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The International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI) is the largest community for parking, transportation, and mobility professionals in the world. We welcome you to our community, where you will have access to best-in-class learning, a powerful network, and tools you need for success.
Thought Leadership
Membership
IPMI members maximize their access to our unparalleled network and community of parking, transportation, and mobility professionals and organizations.
With cutting edge-research and publications, members gain the information and expertise they need to streamline and advance their operations.
Learning opportunities include in-person events like the annual Conference & Expo and Leadership Summit, live virtual events, a comprehensive library of on-demand courses, and certificates and credentials.
Education & Events
Engage with members of the board, current and prospective members, and staff who will answer questions and share insights on the program, resources, and benefits.
PTAP Conference & Trade Show, April 1-3, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA.
Join us for a members-only roundtable dedicated to university and academic members.
OAKLAND, CA – The Oakland City Council just approved the installation of 244 Flash Level 2 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and other improvements across eight downtown city parking facilities. The eight newly approved locations will add 244 Level 2 EV chargers to the existing 24 charging stations already installed at the Oakland City Center Garage (525 14th St.) and 32 charging stations at the Rotunda Garage (524 16th St.) for a total of 300. Level 2 chargers provide 240 volts of electricity, allowing nearly all-electric vehicles to charge from empty to full in four to eight hours. “Oakland is committed to building a greener, more sustainable future, and expanding our public EV charging infrastructure is a critical step in that journey. These new chargers will make it easier for Oaklanders—especially those who don’t have access to at-home charging—to choose clean transportation. By investing in this infrastructure now, we’re ensuring that all our communities can benefit from the transition to electric vehicles, reducing emissions and improving air quality for everyone,” said Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “The people of Oakland lead the nation in the transition to electric vehicles, and this gives them convenient, affordable access to the infrastructure they need to sustain the shift and make it a practical choice for more of our residents, especially those who can’t realistically charge at home,” said Josh Rowan, OakDOT Director. This new partnership with Flash will help implement Oakland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan and 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan, which together provide a roadmap to a zero-emission transportation system in Oakland. The chargers will be installed at no cost to the City and the City will receive half of net revenues from charging. The new EV charging sites will be operational by the end of 2025 – some with on-site battery systems, lighting, and other property improvements – at the following addresses: Oakland Museum of California – 1000 Oak St. Marriott Convention Center – 1001 Broadway St. Pacific Renaissance Plaza – 1002 Webster St. Harrison Garage – 1200 Harrison St. Franklin Plaza Garage – 1735 Franklin St. Telegraph Plaza Garage – 2100 Telegraph Ave. 1800 San Pablo Lot – 1800 San Pablo Ave. Parkway Lot – 360-398 E. 19th St. The new locations join the initial two that went live late last year as part of a growing EV charging ‘Innovation Lab’ Flash is building with a $5.8 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to demonstrate a reliable, scalable model for public charging infrastructure. “The City of Oakland and its residents have embraced electric vehicles and clean transportation,” said Hannon Rasool, director of the CEC’s Fuels and Transportation Division. “The city’s leadership in supporting and installing effective public charging infrastructure helps improve our communities. Oakland is setting an example for how cities can lead across California and the country.” Data from Flash and CEC’s collaboration will provide technical and financial insights to improve efficiency, dependability, and return on investment to the City of Oakland. Flash will also promote the availability of the new EV charging stations through a multi-channel community outreach initiative, including direct outreach to area businesses. “This collaboration with CEC and the City of Oakland is a huge source of pride for us at Flash,” said Matt McCaffree, Vice President & General Manager of EV Charging at Flash. “We’re showing what’s possible for the future of parking plus charging and playing a part in helping Oakland and other smart cities make the EV transition a reality.” About the Oakland Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP) The ECAP establishes actions the City and its partners will take by 2030 to equitably reduce Oakland’s climate emissions and adapt to a changing climate. Part of the ECAP is the Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan, which provides a roadmap for transitioning to a zero-emission transportation system. Learn more here: https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/sustainable-oakland-1 About Flash Flash is a pioneering technology company bringing seamless parking and EV charging experiences to drivers through a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem. Flash’s platform connects reservable parking and charging in the apps drivers use every day with garage, surface lot, event, and valet parking locations—connected and controlled via a cloud-based operating system with unrivaled intelligence. Customer-obsessed brands partner with Flash to deliver digital, easy-to-use, reliable, and increasingly frictionless experiences to drivers eager to pay for a solution that eliminates wasted time, excess emissions, and stress. The solution has arrived. Visit www.flashparking.com to learn more.
