Parking Changes Happening in Southern Downtown Tacoma Starting Spring 2024

Starting Spring 2024, Southern Downtown Tacoma will undergo parking changes designed to address ongoing constraints, particularly near the University of Washington Tacoma campus. The City of Tacoma's Parking Services will implement a '3 Hour' unpaid parking zone following the Parking Technical Advisory Group's (PTAG) Recommendation #15. Initially rolled out in phases, the first phase was deployed in September 2019, while the second phase was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent on-street occupancy data from 2022 shows a return to high demand levels, leading PTAG to support the deployment of Phase 2. These changes aim to stimulate parking turnover and increase access for short-term users in the area.

City staff and PTAG have meticulously analyzed parking occupancy numbers, confirming that street parking remains largely full throughout the day. By implementing these new regulations, Tacoma seeks to improve parking efficiency and user experience. The changes are anticipated to create more available parking spots, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.