By Shawn Conrad, CAE

At a recent IPMI-hosted event focused on parking and mobility professionals in the Midwestern region of the U.S., we heard from many business and transportation thought-leaders–experts who know parking management techniques and technologies and current trends.

A presentation from the Verdis Group highlighted consumer research from Omaha, Neb. Many of the questions focused on identifying additional ways to enhance Omaha’s transportation environment while stimulating economic development. Omaha commuters shared their perspectives about how they get to and from work and their preferences regarding several mobility and transportation issues. Omaha’s commuters are interested in active commuting options (walking, bicycling, riding the bus, or carpooling). Many of the survey respondents are seeking alternative transportation opportunities, and transportation leaders say this will continue to increase in the next decade as new forms of mobility come on the market.

The survey concluded with the following key findings for business leaders, politicians, and transportation officials to consider when seeking to revitalize Midwestern urban areas and entice people (millennials) to live and work downtown. The six recommendations are:

• Employers should create active commuting programs for employees.
• Increase investment in active transportation infrastructure of all types.
• Address the parking perception issue, organize the parking system more efficiently, and eliminate parking minimums.
• Pursue and support transit-oriented development.
• Improve walkability.
• Convert one-way streets to two-way streets.

To read more about the survey, go to verdisgroup.com.

Shawn Conrad, CAE, is IPMI’s CEO.