Vancouver, Canada – PayByPhone, a global leader in mobile parking payments, launches its multi-award-winning Meters for Trees tree-planting initiative in North America. First introduced in the UK in 2019, Meters for Trees offers an innovative and straightforward way to promote mobile parking payments while making a meaningful environmental impact by planting trees. Carmen Donnell, Managing Director North America for PayByPhone, says, “Meters for Trees is a revolutionary initiative that promotes positive and sustainable change, which is perfect to launch ahead of the United Nations’ International Day of Forests and World Planting Day 2025, which takes place on March 21. Thanks to the removal or decommissioning of meters or pay stations, cities, universities, and parking operators can leave a sustainable green legacy for future generations, while at the same time contribute to cleaner air today for local communities and save costs for their operation simply by promoting mobile parking payments.” Meters for Trees is part of PayByPhone’s broader environmental campaigns, including Green December. Over the past five years, these campaigns have collectively planted over 225,000 trees globally. Under the terms of Meters for Trees, PayByPhone will plant one verified tree on its client’s behalf for every multi-space meter, and one tree for every 10 single-space parking meters in a client’s operation that are removed. Trees will be planted through PayByPhone’s partner, veritree, a data-driven, restorative platform that connects nature-based solutions with mission-driven companies ready to lead the restorative economy. By switching to mobile parking payments, cities, universities and parking operators help improve air quality by eliminating the need for collection and maintenance vehicles, which would otherwise be on the roads collecting cash from parking meters and pay stations, repairing and replacing parts, emitting harmful tailpipe gasses. Greenhouse gases, like CO2, and vehicles, in particular diesel vehicles, which emit particulate matter such as soot and NOx, negatively impact air quality and may exacerbate many respiratory illnesses. Each tree planted through Meters for Trees absorbs CO₂, directly benefitting the local environment by sequestering greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Meters for Trees has been recognized for its environmental efforts, winning 12 international awards to date, including a Global Gold Award at the 2019 Green World Environment Awards in the Carbon Reduction and Local Authorities categories, the Green Champion Award in Carbon Reduction at the 2019 Green Apple Environment Awards, and the Environmental Initiative Award at the 2020 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards. “Implementation of Meters for Trees is uncomplicated, quick and inexpensive. By removing payment hardware in favor of digital parking payments, clients not only eliminate the need for expensive EMV readers but also streamline operations and reduce maintenance costs. At the same time, they can make an immediate impact through supporting reforestation efforts. Best of all, they can make the switch at their own pace, ensuring a seamless transition that fits their needs,” adds Donnell. Oswaldo Tosado, Deputy Director of Allentown Parking Authority, in Pennsylvania, one of the first cities to have implemented Meters for Trees, says, “Partnering with PayByPhone on Meters for Trees is an exciting step toward sustainability. It allows us to drive greater adoption of mobile parking solutions while actively contributing to environmental conservation.” Monica Beltran, Parking Mobility and Sustainability Director City of Coral Gables, says, “Joining PayByPhone’s Meters for Trees is a meaningful way for our city to reinforce what truly sets Coral Gables apart—our lush tree canopy. As a Tree City USA for 40 years and counting, we take immense pride in preserving and enhancing our urban forest.” Chelsea Baker van Drood, Parking Services Program Specialist, City of Olympia, Washington, who signed up to Meters for Trees in 2025, says, “We’re excited to partner with PayByPhone on Meters for Trees as part of our commitment to combating climate change and deforestation. This initiative offers an innovative and easy way to promote mobile parking payments while planting trees and making a meaningful environmental impact.” For more information about Meters for Trees, please visit www.paybyphone.com/meters-for-trees ABOUT PAYBYPHONE We simplify the journeys for millions of people through our smart, intuitive mobile payment technology and exciting features. We work with over 1,400 clients across North America, the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland. More than 95 million drivers worldwide have trusted us with their payments to date. To discover how our products and services can elevate your driving experience, please visit www.paybyphone.com. ABOUT VERITREE veritree is a data-driven, restorative platform that connects nature-based solutions with mission-driven companies ready to lead the restorative economy. With on-the-ground monitoring and blockchain verification, veritree improves transparency and trust through data and tools that revitalize ecosystems, strengthen communities, and build climate solutions. veritree scales consumer-centric programs between planting organizations and corporations around the world. veritree’s mission is to restore the planet—planting and verifying one billion trees within the decade. For more information, visit veritree.com. Contact: Sarah Claridge Communications Consultant Indaba sarah.claridge@weareindaba.com (+44) 207 692 4964
