The change comes after city officials refused to reduce parking costs in fear of a financial crisis since the city relies on the money from fines. Initially, the estimate would be around $1,000,000 lost in revenue, but in actuality, the cost came to around $185,000, a difference of $815,000.

The effort to reduce parking ticket costs has been in progress since 2019. A study found that Wilmington’s parking costs have cost more than other surrounding cities such as Baltimore and Philadelphia. Mayor Purzycki had previously announced to reduce parking costs in October last year after the city was hit with a federal lawsuit over its parking enforcement. The mayor has also announced new revenue streams in funding the city and its communities by implementing $1 taxes on events simultaneously with lowering parking costs. 

Although not official yet as it needs to be brought to the city council, it has been said that these changes will start to be completed by next year, bringing a hopeful future to the city and Delaware alike.