LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Emotions ran high inside Third Street Theater as business owners, workers and community members in the 18b Arts District voiced concerns about rising parking fees and the impact on their livelihoods.
Many told the city the district is special — and warned the recent rate increases are hurting businesses from top to bottom.
“It’s the bartenders, it’s the cocktail servers. It’s not just the artists, but so many people who make this area amazing and that are really building the economy. Like why should they have to pay extra during their shift,” one speaker said.
In October, the City of Las Vegas increased surface parking rates by $1 per hour. Fees now range from $2 to $4 per hour depending on location.
Artists and shop owners said those costs add up quickly for customers.
“I just don’t want to scare away would-be art buyers. If I want to sell them a print for 20 bucks, but they got to pay to park, which costs, you know, four to $16, you know, hanging out in the district,” another speaker said.
Josh Kellman, board president of 18b Las Vegas Arts District, said the key issue is balance.
“So being able to find that balance in, number one, finding parking spaces, and having permitted parking so that it is affordable if the business owner is going to pay for that, or if the employee is going to pay for that. You know, obviously it can get expensive quite quickly,” Kellman said.
Workers also described the financial strain of employee parking.
“I had to purchase another parking permit for North Charleston and I had to purchase another parking permit for the Utah lot. My Utah lot, obviously there’s a garage there, so now I had to move, so I had to park farther. So I spend about $160 a month just on parking permits to work downtown,” one worker said.
Ward 3 Councilwoman Olivia Diaz said the meeting was intended to gather feedback, not announce immediate solutions.
“We are trying to be thoughtful. We are trying to be responsive. We are trying to figure out the best path forward and make sure that everything is equitable, fair, and continuing to support the awesomeness that is happening every day in the arts district,” Diaz said.
Kellman said he worries the added cost of parking changes how people view a visit to the district — especially when they’re already making the drive from other parts of the valley.
“Now that we have paid parking to incentivize folks to come to the Art District, pay for parking with a 20-, 25-minute drive, that sometimes can really eat into what the value that they’re receiving when they get here,” he said.
Some business operators outlined specific requests.
“The operators are asking for something reasonable. We want a dollar per hour free after 10, no time minimum, Sunday’s free, and $10 employee parking pass in designated areas. We want you to kick the can down the street just a little bit more,” a speaker said, drawing applause.
City leaders say they will continue working with Kellman and the Arts District board to find the right balance.
For many at the meeting, the concern goes beyond saving money — it’s about keeping visitors coming and ensuring the Arts District remains a place where businesses and artists can thrive.
