Why Chicago Is Always Talking About the Parking Meter Deal

Parking in Chicago is always difficult, but especially when it’s cold outside. In 2008, City Council voted to privatize Chicago’s parking meters for 75 years in return for $1 billion. But in the years since, analysis after analysis has shown the meters were worth much more, and the city lost out on revenues while investors earn a profit, and Chicagoans pay some of the highest parking rates in the country. While he was at the Reader, Block Club Chicago reporter and editor Mick Dumke investigated the deal after it first passed. We’re revisiting his conversation with host Jacoby Cochran to hear why Chicago went for it, who challenged it, and how we feel the effects today. Make sure you vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Chicago Reader’s Best of 2024  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE