lot of time to be able to react and be ready.”
Transparency and the impact on downtown businesses are major concerns for Cameron.
“Every dollar matters right now and when we think about employment, especially 1 in 5 jobs in the city of Spokane are in downtown, we want to continue to see it flourish,” she said.
Cameron also highlighted the importance of supporting arts in the area, stating, “We really want an opportunity to invite Spokanites back into downtown and not have to worry about that additional cost or obstacle.”
