How San Diego's Deal on Balboa Park Parking and Trash Fee Came Together

San Diego city leaders reached a settlement to eliminate paid parking at Balboa Park and reduce the monthly trash fee to $38.75 by July 2027. The deal was brokered after weeks of talks between Council President Joe LaCava, former Mayor Kevin Faulconer, labor leader Michael Zucchet, and former City Attorney Mike Aguirre.

- The agreement ends a ballot measure threat that could have cut $150 million from the city budget. - Paid parking in Balboa Park will be eliminated by the end of 2026.

- The trash fee will drop from nearly $44 to $38.75, avoiding a planned increase to $55. - The city will not take over billing, keeping the fee on property tax bills.

The settlement was approved unanimously by the city council and dismisses a related lawsuit.