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Permit holders only parking sign
Data IPMI Blog Municipal/Cities Parking Lots

Exploring Hybrid Residential/Employee Parking Permits in Richmond

In October 2024, I wrote about how the City of Richmond was embarking on a study on a hybrid parking permit model. The key objective was to examine the feasibility and best practices surrounding a hybrid residential/employee parking permit program and examine shared parking opportunities between public and private entities within the parking districts. As urban areas continue to evolve with the removal of parking minimums, so do the challenges, which has led to city officials and residents voicing concerns about the potential negative impacts from this change in zoning parking legislation. Understanding the Challenge Residential parking permit regulations differ among Richmond's five districts because all five districts have unique characteristics, such as permit issuance programs, surrounding land use, opportunities for shared parking, and their unique personalities. Other complexities include: a growing residential population, increased competition for limited spaces, and the future integration of commercial parking needs. Insights from Peer Communities The city contracted with DESMAN to conduct the study. To craft informed recommendations, DESMAN analyzed two peer communities: Columbus, Ohio and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Columbus features a hybrid permit parking model in its Short North District. The fee structure for permits is variable or tiered; for instance, a first employee permit costs $100 annually for one and gradually increases per permit where the tenth is $700. This tiered fee approach to pricing could serve as a guideline for Richmond to help maintain fairness and efficiency. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, presents a monthly permit fee structure at $10 per month, contrasting with Columbus’s annual charges. DESMAN did not recommend implementing a full hybrid permit parking system uniform across all five Richmond districts. However, the study indicated that certain parts of a hybrid permit parking system could be beneficial for some of our residential districts and employees. Possible next steps proposed in the study include: The incorporation of shared parking arrangements, to leverage underutilized spaces, such as those at local churches or libraries during off-peak hours. The establishment of a pilot program incentivizing residents to construct off-street parking pads, alleviating some pressure from on-street spaces. Consider acquiring vacant lots for small permit parking lots, providing more options for parking availability. Pilot a limited number of employee parking permits for businesses to help understand the impacts of a hybrid system. Richmond stands at a crossroads regarding its parking policies, however strategic solutions and learned insights from peer cities do offer a pathway forward. Emphasizing shared resources, innovative pilot programs, and streamlined regulations may lead to a comprehensive solution that accommodates the needs of both residents and businesses, fostering a thriving urban environment for all. Steven Bergin, CAPP, is an Operation Manager for the City of Richmond, Virginia. You can reach Steven at Steven.Bergin@RVA.gov.

Strategical partnership, handshake.
IPMI Blog Planning Technology

Parking: From Mundane to Marvel

Who would have thought something as mundane as parking could ignite such a boom in the tech world? We’ve come a long way from punching holes in tickets and counting cars on our toes. The idea of effortlessly gliding into a parking garage—without even glancing at an entry device—once felt as futuristic as flying cars and robotic maids. And yet, here we are—zipping in without a care in the world, our cars recognized automatically, payments handled invisibly, and spaces reserved with a tap on our phones. Behind this seamless experience lies strategic collaboration that has driven this growth. As an industry, letting go of rigid proprietary thinking opened the door of innovation. Through partnerships, we’ve been able to bring these advancements to life, with the goal of enhancing the user experience. Collective efforts between technology providers, asset owners and Operators have elevated parking into a meaningful player in tech. Each has a role in shaping the future of this ever-evolving industry—and the journey is just beginning! We depend on our technology partners to understand the market and identify trends shaping our industry. They’ve risen to the challenge, delivering powerful AI-driven solutions, frictionless options, and dynamic messaging systems that ensure every parker can find their perfect space, so no driver is left behind… But it’s not just about a cool story bro, these technologies must also be intuitive, reliable, and scalable to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our dynamic industry. Collaboration with asset and ownership groups that prioritize future customer needs is the key to success. While mindful spending is important, investing in a strong foundation today allows us to redefine the parking experience and maximize future revenues. And let’s not forget the operators. They navigate the complexities of managing multiple systems while balancing the delicate relationships between technology providers, ownership groups, and the public. As the front line to customers, their efforts ensure the smooth operation of the ecosystem. Together, as technology partners, asset owners, and operators, we are shaping parking into an industry driven by innovation, collaboration, and growth. The future holds endless possibilities, so bring out your folding chairs and cigar boxes, filled with popcorn, and watch the show! Liz Young, is the Vice President, Solutions Engineering for FAAC Parking Solutions. Liz can be reached at Liz.Young@faactechnologies.com.

