By Shawn Conrad, CAE

I have been fortunate to hear from many city officials about their views on parking and its influence on overall livability, growth, and economic development in their communities.

At the inaugural Midwest Parking & Mobility Association Conference, recently held in Kansas City, Missouri, attendees were welcomed by Deputy City Manager Kimiko Black Gilmore, who shared the following positive message:

As Deputy City Manager and Executive Director of Convention and Entertainment Facilities, I wear a couple of hats that make me especially appreciative of this moment. Whether it’s managing large-scale events at our convention center or helping guide long-term city strategy, I’ve seen firsthand how essential parking and mobility are—not just to logistics, but to quality of life, economic growth, and our collective ability to welcome people into public spaces.

Here in Kansas City, we embrace the complexity of parking. We know it’s not just about where you leave your car—it’s about how people move through a city, how we support local businesses, and how we create environments that are accessible, equitable, and sustainable.

We also know it’s a balancing act. On one hand, we value convenience—especially when it comes to supporting small businesses and neighborhood destinations. On the other, we understand that the expectation of free parking often clashes with the very real need to charge in order to keep vehicles moving and make space for more people to access what our city has to offer. It’s about turnover, fairness, and reinvestment.

Like many cities, we are navigating this space thoughtfully. Whether it’s through dynamic pricing, modernizing infrastructure, or incorporating more multimodal options into our planning—we are learning, adjusting, and striving to do what’s right for our residents, our businesses, and our visitors.

So, while parking may not always be glamorous, it is critical. It’s the first impression we make and often the last interaction someone has with our city. That’s why your work matters so much.

By all accounts, Kansas City’s leadership clearly understands the critical role parking plays, and the value that parking professionals bring to the table. It is so refreshing to hear!

Shawn Conrad, CAE, is the CEO of IPMI.