In a move that’s raising eyebrows across the Valley, the Glendale City Council has approved spending nearly $18 million to secure parking spaces for the highly anticipated VAI Resort—the $1 billion entertainment destination set to open late next year. The deal, approved in a 5-2 vote, allows Glendale to lease 800 spaces inside a new five-level parking garage being built near 91st and Montebello Avenues, just south of State Farm Stadium.
But is this a strategic investment in Glendale’s growing entertainment district, or an unnecessary risk with taxpayer dollars? Let’s break it down.
The Details of the Deal
Through the agreement, Glendale will pay $14.87 million upfront to secure access to 800 designated parking spaces inside the VAI Resort’s garage for the next 25 years. The deal also includes two 10-year renewal options, each costing the city an additional $1.5 million, potentially stretching the total agreement to 45 years and $17.8 million.
- 600 spaces will be available for city use at all times.
- 200 spaces will be available for city use for 12 hours per day.
At the end of the day, Glendale is paying about $1.36 per spot per day for this long-term lease—an amount the city argues is reasonable given the expected economic growth in the area.
Why Did Glendale Do This?
City officials justify the deal by saying it will increase development opportunities for the 11 acres surrounding the garage and help accommodate visitors attending large-scale events at State Farm Stadium, Desert Diamond Arena, and Westgate. They believe having guaranteed parking will boost the value of nearby land, making it more attractive for commercial developers.
This agreement comes after a major pivot by Glendale. Originally, the city had planned to fund and own a separate parking garage for the resort, agreeing to pay VAI developers $71 million to build it. However, after facing a lawsuit from the Arizona Cardinals, Glendale scrapped that plan and instead sold eight acres to the resort’s developers for $7.5 million—allowing them to build the garage themselves.
Now, instead of owning parking, Glendale will lease it back from the developers.
The Controversy
Not everyone is convinced this is a good deal. Councilmembers Lauren Tolmachoff and Bart Turner voted against the agreement, arguing the decision should have been delayed until newly elected councilmembers were sworn in.
Tolmachoff called the deal “highly speculative”, pointing out that these spaces do not yet exist and won’t be available until at least September 2025. She also raised concerns that there is no direct revenue stream ensuring the city will recoup its investment.
Others see this as Glendale taking on all the risk while the VAI Resort developers—the same group behind Fisher Sand & Gravel—stand to benefit the most.
Final Thoughts
Glendale is making a long-term bet that these parking spaces will help attract more development and major events, ultimately benefiting the city’s economy. But the lack of a clear revenue plan, combined with past parking disputes and lawsuits, leaves many wondering whether taxpayers are getting a fair deal—or just subsidizing private developers.
Will this deal pay off? Only time will tell.