Person watering the plant to symbolize nurturing our mindset.
IPMI Blog Mental Health Planning

Daily Reminder: Reset Your Mindset Daily

In the workplace, it’s easy to get bogged down by challenges, deadlines, and pressure. But here’s a simple truth: a positive mindset can make all the difference in how you approach tasks and ultimately succeed. A Positive Mindset Matters A positive attitude isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about changing your perspective to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether you’re studying for exams or tackling a tough project at work, your mindset shapes how you respond to hardship. When you focus on solutions instead of problems, you’re more likely to find creative ways to overcome them. Benefits of a Positive Approach Increased Productivity: A positive mindset helps you stay motivated and focused, even when things get tough. It reduces stress and allows you to work more efficiently. Better Problem-Solving: When you approach challenges with optimism, you're more open to finding innovative solutions. Positivity encourages you to think outside the box, which is key to success in both academics and your career. Improved Relationships: Whether in a classroom or a meeting, a positive attitude provides better communication and collaboration. People are drawn to positivity. Resilience: Life is unpredictable—whether it’s a difficult assignment or an unexpected setback. A positive mindset builds resilience, helping you bounce back quicker and keep moving forward. Success doesn’t just come from hard work; it comes from how you approach the work. By choosing a positive mindset, you unlock greater potential in yourself and those around you. So, take a moment today to reset your mindset—your results will speak for themselves! Tavris Parker, CAPP, is a Parking Operations Manager for the City of Virginia Beach. Tavris can be reached at TParker@vbgov.com.

Transit Bus and Mobility
Finance IPMI Blog Sustainability Transit

Clean Transportation Fuel Pays Off…Literally

As with many mobility and transportation agencies, Wave Transit in Wilmington, North Carolina has a strong commitment to sustainability initiatives by working to grow ridership, reducing dependence on automobiles, limiting emissions, and minimizing our carbon footprint. Recently, Wave implemented a program that takes advantage of our use of Compress Natural Gas (CNG) for fueling buses by producing monthly revenue through a unique program. CNG has low amounts of nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide while being an average of 33% less than diesel. This particular program falls under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewal Fuels Standards (RFS) which links our dispensing of CNG with the production of renewable natural gas elsewhere in the United States. This program is centered on credits known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) that verify that renewable fuel was used as a transportation fuel. Renewable fuel producers generate RINs by producing a gallon (or gallon equivalent) of renewable fuel such compressed natural gas. A commodities company has been engaged by Wave and they combine production and dispensing data to generate RINs which are sold to obligated parties and then Wave receives a monthly payment for a negotiated percentage of the RIN sale. No changes were required with any CNG fueling equipment and processes as this program allows Wave to continue fueling as we have in the past. The program does require documentation and reporting to ensure compliance with the EPA requirements, but the significant financial and sustainability benefits have come with minimal additional effort so this program has been extremely well received.  Mark Hairr, CAPP, is an Executive Director for Wave Transit. Mark can be reached at mhairr@wavetransit.com.

