Overview
- Leaders of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership sent a letter Wednesday asking Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council to rescind the new parking charges.
- Institutions report visitation declines of roughly 20% to 50% since paid parking began, with some days as high as 57%, and “Residents Free” museum day down 25% to 50%.
- The partnership projects a $20 million to $30 million annual revenue loss for museums if trends continue, cautioning that layoffs and reduced exhibitions could follow.
- The city’s budget anticipated about $15.5 million from park parking this fiscal year, though a November update estimated only about $2.9 million from non‑zoo lots.
- Residents can get discounted passes, but the process requires a $5 online verification, a two‑day wait and advance date selection, while vandalized kiosks and a citation grace period have fueled criticism.