Welcome to the IPMI Community.

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.

As leadership dynamics shift within workplaces, many experienced managers wonder if it’s too late to change their leadership style. The answer is simple: it’s never too late. Leadership is a skill, not a fixed trait, and it can evolve throughout your career. Why Change? The traditional, top-down leadership style is no longer as effective in a world that values collaboration, transparency, and empathy. Today’s leaders are expected to inspire, empower, and adapt. If you’ve been leading a certain way for years, it may feel daunting to shift styles. But making small changes can enhance your leadership and improve team engagement. The First Step: Self-Reflection Before making changes, take time for self-reflection. Ask yourself: How do I handle feedback? How do I engage with my team—do I empower or direct? How do I manage conflict? Identifying areas for improvement will help you focus on where change is needed. Reflection is key to unlocking your potential for growth. Overcoming the Fear of Change Many leaders fear that changing their style will disrupt their team’s dynamics. But the truth is, small adjustments can have a huge impact. Start by delegating more, actively listening, and building trust. Your team will appreciate your willingness to evolve. Practical Steps for Overcoming your Fear Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input from your team to guide your growth. Invest in Learning: Read leadership books or attend workshops to gain new insights. Lead by Example: Show your team that change is possible by modeling the behavior you want to see. Be Patient: Change takes time, so be kind to yourself as you evolve. In conclusion, it’s never too late to improve your leadership style. Leadership is a journey, and every step you take to grow will help you become a more effective, authentic leader. Authentic is the goal! Tavris Parker, CAPP, is a Parking Operations Manager for the City of Virginia Beach. Tavris can be reached at TParker@vbgov.com.