SPOKANE, Wash. — If passed by City Council, drivers who choose to park in lots could start paying that tax on Jan. 1.

City officials say the tax is to incentivize redevelopment, essentially turning these different paid lots into housing or commercial buildings, which is something the city has been working toward for years.

In a presentation to the city council this week, the Director of Transportation and Sustainability Jon Snyder says parking makes up about 30% of the city's core. A 2019 parking study for Spokane confirms that about 85% of the parking available is off-street, with 15% being on the curb.

Snyder says that at their peak, only about 56% of the lots were occupied.

Under the current proposal, there would be exemptions for drivers to avoid paying this tax, like if it's a des

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