Blogs

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.

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.

As business’ grow and corporations take over the Mom and Pop Organizations, where are the companies that used to promote themselves as a family? In the parking and transportation industry we seem to have lost the family feel in the last few years. As companies are expanding, and bottom lines are scrutinized more than ever, what are you doing to ensure your employees are happy? What are you doing to support your employee’s growth and expansion? With major parking and transportation companies growing and expanding the amount of employees they have, how is it possible to treat your team as you once used to? I feel this is an ever growing topic that is harder than ever to compare how it once was. As inflation has hit and the price of items have changed, things are no longer appreciated the same way they used to. A $5 Starbucks gift card only goes so far and often a pizza party is under appreciated. What solution do you see in the future to bring back the family in corporations without breaking the bank or budget? How can we appreciate our employees in a way that personally and economically effects them? Tate Misiaszek, CAPP is a Project Manager for LAZ Parking. You can reach Tate at TMisiaszek@lazparking.com.

As a member of the IPMI Policy & Legislative Task Force, our cohort provides strategic guidance and recommendations on policies and regulations impacting the parking and mobility industry. As part of our initiatives that inform policymakers, stakeholders, and the public on effective strategies for improving urban mobility through well-planned parking policies, we are sharing this example from Pennsylvania to demonstrate specific advocacy efforts. In Pennsylvania, updating state laws that govern parking in cities of the 1st, 2nd, 2A, and 3rd classes has been a long-standing challenge. With 56 municipalities classified as cities, each with its own regulations, navigating legislative reform is no small feat. To streamline advocacy efforts, the Pennsylvania Parking Association (PTAP) is taking inspiration from the California Parking Association, which has spent over 25 years championing the parking industry. With the help of a seasoned advocacy firm, PTAP members will receive timely legislative updates and have access to resources that amplify their voices in policy discussions. This coordinated effort ensures fair regulations, increased revenue opportunities, and improved city parking management. Past Success and Future Goals In 2017-2018, PTAP successfully advocated for legislation allowing Cities of the 3rd class to adjudicate parking tickets outside of District Justice courts. This change streamlined payment processing, improved offender experience, and alleviated court backlogs. For 2025, PTAP’s Advocacy Committee has identified three key priorities: Front-Facing License Plates – Pennsylvania is one of only 20 states that do not mandate front-facing plates. Implementing this requirement will enhance license plate recognition (LPR) technology for efficient enforcement. Red Light & Speed Cameras Operated by Parking Authorities – Expanding automated enforcement, similar to successful programs in Philadelphia, can improve safety, reduce court congestion, and generate municipal revenue. State-Backed Enforcement of Unpaid Fines – PTAP is advocating for policies that allow for registration holds and driver’s license censure for unpaid citations, ensuring accountability and compliance. Recent Advocacy Efforts PTAP leaders have actively participated in legislative discussions, meeting with policymakers to advocate for meaningful reform. On May 3, 2023, they engaged with the PA House and Senate Transportation Committees to discuss policy priorities. Nearly a year later, on May 1, 2024, PTAP representatives and industry experts provided testimony at the Senate Transportation Committee Hearing. Most recently, on June 11, 2024, they held a virtual meeting with PennDOT to explore enforcement mechanisms for unpaid fines. Join the Movement As cities and municipalities set their own agendas, having a dedicated advocacy firm ensures that parking and transportation priorities remain in focus. By uniting behind a common goal, PTAP members can drive legislative success, making parking more efficient and equitable across Pennsylvania. As the saying goes, when the tide rises, all boats rise—and with PTAP’s advocacy efforts, Pennsylvania’s parking future looks brighter than ever. IPMI members, be sure to sign up for our open community on Forum, the Policy and Legislation Community to find out more, start discussions, and hear how IPMI members are effectively using policy to streamline their operations. Mark A. Vergenes is a consultant for Mirus Consultants. Mark can be reached at mark@mirusconsultants.com.

