Over the 2017-18 biennium, FMD expects to contribute $4.8 million of its $9 million in projected parking revenues to the general fund. FMD-managed garages provide parking for county vehicles and public and employee access to county services and worksites. Because parking facilities have financial and environmental costs, King County has a policy of no free parking. FMD contributes to county climate goals by maintaining electric vehicle charging stations and offering reduced parking rates for people who carpool and to those who drive electric cars. Revenues generated by parking fees go toward the operation and maintenance of parking facilities and to support general fund agencies.

The Facilities Management Division (FMD) did not collect about $900,000 in potential parking revenue over the 2017-18 biennium. We found inconsistencies in how FMD bills agencies and individuals for parking and high vacancy rates at one garage. We also found that FMD does not have accurate data on who has access to restricted garages, limiting its ability to enforce payment and ensure secure access.

FMD does not regularly monitor or promote discounts and equipment that incentivize ridesharing and clean technology, reducing the impact of sustainable parking options. We found that FMD offers reduced monthly parking rates for carpools and electric vehicles, and has installed electric vehicle charging stations, but does not regularly monitor or promote their use.

We recommend that FMD create and enact parking-related policies and procedures, charge rates that are compliant with county code, and regularly maintain and monitor accurate data to facilitate parking enforcement and proper payment. We also recommend that FMD create and enact policies to define eligibility for electric vehicle discounts, monitor and recertify carpools, and work with other agencies to promote the use of sustainable parking options to contribute to county goals to reduce greenhouse gases.

Currently, there are no related reports to this project.