IPMI announces the transition of its industry-leading CAPP credential to the Parking, Transportation & Mobility Professional™ (PTMP™) credential. This unprecedented transformation continues the IPMI mission to advance the parking, transportation, and mobility profession. The CAPP credential was created and named in 1991 by IPMI’s original predecessor organization, the Institutional and Municipal Parking Congress (IMPC), which eventually became the International Parking Institute (IPI). In 2018, the organization was renamed IPMI to meet the evolving needs of our members; it is in that same spirit of evolution that IPMI has reimagined our credentials. In spring 2024, IPMI completed a Job Analysis Survey. The results illustrated a gap between the knowledge, skills, and abilities that the CAPP role performs and the name of the credential. To better align this vital certification with the evolution of the position, IPMI closed that gap and transformed the credential with the creation of the PTMP certification. With this transition, the PTMP credential becomes the leading credential worldwide for parking, transportation, and mobility. Certification assures stakeholders (employers, regulators, consumers, and the public) that the credentialed professional has demonstrated superior industry-specific knowledge. Currently certified CAPP professionals will have several options for transitioning their credential, and all newly certified professionals will begin receiving the PTMP credential effective immediately. To learn more about the PTMP credential, please visit https://www.parking-mobility.org/capp-certification/. About IPMI The International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI) is the world’s largest association of professionals in parking, mobility, and transportation. IPMI works to advance the parking and mobility profession through professional development, certification, research and data collection, advocacy, and community building. With experts worldwide in dozens of specialties, IPMI helps parking, mobility, and transportation function efficiently so people, businesses, and communities can keep moving.
Professional Development
Accredited Parking Organization (APO) is a designation for parking, transportation, and mobility organizations that have achieved a comprehensive standard of excellence.
IPMI offers industry-leading certification that places those who earn the designations as the leaders of the profession. The PTMP credential is respected worldwide as the leading parking and mobility credential.
The IPMI Conference & Expo brings together professionals representing every level of experience and segment of the parking, transportation, and mobility industry. The event delivers four days of exceptional education, the largest display of parking- and mobility-specific technology and innovations, networking, and the opportunity to connect with a global community – to advance the industry.
Employees are an organization’s most valuable asset. An investment in staff training and education brings a high rate of return in job performance and satisfaction. IPMI offers custom, agency-specific trainings on these topics for your staff. Our training team is made up of industry veterans who can help your organization soar.
Parking Enforcement & Compliance Professional™ (PECP) is the next step in your career path as a parking enforcement professional.
Virtual education includes live online training in the form of webinars, Frontline training , and instructor-led learning courses. IPMI also offers a robust online library for on-demand learning.
Enhance your visibility and increase your bottom line with IPMI’s publications, platforms, and events.
Work with the IPMI team to create a customized package to reach your target audience and exceed your sales goals.
Your competition is here, are you?
“IPMI has been transformative for my career development, connecting me with mentors and industry leaders who challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone. Through this invaluable network, I’ve gained the confidence to make bold decisions and stay ahead of emerging technologies. The exposure to innovative vendors, peer insights, and cutting-edge solutions has strengthened my credibility with administration and enhanced my ability to drive meaningful change in parking and transportation operations.”
Tanara Teal-Tate /Executive Director, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
“Being a member of IPMI has played such an important part in advancing my professional career and developing leadership skills. Whether it’s obtaining highly regarded certifications, continued learning of industry trends, or having the opportunity to present on technical and workplace matters, IPMI has created an environment to move our industry forward. One of the most meaningful benefits of the membership is being a part of the diverse network of connections and partners!”
Mark Santos, PE, PTMP /Director of Operations, Walker Consultants
“IPMI has been instrumental in expanding my professional network. Through their events and resources, I have been able to raise my voice, share my expertise, and connect with key industry leaders. These experiences have not only increased my visibility but have also opened new doors for collaboration and growth in my career.”
Madison Huemmer /Head of Market Transformation, ParkMobile, LLC
“IPMI has been diligent about creating avenues to truly make a difference. Through IPMI, my personal journey has allowed me to invest in myself, light the path forward, and elevate other voices in the industry.”