Hello, IPMI Community! Parking & Mobility magazine seeks parking, transportation, and mobility professionals interested in authoring our standing monthly columns. You do not need to be a writer; you just need to be a thought leader! I am happy to work closely with those who want to share their expertise but may not be confident writers.  Columns that are still available for 2025 magazine editions include: Business of Parking - Marketing/BD Marketing and business development experts from inside and outside the parking and mobility community provide expertise on topics impacting the financial outcomes of organizations and providing best practices to implement for success. Business of Parking - Finance Financial leaders from the parking and mobility community provide expertise on matters affecting our financial bottom line. From spending to funding, get the most current information on the dollars of our industry from those who know it best. Looking for CFOs, accounting leaders, and strategy officers to contribute! Business of Parking - Legal The legal landscape for parking and mobility operations is changing at an unprecedented rate. Our industry's top legal minds will give insights into the most current legal and regulatory factors impacting our industry. Looking for both in-house and outside legal professionals to lend their expertise! The Green Impact Share stories of the impacts of sustainable parking and mobility. What are the continued impacts of the "greening" of our industry? How are parking and mobility professionals responding to the need for sustainable solutions? HR Perspective Human resources professionals take the lead in sharing vital information on organizational success. Experts in managing our most important resource - our people - speaking on relevant HR or human capital topics. Looking for industry HR leaders to share their expertise! Leadership Moment Share the voices of your organization's C-Suite or senior leadership! Industry trailblazers share insights on leadership and organizational success. When possible, the topic should be matched to the monthly issue theme. We are looking for C-Suite, Executive, and Senior Leadership to contribute. Parking Spotlight Opportunity for planning, design, and construction firms to highlight a completed parking project. Ready to contribute? Email editor@parking-mobility.org, or click here to submit your pitch. Please share your knowledge and help advance our industry! Melissa Rysak is the Vice President, Communications for IPMI. Melissa can be reached at rysak@parking-mobility.org.

We are all aware of the famous Benjamin Franklin quote “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”, yet again and again we are reminded how true that is.  As Parking Professionals, we are often tasked with creating plans and having a plan for an abundance of programs like; Standard Operating Plans, Emergency Action Plans, ADA Plans, Customer Service Plans, Revenue Control Plans, the list goes on and on.  However, Facility Maintenance and Capital Improvement plans seem to take a back seat to the more “parking operational plan” types when in reality, Maintenance and Capital Improvement plans need to be on the top of every parking manager’s priority list.  Failing to prioritize these areas can result in costly repairs and disruptions to parking operations, which ultimately could lead to lost revenue for the owner. As we know, parking often forms the first and last impression a guest has of a building or business, influencing their overall perception.  Yet, many owners fail to implement proper facility maintenance or capital improvement plans for aging parking facilities. Post-tension repairs, concrete repairs, and membrane repairs are rarely considered "exciting" projects that owners are eager to showcase. These projects are typically dusty, noisy, time-consuming, disruptive to parking operations, and VERY EXPENSIVE, so they often get pushed aside in favor of more visually appealing upgrades to the main building or guest entryway. As parking professionals responsible for parking operations, it’s crucial that we communicate with ownership/stakeholders and advocate for a seat at the table to contribute to the discussion on a preliminary capital improvement plan. While most of us may not be engineers by trade, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with the types of parking structures we manage and recognize signs of deterioration. Keep in mind, it will be far more costly to completely rebuild a deteriorating parking facility than to allocate funds annually for ongoing repairs and maintenance. Vincent Campagna, CAPP, is a Manager, Parking & Ground Transportation for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Vincent can be reached at vcampagna@mitchellairport.com.

