Parking enforcement officers in Seattle are issuing substantially fewer parking citations, with new city data showing an 31% decrease in infractions and a $640,000 drop in revenue as officers engage in what appears to be a work slowdown during stalled union negotiations.
Between Oct. 1, 2025, and Jan. 31, 2026, Seattle parking enforcement issued 80,000 infractions, a 31% decrease over the same time period a year earlier. Revenue from parking enforcement dipped by $640,000 during that time, the data shows.
Parking enforcement officers were reportedly engaging in a work slowdown in response to not receiving the raise and improved work conditions they sought in union negotiations with the city. The union contract was under mediation as of December.
At the start of 2025, the city increased parking fines for the first time since 2011. The timing of the fine increase followed by the sharp drop in citations suggests enforcement officers may be limiting their work in protest of contract negotiations that have dragged on without resolution.
The revenue loss comes at a time when Seattle faces budget pressures and relies on parking enforcement fees to fund transportation programs. The 31% decline in citations means thousands of illegal parking violations are going unaddressed, potentially creating problems for traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and access for people with disabilities who need clear curb cuts and accessible parking spaces.
The city has not publicly commented on whether it considers the citation drop a deliberate slowdown or if other factors are contributing to the decrease. Union representatives have not disclosed their specific demands or the status of mediation talks.
