Raleigh Extends Two Hour Free Downtown Parking Through June

The Raleigh City Council on November 20 approved an extension of the two hour free parking program in five City owned downtown parking decks through June 30, 2026. Council had earlier extended the pilot through December 31, 2025, and the new authorization adds six more months while officials gather additional information on the program's effects.

Preliminary results supplied by the City show a roughly 28 percent monthly increase in hourly vehicle usage since the pilot began. A survey conducted by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance indicated that 88 percent of community respondents say they are more likely to visit downtown because of the free parking initiative. Storefront businesses reported strong benefits, with 91 percent noting a positive impact on business health, and support for permanence was high with 95 percent of community respondents and 97 percent of storefronts favoring making the program permanent.

City leaders framed the extension as a time to collect further economic and operational data and to work with downtown stakeholders on long term planning for the parking enterprise. The program originally launched on November 15, 2024, and offers two hour free parking in multiple downtown decks before standard parking rates apply. Participating decks include Blount Street Deck at 314 Blount Street, City Center Deck at 429 S. Wilmington Street, Moore Square Deck at 233 S. Wilmington Street, Municipal Building Deck at 201 W. Morgan Street, and Wilmington Street Station Deck at 117 S. Wilmington Street. The City encourages users to take advantage of the free period to visit downtown businesses and attractions, and it has posted two hour free parking frequently asked questions and additional details on the City website.

For Wake County residents, the extension matters both for daily routines and for the local economy. Easier short term parking can reduce friction for shoppers and diners, support foot traffic for small businesses, and make cultural events more accessible. The reported uptick in vehicle usage suggests more visitors are choosing downtown destinations when short term parking is available at no cost. City planners will be watching whether increased circulation translates to sustained revenue once standard rates resume, and whether operational patterns such as turnover and peak demand change over the extended pilot period.

Beyond immediate economic indicators, the City framed the extension as an opportunity to partner with downtown stakeholders on shaping parking policies that promote safety and vibrancy. Municipal officials say the additional months will inform conversations about whether the program or elements of it should continue into 2026 and beyond.