Last update: 04/15/2008
Parking fee increase
General Administration increased parking fees on the Capitol Campus in Olympia on Jan. 1, 2008. For more details, see the Frequently Asked Questions below.
Frequently asked questions
How many parking stalls does GA manage on the Capitol Campus?
General Administration manages and sets fees for approximately 6,000 parking stalls in parking garages and parking lots and along streets on the Capitol Campus. Some parking is reserved for visitors, but most is set aside for employee and agency uses in garages and surface parking lots.
Why does GA charge for parking on the campus?
Under authority of RCW 46.08.172, GA charges for parking to cover costs for managing and assigning parking, maintaining and repairing parking facilities and enforcement. These costs are passed on to agencies, employees and visitors to the Capitol Campus in the form of parking fees.
How much are the new fees?
| Parking category | Monthly Fees |
|---|---|
| Employee uses, general zoned. | $25 |
| Employee uses, reserved areas. | $35 |
| Agency-assigned uses (visitor, off-campus staff, state cars, etc.) | $50 |
| Employees with disabilities | $25 |
| Motorcycle, motor-driven cycle/moped uses | $15 |
| Non-state personnel uses | $50 |
| Metered parking for visitor use. | $.50/hr |
| No charge for carpool/vanpools to which permits have been issued in accordance with WAC 236-12-295. | $0 |
Why have parking rates gone up?
Costs for parking include utilities, enforcement, maintenance and operation, and repairs and renovations to parking facilities. A portion of the rate increase will cover operating costs and a portion will pay for capital improvements in the Plaza Garage and other parking locations on the Capitol Campus. The fee increase will help meet the legislative intent (in RCW 46.08.172) to reduce state subsidization of state employee parking and help the state meet its commute-trip reduction goals.
How was parking enhanced as a result of the parking rate increase approved in 2004?
While that parking rate increase was primarily linked to re-aligning actual costs for parking to those who use the services, some enhancements were made. These included installation of security cameras at the entrances to the Plaza Garage, changes in lighting and traffic for safety, painting to increase illumination and cleanliness, and upgraded customer access to the visitor parking lot at Wheeler Street to support Intercity Transit’s DASH shuttle service.
How do our parking rates compare with parking downtown or other areas?
A survey of privately owned parking lots in the Olympia area indicated the monthly parking cost to be between $35 and $72 per month, depending on the size of the parking lot and its location. RCW 46.08.172 directs GA to consider costs for private parking when establishing rates on the Capitol Campus.
Some state employees who work in other areas don’t pay for parking. Why not?
GA’s parking program was developed under RCW 46.08.172 to set fees for parking, manage parking services and maintain parking facilities on the Capitol Campus only. Agencies elsewhere manage their parking independently, whether the facility is owned by the state or leased from a private developer.
How can I reduce my parking costs?
The state’s Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program offers incentives to employees who try alternatives to one-vehicle, one-driver commuting. For instance, carpools and vanpools park for free, and $2-a-day parking vouchers are available when carpoolers need to drive their own cars. Many agencies offer financial incentives to commuters who walk, bike, bus or carpool/vanpool to work.
Are Capitol Campus parking fees subject to collective bargaining with state employee unions?
No. RCW 46.08.172 directs General Administration to establish parking fees for the Capitol Campus.
Who do I contact with comments or questions?
Contact Deanna Price at (360) 725-0034 or dprice@ga.wa.gov.