As a proud Gen Xer, card carrying member of the MTV generation and certified latchkey kid, I grew up on bowls of sugary cereal watching Saturday morning cartoons.  Hands up.  Who thought at this point in history we’d all be flying around in our Jetson cars?  Come on.  You aren’t kidding anyone.  We all did. Fast forward and we are hearing about autonomous vehicles and AI driven technologies shaping our lives.  More and more cities are nixing the urban sprawl in favor of bringing people back into the cities.  We are bombarded with green initiatives, bike to work, public transportation instead of driving, carpooling, scooters on the go and even remote work so you don’t have to drive anywhere.  We’ve gotten so accustomed to being able to work from home, ordering groceries for delivery, everything you need to buy can be there in a matter of hours right from your phone, you can Uber where you want.  All that and we still find ourselves sitting in traffic.  Despite what would be the most logical conclusion, shockingly car ownership has increased.  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration “Highway Statistics 2022”, car ownership increased from 90.7% in 2015 to 91.7% in 2022.  Who’s to say that this trend doesn’t start reversing.  Empty land is scarce, and parking is even more so.  We’ve always been told “what goes up must come down”. It begs to question…. what next? With what seems to be all that stacked against us, how does parking remain relevant?  Admittedly, I’m kind of a Syfy buff.  Especially Twilight Zone.  One of my all-time favorites was an episode called the “Obsolete Man”.  The whole premise is that The State finds a librarian to be obsolete and he was to be sentenced to death.  It sounds crazy and farfetched, but in all reality how does parking not become obsolete?  What can we do to make sure that doesn’t happen?  That weighs on me every day.  EVERY.  DAY.  How will parking look in 5 years?  10?  30?  How has parking changed since 1995 until now?  I’m certain most of you will say quite a bit.  So, what would make us think that in another 30 years it isn’t going to be completely unrecognizable?   As the CFO of the Parking Authority, I am constantly focused on the future of this organization and industry.  I worry about how decisions will affect viability.  We have retirees to think about. Who am I kidding.  I have my own retirement to think about.  Do we invest in an up-and-coming area?  Do we opt to downsize?  Do we double down on EV charging infrastructure?  Should we investigate converting lots into multiuse facilities?  Ditch the card readers and go to apps only?  It can be truly exhausting.  But also, one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had.  Who knew there was so much to parking?  Certainly not me.  That said, I’m going to petition to have Chief Financial Officer title changed to Chief Future Officer.  Jodi Hart, CPA, CFE, CAPP, is the Chief Financial Officer for Pittsburgh Parking Authority. Jodi can be reached at jhart@pittsburghparking.com.

If you are reading this, chances are, you are involved in the parking or transportation industry. What do you think about inter-city transportation in your city? Is it useful or unusable? What are some of the hardships of public transportation? In our city we have a wide and well-funded public transportation system, yet somehow, it is often late and unused. We are a beachside tourist destination and find that rental cars and beach cruisers often trump the amount of public transportation used. This is great for our local parking resources but at what cost? Why have such a well funded transportation system when beach cruisers and pedestrians are running rampant across the city during our peak season? We have found in our city specifically that people are choosing to stay away from public transportation due to the stories they have heard regardless of the amount of marketing our public transportation system is putting out. With the amount of marketing and advertising the city is using to push the public transportation system, why are we not moving that funding into bettering our sidewalks and bicycle lanes? The people have spoken, and we would like to focus on a more eco friendly focus on inter city transportation! Tate Misiaszek, CAPP is a Project Manager for LAZ Parking. You can reach Tate at TMisiaszek@lazparking.com.

Parking. It’s one of those daily puzzles that many of us don’t think much about until we’re searching for a spot. But behind every parking spot and restriction in your city, there’s more going on than you may know. In most municipalities, parking regulations aren’t just made-up thoughts by a few city employees. They’re the result of a careful balancing act involving several key stakeholders. City governments often establish parking restrictions to ensure safety, ease traffic flow, and make room for residents, businesses, and visitors. But how do these decisions come to about? Who’s Involved? Local Government: The city council or other elected officials are the ones who ultimately pass ordinances that establish parking rules. These decisions usually follow recommendations from city planners, transportation experts, and traffic management. City’s SME (Subject Matter Experts)- City Planners, Traffic Management, & Transportation Experts: These professionals analyze traffic patterns, pedestrian safety, and the availability or required number of parking spaces to recommend for specific areas. Residents & Business Owners: As the people most affected by parking rules, residents and local business owners often have a voice in the process. Public outreach is important. Conducting public hearings, surveys, and consultations give them the opportunity to weigh in on potential changes. Police and Enforcement Departments: These groups ensure the rules are followed, helping to maintain order on the streets. Their feedback is essential in determining whether current restrictions are effective or need adjustments. It's All About Balance Parking restrictions aren't just about limiting where you can park. They’re about creating a system that works for everyone—residents, business owners, and even people just passing through. A city might need to balance the needs of local commuters, visitors, and people who live in the area. Too few spots? It becomes a hassle for residents. Too many restrictions? Businesses might suffer, and people may park illegally. In the end, while it may seem like just another city rule, parking restrictions reflect the effort to make the community run smoothly. And it’s clear: it’s not something any one person can do alone. Tavris Parker, CAPP, is a Parking Operations Manager for the City of Virginia Beach. Tavris can be reached at TParker@vbgov.com.