City Leaders Urged to Fully Repeal Balboa Park Parking Fees

Compromise plan criticized as still prioritizing city revenue over community access to cultural institutions

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board is calling on Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council to fully repeal the recently implemented parking fees at Balboa Park, arguing the compromise plan announced still prioritizes the city's revenue needs over the long-term financial health and sustainability of the park's arts and cultural organizations, as well as access for local families.

Why it matters

Balboa Park is a beloved civic and cultural hub in San Diego, home to numerous museums, performing arts venues, and outdoor spaces. The new parking fees have already led to a 20-50% decline in museum attendance compared to the prior year, threatening the viability of these important nonprofit institutions. The fees also create barriers to access for local families seeking to enjoy the park's offerings.

The details

In January 2026, the city began charging parking fees at Balboa Park for the first time, leading to chaos, frustration and declining attendance at the park's museums and attractions. After public backlash, city leaders announced a compromise plan, but the editorial board argues this still does not go far enough in repealing the fees and prioritizing community access over municipal revenue.

  • On January 5, 2026, the city began charging parking fees at Balboa Park for the first time.
  • On January 6, 2026, City Council members Sean Elo-Rivera and Kent Lee criticized the implementation of the fees.
  • On January 22, 2026, the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership reported 20-50% declines in museum attendance compared to the prior year.

The players

Todd Gloria

The mayor of San Diego who approved the implementation of parking fees at Balboa Park.

Judy Gradwohl

The president and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum, who criticized the compromise plan as still prioritizing city revenue over community access.

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What they’re saying

“Anything short of full repeal sends a clear and damaging message. It tells our community that the city's revenue needs matter more than the long-term financial health and sustainability of the arts and cultural organizations that define Balboa Park. It tells families that their access to culture is negotiable. It tells the nonprofit sector that we are expected to absorb the consequences of municipal budget decisions.”

— Judy Gradwohl, President and CEO, San Diego Natural History Museum (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The mayor and City Council will need to decide whether to fully repeal the Balboa Park parking fees or maintain the compromise plan.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the tension between a city's need for revenue and its responsibility to maintain open and affordable access to important cultural institutions. The editorial board argues the city should prioritize community access over short-term budget concerns, even if that means making difficult cuts elsewhere.