AUSTIN, Texas — For decades, one of Austin's most iconic streets, South Congress Avenue, was known for its free, back-in parking, allowing shoppers to find a spot and immediately begin to roam along the shops.
Since September 2023, the city of Austin has been implementing paid parking along the street and some neighboring side streets.
The city of Austin's Transportation Department recently confirmed that from September 2023 to June 2024, the total revenue for paid parking was $931,000, with $71,000 in sales tax collected.
"Once expenses are deducted from the gross parking funds collected, 51% of the net funds are set aside for future projects and the remaining funds 49% go to support other mobility resources within the division and department," Brad Cesak, a public information specialist for the Transportation Department, said.
Not everyone is on board with the new parking situation. Social media responses show positive and negative responses to the current model and how the money is being used.
While some commenters disagreed with paid parking, others don't mind.
"I won't pay to park on South Congress. So that's one less customer for the businesses in the area," one person wrote.
In contrast, someone else responded saying, "It's awesome. Easier to find parking spots, and the proceeds go toward improving sidewalks around the neighborhood."
Parking along South Congress Avenue remains a topic of discussion across the city.