Local Officials Announce Settlement on Balboa Park Paid Parking and City Trash Fees

On May 21, 2026, City of San Diego officials announced a settlement agreement addressing two major municipal issues: the elimination of paid parking in Balboa Park and the reduction of city trash fees for residents. The agreement stipulates that paid parking in Balboa Park will end no later than January 1, 2027, restoring free parking to the public. Additionally, the city's trash fees will be significantly reduced starting July 1, 2027, with fees for large bins dropping from previously scheduled amounts of $55 and $57.55 to $38.75 and $39.91 respectively, adjusted for inflation. This settlement is expected to save San Diegans tens of millions of dollars over the next two years and provides budget certainty by avoiding a costly November ballot measure that could have created a $140 million revenue shortfall. The City Council is scheduled to formally approve the settlement on June 8, 2026. The agreement also includes provisions for future audits to ensure transparency in city service pricing. While the settlement reduces revenue from parking and trash fees, city officials indicated plans to manage the resulting budget gaps through adjustments in services or subsidies. Attorney fees related to the settlement were acknowledged but are expected to be significantly less than $10 million. Overall, this settlement reflects a compromise among diverse city stakeholders aimed at improving affordability and quality of life for San Diego residents.