Columbia Considers Higher Downtown Parking Rates

Downtown Columbia drivers could soon pay more to park in city garages.

During a budget work session Wednesday, city leaders discussed raising garage rates from 50 cents to one dollar per hour after the first 30 minutes, down from the current one hour of free parking.

The proposal would also add Saturday parking enforcement at city garages.

Officials say the changes could have generated more than $346,000 in additional revenue during fiscal year 2025.

If approved by the Columbia City Council, the new rates would take effect in January 2027.