SPOKANE, Wash. — Get ready to pay more for your favorite downtown parking spot next year.

The Spokane City Council passed a new parking tax increase.

This is a hot-button issue drawing eyes from many notable members of the Spokane community since it was first introduced last month. Mayor Lisa Brown proposed the tax increase to help with the transportation budget.

But some community members argue that more money to park in certain lots downtown shouldn't be on the table.

With a 5-2 vote, the Spokane City Council passed a 12% parking tax increase on paid surface lots with a 6% increase for parking garages. City officials say the money is going toward transportation costs to improve maintenance and keep up with needed safety improvements.

They also say the tax is to incentivize redevelop

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