ACT NOW | CHICAGO PARKING NEWS

Chicago already has higher parking taxes than virtually every city in the U.S. Yet, the budget proposal currently in front of the City Council would increase the tax even higher. Daily parkers currently pay $3.00 to the City of Chicago at the highest rate, plus an additional tax dollar to Cook County. Monthly parkers now pay $60 in taxes to the City plus $20 to the County. The Mayor’s proposal would impose an additional $2 on daily parkers and an additional $40 on monthly parkers.

This tax hike would not apply to parking downtown on weekends, but only to motorists during the week such as those parking for work purposes. This means a weekday parker could face a $12.00 parking fee with $6.00 in additional tax, and a monthly parker with a $240.00 rate would pay $120 in additional taxes — a 50% tax rate!

Monthly parkers at this rate would pay $1,440 per year just in taxes!

We believe this tax Parking Tax Hike “for congestion” is unnecessary:

It is punitive to those who do not have adequate public transportation options and must park downtown due to their jobs.

There are no studies to indicate that a parking tax increase will have any influence on traffic congestion either in the Loop or on the highways.

There is no guarantee this tax hike will benefit CTA or Metra which are already at capacity for ridership.

It would be devastating to the downtown economy and would cause more job loss. It could push companies to relocate to the suburbs thereby actually increasing congestion.

This tax will negatively impact businesses, stores, theaters, hotels, employees, colleges, hospitals, and cultural institutions downtown.

If you think this is a good time for higher taxes in Chicago, do nothing.

If you think this is a terrible idea, call or email your alderman, or call City Hall at 312-744-5000, and let your voice be heard.

If you are not a Chicago resident, tell your employer to speak to the City on behalf of their employees.

Thank you.