Join staff and current APOs in exploring the program. Discuss the application process, best practices for success in achieving the designation, and the positive effects that APOs have realized as a result of their accreditation.

For decades, cities have relied on parking fines as static tools—anchored in tradition more than purpose. Yet as transportation networks grow more complex and streets become riskier, this status-quo approach is failing both residents and policymakers. It’s time to rethink how fines are structured so they not only influence behavior, but do so fairly and strategically. Today, fine schedules often apply harsh penalties to low-risk administrative violations while underpricing high-risk behaviors—like blocking fire hydrants—that endanger the public. This mismatch erodes trust, especially when lower-income residents face disproportionate financial hardship for infractions with minimal social impact. When penalties feel arbitrary, they are perceived less as tools for safety and more as regressive taxes. Data shows that deterrence hinges not just on penalty dollar value, but on its relevance—how well it aligns with risk, compliance value, and community context. Cities that recalibrate fines to reflect both severity and neighborhood realities can improve equity and collections while encouraging safer streets. Prioritizing smarter fine design, proportionality, and targeted enforcement could allow cities to shift away from blanket forgiveness programs—which require administrative lift without addressing root causes. Tools like dynamic pricing, location-based fines, and income-sensitive penalties can help cities strike the balance between fairness and impact. Some jurisdictions have already begun to reform fine structures: New York and Los Angeles are exploring income-based and data-driven fine optimization, respectively, while Chicago recently capped penalties for administrative violations. These efforts signal a growing recognition that fines should reinforce social value, not perpetuate inequity. By grounding enforcement in community impact, equity, and measurable outcomes, cities can treat fines as meaningful policy levers—not punishment. Matt Darst is the Head of Professional Services for Trellint, a Modaxo Company. Matt can be reached at matt.darst@trellint.com.

Successful transformation, whether operational, technological, or cultural, depends on one thing above all else: communication. In times of significant change, leaders must balance strategy and empathy, ensuring that every message, decision, and adjustment keeps their teams and customers aligned toward a shared vision.

Leadership isn’t defined by volume; it’s defined by impact. Whether you lead with quiet reflection or energetic enthusiasm, understanding and embracing your natural style can unlock new levels of influence and effectiveness.

Every parking structure has a maximum capacity, and so does every leader. When a leader’s cognitive capacity is “full,” the team experiences “gridlock.” This session uses simple, relatable analogies to show how a leader’s unseen stress translates into measurable team problems like inconsistency, high anxiety, and staff turnover. We will provide practical tools—like the 3-Point Clarity Check and the Refuel Protocol—to help