Santa Clara faces budget challenges despite a projected $9.3 million surplus in 2025-26, with future years forecasting deficits. The city is exploring the introduction of parking fees at city-owned locations, including the Santa Clara Convention Center and Franklin Square mall, impacting local small businesses. Councilmember Suds Jain emphasizes the importance of fiscal conservatism and sustainable city services. City officials have been adjusting costs by increasing business taxes and charging sports groups for field use. Paid parking is seen as a viable option to manage costs associated with public space maintenance.
When I came to City Council, we had a budget deficit, and of course, given that it was COVID, we had run down our reserve from 25% to 15%.
Paid parking is being discussed as an opportunity to help recover costs associated with maintaining city facilities and public spaces.
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