This is a developing story. Read earlier version of this article from Feb. 3, 2026 and Nov. 12, 2025.
As classes start at San Diego City College, paid parking at nearby Balboa Park’s has been in place for almost a month.
And San Diego residents are not too thrilled.
But the city’s mayor has responded to the backlash, saying he’s listening to community members.
In a press statement released on Feb. 6, Mayor Todd Gloria announced he would modify his parking program to include free parking for San Diego residents at select parking lots surrounding Balboa Park.
“Good governing also means listening,” Gloria said. “I’ve heard from residents and from members of the City Council about how this program is affecting San Diegans who love Balboa Park as much as I do.”
The following lots will offer free parking to San Diego residents: Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Lower Inspiration Point, Marston Point, Palisades and Bea Evenson.
Premium lots will still require payment for everyone, regardless of residency. Rates in these lots are $5 for four hours and $8 for a full day.
These changes will be implemented on March 2.
Parking spaces around Balboa Park were converted from free to paid on Jan. 5.
Can’t see this video? Click here. To view a transcript, click here.
According to information released by the city on its website, the cost of each parking lot varies, depending on how close it is to the center of the park.
Much to the community’s dismay, the Balboa Park Committee announced the parking plan at a public meeting last October. It was approved by the San Diego City Council a month later.
San Diegans showed up at the October meeting to get their questions and concerns answered by the committee.
“I’d like to find out if they’re going to be in all blocks so that everybody who has the different levels of parking have availability of electric vehicles charging,” Daniel Lynn said at the October Balboa Park meeting.
To see the map of the Balboa parking, you can click on the link.
A community website called savebalboapark.org is calling for the preservation of Balboa Park’s free public parking.
By clicking the link, you will be sent to a page with a place to fill in your personal information and a letter to send to a council member.
With the change, the fiscal budget for this year and next is expected to take a hit as the parking program was anticipated to boost revenue.
“Every decision I make is guided by what will best position San Diego for long-term success,” Gloria said.
This story was edited by Nadia Lavin and Itzel Martinez.
