Durham's Transportation Department is proposing one free hour of weekday parking in two downtown garages, with a City Council vote set for June 1. The two decks are Morgan-Rigsbee at 105 W. Morgan St. and Church Street at 109 S. Mangum St.
Both currently charge $2.25 per hour, up to $24.75 for a full day. Under the pilot, normal rates would kick in only after that first free hour. The city already waives parking fees on weekends and every evening after 7 p.m. This would be something new: a weekday daytime benefit aimed at shoppers, diners, and event-goers. The estimated cost is $74,000 per year.
Transportation Director Sean Egan wrote in a memo that limiting the benefit to two locations lets the city support downtown foot traffic while keeping financial exposure manageable in a tight budget year. Downtown Durham Inc., the nonprofit partnering with the city on the effort, backs the idea but has reservations. President Nicole Thompson wrote a letter supporting the pilot while flagging two concerns: Raleigh already offers two free hours in some of its garages, and restricting the benefit to select decks could leave visitors confused about where it applies.
If the council approves the program June 1, the city aims to launch by July 1. Staff would review results three to six months after launch before deciding whether to expand, adjust, or end it.