Tailored Excellence: Navigating Unique Parking and Mobility Challenges Across the Country
by Ben Henderson, PE, SE
I’ve heard it many times and seen it in action in pursuing new projects. The team that approaches a new client and says, “Well, we did it like this way there, so trust me, it’ll work here.” Or, “Our team just delivered this exact project three states away—we’re obviously the right team for you!”
Often, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In the vast landscape of the United States, where parking needs vary as much as the scenery, the role of parking and mobility consultants takes center stage. The art of crafting tailor-made solutions that address each of our client’s distinctive and unique challenges is a journey where precision meets diversity.
Understanding Regional Nuances
Each region of the United States comes with its own set of parking and mobility challenges, shaped by local regulations, population density, and urban planning. Bringing successful solutions begins with a deep understanding of these regional nuances. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about customizing solutions to harmonize with the specific needs of each community in that region.
Collaborative Partnerships with Local Authorities
Navigating the intricate web of local regulations requires more than just expertise – it demands collaboration. Successful parking and mobility consultants are working to forge partnerships with local authorities, building relationships that go beyond consultation. This collaborative approach ensures that solutions align seamlessly with the regulatory frameworks unique to each jurisdiction. And at times, that regulatory framework needs to be challenged.
Community-Centric Solutions
Recognizing the vital role of parking and mobility in community dynamics, consultants are prioritizing solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents. Whether it’s creating pedestrian-friendly zones or optimizing parking for local businesses, the focus is on contributing positively to the fabric of each community, reflecting the uniqueness of each town and city. Our parking and mobility consultant’s mindset needs to be forward-thinking, in planning for the best solutions for each community!
Leveraging Technology for Precision
In a nation where innovation drives progress, parking and mobility consultants are harnessing cutting-edge technologies to offer precise solutions. From smart parking systems to data analytics, technology has become a powerful ally in crafting solutions that address current challenges and adapt to the evolving needs of clients across the country. But don’t forget that sometimes, little to no technology is the right answer!
Sustainability as a Core Pillar
As the call for sustainability echoes from coast to coast, consultants are incorporating eco-friendly practices into their solutions. From green infrastructure to electric vehicle charging stations, the commitment to sustainability is woven into the fabric of parking and mobility consulting, ensuring that solutions meet client needs and align with broader environmental goals—which are most certainly different from state to state and region to region.
Flexibility to Evolve
The parking and mobility landscape is ever-changing, and consultants understand the importance of adaptability. Solutions are not static; they evolve with the needs of the client and the shifting dynamics of urban environments. The flexibility to embrace change ensures that the solutions that consultants bring to the table remain effective and relevant as the world around us continues to change and evolve.
Bringing the right parking and mobility solutions to every unique client across the country is an art form. It requires an intimate understanding of regional nuances, collaborative partnerships with local authorities, a community-centric approach, the precision of technology, a commitment to sustainability, and the flexibility to evolve. Whether you are a parking consultant or someone who consults with professionals, let’s demand that this art form of parking and mobility consulting continues to be client-centric and specific to the needs of our regions, communities, and people.
Ben Henderson, PE, SE, is Vice President for Kimley-Horn and a member of the IPMI Planning, Design, and Construction Committee. He can be reached at Ben.Henderson@kimley-horn.com.