The Raleigh City Council has voted unanimously to extend the 2-hour free parking program through December 31. With an 8-0 decision, the Council approved continuing the pilot initiative in five City-owned downtown parking decks until the end of the year.
Assistant Director of Transportation Kenneth Ritchie commented, "The extension of the 2-hour free parking program provides the opportunity to continue a program that has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors and businesses in our downtown. During this extension, the goal will be to continue gathering economic and operational data to better forecast program performance and inform considerations for the program’s, and the parking enterprise’s future for 2026 and beyond. This also provides continued opportunity to partner with our downtown stakeholders in shaping a parking experience that promotes and enhances the safety and vibrancy of downtown Raleigh."
Preliminary data from the program shows a roughly 28% monthly increase in hourly vehicle usage. A survey conducted by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance revealed that 88% of community respondents are more likely to visit downtown due to the free parking initiative. Additionally, 91% of storefront businesses report a positive impact on business health, while 95% of the community and 97% of storefronts support making the program permanent.
Program History
The City of Raleigh launched the new pilot program on Friday, November 15, 2024. The program offers two-hour free parking in several city owned decks throughout downtown.
“We have a vibrant downtown and we want everyone to enjoy it," said Transportation Assistant Director Kenneth Ritchie. “We hope the two-hour free parking pilot will help bring more people downtown to the restaurants, shops, and other businesses.”
The pilot ran from November through February 2025. At the end of that period, the City assessed the program’s impact on parking availability and downtown foot traffic.
Participating Parking Decks:
- Blount Street Deck (314 Blount Street)
- City Center Deck (429 S. Wilmington Street)
- Moore Square Deck (233 S. Wilmington Street)
- Municipal Building Deck (201 W. Morgan Street)
- Wilmington Street Station Deck (117 S. Wilmington Street)
Raleigh Parking Deck Map
After the initial two-hour free period, standard parking rates will apply. The City encourages users to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy downtown Raleigh’s shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Two-Hour Free Parking FAQs
What is Two Hour Free Parking?
It’s a City of Raleigh/DRA pilot program designed to attract potential customers to do business in Downtown Raleigh during weekdays.
Who is eligible to participate?
Everyone. There are no requirements.
Where is this program available?
The program is offered in five specific City of Raleigh – owned parking decks: Blount Street Deck, City Center Deck, Moore Square Deck, Municipal Building Deck, and Wilmington Street Station Deck.
How does the program work?
Enter a participating deck between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and obtain a spitter ticket. If you exit that deck at any time up to two hours, no parking fees will be charged. If you park longer than two hours, a fee will be charged for any time exceeding the first two hours, at a rate of $2 per hour or part, to a maximum of $14 per day.
Can I park in the same deck more than once or other eligible decks within the same day and receive the first two hours free?
No. The benefit is good only once per day. For example, if you park in deck A, get up to the first two hours free, exit and re-enter deck A or enter another deck the same day, you will not receive the two-hour benefit.
Will I get the balance of any time parked less than two hours during the same day?
No. The benefit is good for only one entrance/exit per day regardless of time parked.
When is the program effective?
The program began Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 and has been extended through December 31, 2025.
Is the program honored at all downtown parking decks?
No. This program is offered only by the City of Raleigh Parking Division at the five locations identified by the $2-Hour Free icon on the parking map. The benefit is not available at any other City of Raleigh owned decks/lots or any privately owned parking facilities.
Are there any restrictions?
Parking in the Blount Streeet Deck is open to the public only after 7 a.m. and vehicles must exit prior to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend public parking is not available at this location.
Does the program include on-street parking?
No. Curbside parking spaces within downtown are not included in this program.
What about special event parking?
The program is suspended where special event rates are in effect.
A few upcoming special events:
- November: Raleigh Christmas Parade, No charge
- December: MAKRS Holiday Festival, No charge.
- December 31: First Night, $10 event rate.
Where can I find ongoing information?
City of Raleigh, The Car Park, and Downtown Raleigh Alliance website