Joseph R Madison II /Assistant Transit Program Delivery Manager, Georgia Department of Transportation
“IPMI membership has been an invaluable resource to me throughout my career in the parking industry. The relationships I’ve built through IPMI have opened doors to meaningful partnerships and new opportunities I never thought possible. Through IPMI’s education and resources, I’ve gained insights into the latest trends and leading technologies, keeping me well-informed and prepared for future shifts in the parking and mobility industry. Being part of IPMI means not just staying informed but also contributing to the advancement of our industry.”
Mike Tudor, PTMP /Executive Director, Parking Authority of River City, Inc.
Relevant Resources
No child dreams of entering the parking industry. I certainly didn’t. Like many of us, I stumbled into this field through a series of unexpected opportunities and practical decisions. What began as “just a job” eventually became a lifelong career. And for years, as we built our company we did so the same way. Looking at opportunities and making practical decisions. Then one day, idly skimming the stacks at Kramerbooks, The High Cost of Free Parking popped out at me. What? I pulled it out, cut it open and read: “Children first learn about free parking when they play Monopoly”. “City planners sometimes mistake Pandora’s box for a toolkit.” “Every jab of the parking needle relieves the local symptoms but ultimately worsens the real disease” Pungent, direct, revelatory and I was hooked. Completely hooked. I read it in a rush finding confirmation here, challenged assumptions there. But what I found more than anything else was an intellectual foundation that understood parking wasn’t mere infrastructure but a critical component of urban planning and community economics. His research demonstrated that parking policies shape cities as powerfully as any zoning law or transportation system. What made Shoup truly exceptional was his ability to connect parking to nearly every aspect of urban life. He showed us how pricing strategies affect traffic congestion, how minimum parking requirements influence housing affordability, and how curb management impacts retail success. These connections were more obvious to those of us who had spent decades focused on parking operations but Shoup provided the language and intellectual heft that made it clear to the larger world. As our company continues adapting to a rapidly evolving mobility landscape, Shoup’s intellectual framework remains our most valuable asset. For those who found themselves in an industry few deliberately choose, his work provided direction, and a sense of purpose beyond profit margins. He helped us understand that we aren’t just selling parking spaces, we are participating in the complex choreography of urban life, with responsibilities extending far beyond our property lines and rate surveys. Though Donald Shoup has left us, his ideas continue to guide Federal Parking and countless others who found their way into this unexpected career. For that intellectual legacy, we remain profoundly grateful. That book I picked up is now a bit dog eared, as are most of us who spend decades in this industry…but it still sits in easy reach on the shelf above my desk. William Boyle is the Owner of Federal Parking, Inc. William can be reached at waboyle@federalparking.com. Reposted with permission from the Mid-Atlantic Parking & Transportation Association No child dreams of entering the parking industry. I certainly didn’t. Like many of us, I stumbled into this field through a series of unexpected opportunities and practical decisions. What began as “just a job” eventually became a lifelong career. And for years, as we built our company we did so the same way. Looking at opportunities and making practical decisions. Then one day, idly skimming the stacks at Kramerbooks, The High Cost of Free Parking popped out at me. What? I pulled it out, cut it open and read: “Children first learn about free parking when they play Monopoly”. “City planners sometimes mistake Pandora’s box for a toolkit.” “Every jab of the parking needle relieves the local symptoms but ultimately worsens the real disease” Pungent, direct, revelatory and I was hooked. Completely hooked. I read it in a rush finding confirmation here, challenged assumptions there. But what I found more than anything else was an intellectual foundation that understood parking wasn’t mere infrastructure but a critical component of urban planning and community economics. His research demonstrated that parking policies shape cities as powerfully as any zoning law or transportation system. What made Shoup truly exceptional was his ability to connect parking to nearly every aspect of urban life. He showed us how pricing strategies affect traffic congestion, how minimum parking requirements influence housing affordability, and how curb management impacts retail success. These connections were more obvious to those of us who had spent decades focused on parking operations but Shoup provided the language and intellectual heft that made it clear to the larger world. As our company continues adapting to a rapidly evolving mobility landscape, Shoup’s intellectual framework remains our most valuable asset. For those who found themselves in an industry few deliberately choose, his work provided direction, and a sense of purpose beyond profit margins. He helped us understand that we aren’t just selling parking spaces, we are participating in the complex choreography of urban life, with responsibilities extending far beyond our property lines and rate surveys. Though Donald Shoup has left us, his ideas continue to guide Federal Parking and countless others who found their way into this unexpected career. For that intellectual legacy, we remain profoundly grateful. That book I picked up is now a bit dog eared, as are most of us who spend decades in this industry…but it still sits in easy reach on the shelf above my desk. William Boyle is the Owner of Federal Parking, Inc. William can be reached at waboyle@federalparking.com. Reposted with permission from the Mid-Atlantic Parking & Transportation Association.