Businessman plan growth and increase of positive indicators in his business.
DEI Development Finance IPMI Blog

Identifying Top Business Practices in Strong Work Cultures

I am a firm believer that an organization’s work culture will determine employee longevity and overall success or shortcomings for a company.  While the Keurig coffee machines and donuts are appreciated when supplied, culture goes beyond these types of perks and instead centers on professionalism, understanding and respect across an entire department.  I also believe most working employees strive to perform their jobs efficiently with favorable behavioral patterns.  It is the primary responsibility of leadership to guide and maintain positive working cultures, which includes the below: Engaging management style Encourages staff on a consistent basis, promotes an open line of positive communication, provides constructive feedback and also at the same time looks for feedback Diversity Provides equal opportunities to different backgrounds, relies on a team with differing experiences to provide forward thinking solutions Involvement, support, growth Recommends growth and development, offers training resources and encourages higher education and/or certification, involves team members with new projects to enhance skills, promotes group activities Work-life-balance Respects staff and time away from work and establishes boundaries, designates tasks to the appropriate team members, considering flexible scheduling, leading by example Compensation For management positions with routine scheduling demands outside and in addition to normal business hours, matching salaries to reflect the nature of the position and work performed Our work environments continue to evolve, and staffing challenges continue to impact all service industries.   Companies coming out on top with talent and high retention rates are those promoting strong work cultures while demonstrating modern work practices, and these organizations are the leading industry innovators.    Zach Pearce is an Associate Director of Operations at Old Dominion University. Zach can be reached at zpearce@odu.edu.

Coffee to prepare for a work day.
IPMI Blog Mental Health Planning

What’s Your "Coffee" in the Morning? What Gets You Going?

We all have that one thing that kickstarts our day—the equivalent of a cup of coffee (even if we don't drink it, “I do”). Whether it's a morning ritual, a music playlist, or a specific task that helps you feel energized, there’s always something that gets us out of bed and into work mode. In my office, the morning routine is crucial. Some reach for the classic caffeine fix, while others may choose something a little different. If you're not a coffee person, maybe it's a quick workout or a few minutes of meditation that gets your mind sharp. For others, it might be simply checking off a small task first thing, like sending an email or updating a to-do list, just to build momentum. There’s a lot of science behind the idea that starting your day with something positive can set the tone for the rest of it. Many studies suggests that the right morning habits can boost productivity, increase focus, and even reduce stress throughout the day. But let’s be real: it doesn’t always have to be productive. Maybe it’s something as simple as a few quiet minutes of stretching, enjoying a warm breakfast, or just sitting down to read the news for a bit before the chaos of the workday begins. The important part is finding that ritual that makes you feel ready to take on whatever’s ahead. So, what’s your "coffee"? Whether it’s a mental warm-up or something physical, finding your own version of a morning boost can be one of the best ways to fuel your day. Tavris Parker, CAPP, is a Parking Operations Manager for the City of Virginia Beach. Tavris can be reached at TParker@vbgov.com.

Map of Transportation Levels
IPMI Blog Mobility Policy

Movers, Shakers, and Currents in Mobility Policy

With a mobility ecosystem rapidly evolving, what are the topline mobility issues to be aware of, who are the key decision makers framing mobility policy, and how can you and your organization help steer the mobility conversation. The transportation and mobility space is constantly evolving, impacting how people and goods move through and between our communities. That ecosystem is framed around a policy framework developed by decision makers at varying levels of government. Most mobility practitioners are in the business of implementing policies and programs that help manage the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. However, what may be a missed opportunity in the policy feedback loop is factoring in practitioner experience and feedback alongside community feedback. Before diving into the currents within the mobility space and how to navigate them, it is helpful to understand the general policy lever environment. This graphic below succinctly illustrates the varying levels of decision making and influence in policy making. Most federal policy levers handle very macro issues and set a high level direction for the mobility space, with a forthcoming policy and funding discussion in the 119th Congress that will translate into the next multiyear surface transportation reauthorization that the Presidential administration will be tasked to implement (and will likely implement with an economic development and waste reduction lens). State policy levers play similar roles and tackle similar issues to the federal levers, but at a more meso scale (at a state level). Those state policy levers will flesh out more detail to goals and implementation strategy of larger federal ideas within the state context (whether advancing economic development or climate change goals). Additional levers below state levers start to get into more micro scale of issue detail, touching upon how things are implemented or operated (such as curbside policy or parking meter rates) and its impact felt on a regular basis (such as sensitivity to cost of living).  An IPMI membership survey from Fall 2024, highlighted various policy issues that are on the horizon for the Policy and Legislative Cohort to explore and synthesize the topline impacts and how to influence it for IPMI members. They included issues related to enforcement of the mobility space, curbside management in a dynamic land use and economic environment, as well as accessible mobility. Some of those issues are inherently local, while others may feel local, but are regulated/authorized at a state, if not on a rare occasion at the federal level. As a member of IPMI, there’s things you can do now to influence the policy conversation on key issues that impact your operations and implementation. Spend time educating not only your stakeholders, but also your key decision makers at the local, state, and federal levels on who you are, what you do, and the mobility issues impacting your community. Also take the time to build a larger, diverse tent of stakeholders (such as Chambers of Commerce, Transit agencies, Health departments, community and environmental groups) that can be your coalition to educate, advocate, and for some of those stakeholders to lobby on particular issues of consensus. Benito Pérez, AICP, CTP, CAPP, is the Policy Director at Transportation For America. Benito can be reached at benito.perez@t4america.org.

