DECC Tries To Soften Parking Rate Increase With A Puppy Pic on Social Media

A cute puppy takes care of everything, right?  Following the news that the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) has doubled their parking rate - from $5.00 to $10.00 - they've taken to social media to justify the rate increase.  And, they started with a picture of "mans best friend" to do it.

The new rate increase went into effect as of September 8.

In the post that accompanied the cute puppy picture, the DECC makes their case about the 100% increase in the cost to park a vehicle when you to to attend one of their events. Here's a summary of their main points:

• It's been a while since they raised rates.  In fact, the DECC has been charging $5.00 to park for the last 13 years.
• During that 13 year period that they didn't raise the rates, the costs involved with maintaining their facility has increased.
• The operating budget of the DECC took a hard hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Even with the cost increase, the new $10.00 rate is cheaper than what it would cost you to park at other bigger city convention centers.  (However, those places to park are located in other cities - i.e. not Duluth).
• The new rate ($10.00) is lower than what most lots in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area (the Twin Cities) charge; most lots there are over $20.00.
• You can "come and go" all day long.  That new $10.00 rate represents an all-day ticket for your vehicle.
• The monthly rate to park at the DECC will remain at $60.00.
• A yearly-rate is being discussed, giving downtown employees a competitive parking option.

It's worth noting that the DECC's social media post also details the fact that some events - especially those already under contract - will remain at the older, cheaper rate to park.  Three examples of events like this that they detail in their social media post are the "Duluth Home Show" and the  "Fall Wedding Show" - both of which will remain at the $5.00 rate; additionally,  the post mentions that rates for "UMD Bulldog Season Pass holders" will "remain the prior year".

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But it all starts with a puppy.  After laying out their explanation the DECC's offered that "[they] know this is not easy news and trust us we also wish we would have announced it earlier". The post ends the same way it began - with a puppy - saying "Hope you enjoy the puppy at least".