A county supervisor said on Tuesday that he would introduce a measure to increase affordable parking in downtown San Diego facilities, along with public awareness about them. Joel Anderson is set to introduce a measure Tuesday, directing county staff to explore ways to maximize use of the Ash Str eet Parking Garage, as well as the Cedar-Kettner and James R. Mills Building structures. San Diego's parking woes San Diego Apr 25 San Diegans continue push to repeal city's paid parking program, trash fees Balboa Park Apr 21 Balboa Park museum attendance down 34% after paid parking began, group says Petco Park Apr 16 City Council Committee fails to pass proposal to lower special event parking rates near Petco park Anderson’s office recently said he “believes this is a great opportunity for the county to maximize and optimize existing resources to their full potential.” The proposal also calls for Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton and staff to work with local organizations to improve outreach about parking availability and pricing at county facilities. Anderson is also asking staff to: Consider possible options such as free or discounted transit passes or parking packages, shuttle services and vendor-provided incentives Review current parking rates and available hours for public parking to determine if any adjustments are needed to increase public use of the three facilities Present an annual update that also includes changes in facility use and revenue from the preceding year The staff recently presented details on available space, existing contracts and revenue agreements during an ad hoc subcommittee meeting, according to a Monday news release. Anderson said that residents should not “just [accept] higher costs and scarcer parking as inevitable.” “Since opening day for the Padres, I’ve heard from many constituents who were surprised by how much more difficult and expensive it has become to find convenient parking when taking their families to a ball game,” he said. “County residents and visitors heading to dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter or to downtown attractions are spending more time searching for spots and budgeting extra just for parking,” Anderson added. “Sadly, even downtown workers are seeing more of their hard-earned paychecks go toward higher parking rates.” The county owns the Ash Street and Cedar-Kettner facilities, and co-owns the Mills building, which is near Petco Park, with all three representing over 800 spaces, according to Anderson’s office. “These facilities, managed by ACE Parking, often have significant availability after business hours, on weekends and during evenings when many residents and tourists need them most,” Anderson said. “Yet many people remain unaware of these convenient and affordable options.” According to information on the Tuesday agenda, San Diego County is “hosts approximately 32.5 million visitors annually,” and “features world- famous attractions, landmarks and venues that provide both tourists and county residents with an abundance of opportunities for entertainment and relaxation.” Downtown “includes a vibrant waterfront and popular attractions” such as the Maritime Museum of San Diego, Star of India, USS Midway Museum and Little Italy neighborhood. Anderson’s proposal is item 12 on the agenda.  The Board of Supervisors’meeting starts at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway. ...read more read less