Goals in the mobility and parking industry
Development IPMI Blog Planning

A New Year Means New Opportunities

We all know about New Year’s Resolutions and sayings like “New Year, New Me.” Sometimes, these resolutions are jumping-off points for positive life changes. Often, they are forgotten or given up by the end of January, but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?! What is always true with the turn of the year is that new opportunities lie ahead.  That can mean many different things to many different people.  The pace at which our industry is moving is faster than ever, and if you’re reading this blog, it means you, too, have an entire 12 months ahead of you to take advantage of new opportunities. Whether you’re a technology provider hustling to grow your business, a municipal or higher-ed operator searching for ways to improve the parking experience for your constituents or students, or a parking asset owner looking to maximize revenue across your entire portfolio, 2025 is a blank slate. No matter the resolutions or goals you’ve set for yourself, personally and professionally, it’s important to keep things in perspective and define what really matters to you. One of my college friends recently mailed me a book called “The Daily Dad” by Ryan Holiday, as we’re both early in our fatherhood journeys.  In a book filled with memorable quotes & lessons, a certain one stuck out to me.  Holiday writes: “Who you are is more important than what you do.  I’d rather you be good than successful.  Character is more important than cash”. I hope we all had the chance to relax and spend time with family throughout the holiday season.  As we prepare to get after it in 2025 and chase all of our goals, let’s make sure to do it the right way.  Because who you are will always be more important than what you do. Anthony Caddell is a Regional Sales Director for Passport. Anthony can be reached at anthony.caddell@passportinc.com.

Changing work environment
Development IPMI Blog Planning

Growth & Changing Work Environments

Leaving a well-established role and organization for a new opportunity is often bittersweet for those taking the next step in their career.  When assessing skills gained, accomplishments, growth patterns, and culture, employees often are able to dial in on compatibility, growth, and longevity, as early as the initial employment review cycle. However, many of us find work environments to be extremely complex and continually evolving which can either shorten or prolong career trajectory.       When I left my previous position at another University, I found the most difficult aspect to be the ending of strong professional relationships which had been built over an extended period.  Many of these relationships were former customers with frequent complex parking requirements, and I took enjoyment in the cross-campus-cross-health-system collaborations to provide essential access services in unique environments. Prior to leaving any role, we should always aim to leave the departing organization in the best position possible, and this frequently includes the updating of documentation and ‘playbooks’ so company management/leadership and incoming team members are well positioned for efficient transitions.  We eagerly expect the same when accepting new roles, although frequently this may not be the case.  I find this to be especially relevant when acknowledging the various software systems in a Parking & Transportation operation.  Coming into any new organization, parallels typically exist yet we need to be aware earlier in our stints the importance of re-learning, adapting, understanding the working dynamics of a new team, and quickly identifying our stakeholders.  While certain successful practices may be transferrable from one organization to another, you can count on instances where this will not be the case, all due to varying environmental factors.  Therefore when starting new roles it’s best to consider early on how to ‘un-think’. Zach Pearce is an Associate Director of Operations at Old Dominion University. Zach can be reached at zpearce@odu.edu.

