Parking at night in PikePine now costs as much as a slice of Capitol Hill pizza

Seattle has raised parking rates in the Pike/Pine nightlife district to $8 per hour, reflecting the highest parking cost in the city. This increase aims to manage demand, as officials found that previous rates did not deter drivers from seeking parking near popular restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, who campaigned on affordability issues, is unlikely to intervene against the new rates, focusing instead on enhancing public transit. The adjustments were part of a regular update to Seattle's paid parking system and took effect on November 13, 2025. The city’s decision to raise parking fees could impact local businesses by deterring evening visitors in a competitive nightlife environment.

In addition, the mayor-elect's platform emphasizes making bus and light rail options more accessible to the neighborhood. This parking rate hike highlights ongoing challenges in balancing urban development with affordability. As Seattle continues to evolve, the city’s parking policies will play a crucial role in shaping its nightlife experience.