Cities across the country are facing a financial crossroads. As federal and state funding sources become increasingly unpredictable, municipalities must find new ways to sustain critical infrastructure, transit, and public services. The solution is locally controlled revenue through paid parking programs. For too long, free parking has been treated as a given, but maintaining parking infrastructure comes at a cost, one that many cities can no longer afford to subsidize. Paid parking isn’t just about generating revenue. It is about building a self-sustaining municipal model that reinvests local dollars into community improvements. Cities that implement structured parking programs see more than just financial benefits. Demand-based pricing improves congestion, increases turnover, and supports local businesses by ensuring parking availability. Additionally, when cities earmark parking revenue for specific programs such as public transportation, road maintenance, or even affordable housing, it builds public trust and shifts the perception that paid parking is merely a cash grab. Of course, transitioning from free to paid parking isn’t without challenges. Public resistance is common, but the key to success is transparency, equity, and reinvestment. When residents see tangible benefits, opposition decreases and cities can build long-term financial stability without relying on unpredictable external funding. With urban populations growing and mobility evolving, cities need to plan for a future where sustainable local revenue streams support their progress. Paid parking isn’t just a tool for managing vehicles. It is a strategy for building resilient, thriving communities. How should cities reinvest parking revenue to create long-term benefits? Let’s discuss. Brooke Krieger is a Regional Sales Director for ParkMobile, LLC. Brooke can be reached at brooke.krieger@parkmobile.io.
Within the evolution of the parking meter and metered parking space, I find it settling that the soul of the metered space remains intact – ease congestion, allow parking egress and support customers to find a space to park. The concept supports both locals making visits to their favorite restaurants or businesses as well as folks coming in from out of town to seek the spoils of a new and wonderous treasure. Regardless of the technology that the meter has or will have, the initial goal still holds sway. As time goes on, many of the factors will continue to change; more shared spaces, bike lanes, parklets and ongoing review of what makes the most sense as usage for curbside commerce. Though we can still find some common ground in the history of the parking meter. It’s recorded that on the opening day of the first parking meter in Oklahoma City in 1935, a man paid his nickel and tied up his horse at the meter pole. Another group paid the fee and set up a table and chairs to hold a card game for their paid hour. Innovation, it seems, has always had a dynamic life at the curbside and will continue to keep mobility on the path forward. Adam Feller, PTMP, is an Operations Manager for LAZ Parking. Adam can be reached at Afeller@lazparking.com.
This self-paced eLearning course intends to educate anyone who interacts with customers in the parking, transportation, and mobility industry. This course was designed to offer basic conflict resolution knowledge to front line personnel, managers who interact with or manage those that interact with peers, co-workers, and customers.
I recently dove into the world of planning after being dedicated to the parking industry for 20 years. In my previous parking career, I had the opportunity to scratch the surface of grants. However, as a planner I dove headfirst into the world of grants, specifically transportation-focused Federal Funding Pursuits. I quickly got on board learning grant jargon -NOFO, BCA, Justice 40, LMI, etc. Throughout my entire learning process, my parking hat was still on. I simply refuse to take it off. Old habits, right?! I remember saying to myself while proposing projects, “Why didn’t I look into grants for that and this?” There were so many parallels between parking operations/planning and transportation planning! Harris County was awarded the 2022 SMART grant for $2M due to a well-thought-out and executed planning study. In all my years as a parking consultant, my biggest frustration was the study never leaving the shelf. This alone justified my career shift to county planning and allowed gaps to be bridged. Unfortunately, with the current administration in DC, many organizations fear not seeing grants come to fruition. If this is the case, planning and construction efforts impacting transportation and safety may be negatively impacted and studies may be put back on the shelf. Comprehensive planning and outreach are vital to set the stage for grants. While we sit tight and rely on our decision-makers in DC, I encourage us to continue to plan and conduct studies, bringing to light the need for infrastructure and/or improvements. Nicole Chinea, CAPP, is a Senior Planner for Harris County. Nicole can be reached at nicole.chinea@harriscountytx.gov.
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