Transportation, Mobility and cars parking.
IPMI Blog Planning Transit University

Campus Transportation: The Key to Promoting Growth

As campuses grow, transportation needs evolve. The Campus Master Plan often outlines new roads, buildings, and infrastructure, with parking lots becoming prime construction sites for future development. This creates a domino effect, pushing parking to the periphery and necessitating changes in the campus transportation system. When parking shifts to the edges, it impacts both your budget and transportation logistics. Perimeter lots, often cheaper to park in, will reduce revenue from prime spaces, while new routes must be added to connect these distant lots to the core campus. So, how can transportation departments meet these challenges? 1. Assess and Adjust Transportation Routes To minimize additional costs, review and optimize current bus routes. Combining routes or reconfiguring schedules can open up buses to service new Park-N-Ride locations without drastically increasing expenses. 2. Engage with Administration Be transparent with campus administration about the impact of growth on your transportation budget. Loss of revenue from core parking and increased operational costs may require adjustments, such as a transit fee or funding for new buses. ________________________________________ Why This Is a Good Problem to Have Though these challenges can strain resources, they’re ultimately a sign of success. Growth means more students, faculty, and facilities—and a better campus overall. The transportation department’s role is crucial to ensuring that this growth remains accessible. ________________________________________ Benefits of an Updated Transportation Plan An adjusted transportation plan can: • Facilitate Growth: Free up space for new buildings and infrastructure. • Provide Economical Parking: Shift to more affordable, perimeter parking. • Reduce Traffic: Alleviate congestion in core areas. • Increase Efficiency: Offer quick and easy access to campus. ________________________________________ Is Your Department Ready for Growth? Having a comprehensive transportation plan is vital. It ensures that your campus remains accessible and efficient as it expands. If your department isn’t ready, now is the time to get involved in the conversation. Make sure your transportation plan aligns with the Campus Master Plan, preparing you for the future. Mike Harris, CAPP, is the Director of University Services with SP+ (SP Plus). Mike can be reached at gharris@spplus.com.

Parking Kiosk with SDPARCS
Digital Parking Tech IPMI Blog Technology University

Parking with SDPARCS

Motherboard replacements, EMV reader repairs, ticket jams, sensor cleanings, low ink warnings… and a $20,000+ purchase cost! These challenges defined traditional parking systems (PARCS). At the University of Southern Maine (USM), we asked, “What if this could be a thing of the past?” Since 2005, USM relied on traditional PARCS and paystations, often requiring assistance to resolve issues. Now, with Software Defined PARCS (SDPARCS), we’ve not only eliminated constant repairs but introduced built-in intercoms and live help at the tap of a button—right out of the box. ………all with a simple plug and play android device. With SDPARCS, day-to-day operations no longer include constant troubleshooting. At USM, we’ve reduced paystation expenses by over 93%, saving significantly over 3–5 years. SDPARCS is a streamlined solution: a single column equipped with an Android device and power/internet connection. This small, efficient unit can function as both a paystation and a PARCS system, simultaneously replacing entry and exit hardware. It’s simpler, smarter, and more cost-effective. USM selected ParkEngage as our SDPARCS provider for their ability to customize the system to our needs. The difference between SDPARCS and traditional PARCS is transformative—like moving from a 1960s mainframe computer room to a modern smartphone. For our team, the change has been monumental. We’ve eliminated hours spent troubleshooting machines, enabling us to focus on delivering better service to our campus community. Trystan Henry is a Manager of Parking & Transportation with the University of Southern Maine. Trystan can be reached at Trystan.henry@maine.edu.

Ask the experts logo of parking, transportation, and mobility,
Frontline IPMI Blog Technology

January's Ask The Experts - More Great Answers!

The frontline position has changed significantly over the last decade, yet some core challenges remain. What are the biggest challenges facing today’s Frontline employees, and how can they be overcome? We had so many great answers that they did not fit in the magazine! Here are more insightful responses: