Lower wage, downtown workers are disproportionately impacted by parking fees. The City of Knoxville through our parking operator, the Public Building Authority (PBA), offers low cost and free parking options within the downtown area. The City is also offering a program to income eligible downtown workers with an affordable option for monthly parking in City garages.
Low Cost and Free Parking Options:
The Civic Coliseum and Auditorium Garage A has a low cost rate for any downtown worker regardless of income. As of March 2025, the rate at KCAC Garage A is $20 per month. For more information and to apply for a monthly permit at the Coliseum Garage A, please click here:
www.KnoxParking.org.
The city offers free parking at the Magnolia Ave lots under I-40 as part of a use agreement with TDOT. These lots are located just two blocks from the core of the Old City.
Discounted Parking Program for Downtown Workers:
To be eligible for discounted parking at one of the parking locations below, you must work downtown, within the boundary on the map, and have an annual income at or below 80% of the area median family income (AMI) established by HUD.
| Famliy Size |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
| 80% AMI |
$51,000 |
$58,250 |
$65,550 |
$72,800 |
$78,650 |
$84,450 |
$90,300 |
$96,100 |
NOTE: Income limits are based on the most current information from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development HOME Income Limits, found here.
The downtown worker discount parking program provides approved individuals with the following discounted parking options beginning March 28, 2025:
State Street Garage – 500 State Street
• All requests must be made in person at the PBA Parking Operations Office located at 535 Clinch Ave.
• Options are for a 10 use parking voucher for $18 or a 20 use parking voucher for $36.
• The voucher will be good until all prepaid parking has been used.
• Proof of income (pay sub) is required with proof of downtown employment with a letter from your employer.
• If you are a new employee without a first paystub, you may bring a letter from your employer stating your work schedule and rate of pay.
• Payment is due at the time of voucher request.
• Only one voucher will be approved at a time per customer.
• Vouchers are not reloadable and a new voucher will be required once the current voucher parking limit has been exhausted.
• Lost vouchers will not be replaced. A new voucher must be purchase to continue on the program.
• No overnight parking is allowed with the discounted worker program.
Old City North Parking Lot – 300 Block of East Jackson under James White Parkway
• All requests must be made in person at the PBA Parking Operations Office located at 535 Clinch Ave.
• Proof of income (pay sub) is required with proof of downtown employment with a letter from your employer.
• Provide your vehicle make and model and license number.
• The discount parking permit is $40 per month. To continue on the program after the permit expires, you must reapply in person.
• After permit approval, you will be provided a hang tag to allow you to park based on your license plate number.
• The Old City North Parking Lot will be enforced daily for active permits and license plates.
• No overnight parking will be allowed in the Old City North Lot.