Municipal/Cities

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.

Vancouver, Canada – Parking in the City of Baltimore, MD, USA, just got easier and more modernized for residents and visitors, thanks to The Parking Authority of Baltimore City appointing PayByPhone, a global leader in mobile parking payments, to its parking operations. PayByPhone is now available at parking meters at City-owned parking lots and at on-street metered parking spaces Downtown in the Central Business District, and will be rolled out in Fells Point, Federal Hill, as well as in and around Camden Yards and the Inner Harbor area. Carmen Donnell, Managing Director North America for PayByPhone, says, “We are thrilled to launch PayByPhone in Baltimore and happy that PayByPhone is helping to make the parking experience hassle-free for residents and visitors to Maryland’s largest city and its economic hub. We encourage drivers to download the PayByPhone app now, so they can use the new service immediately. Registration takes less than 30 seconds.” Peter Little, Executive Director of the Parking Authority of Baltimore City, says, “As well as greater flexibility and a better user experience, parkers can opt-in to have text message reminders of when their parking session is about to expire to avoid costly citations.” Cashless parking offers parkers great flexibility. A parking session can be started and completed in three quick steps – entering the location number, entering the duration, and paying. PayByPhone offers parkers the ability to extend their parking session remotely via the app or a wearable device, such as the Apple Watch, without having to return to their vehicle or visit a payment kiosk. Parkers using PayByPhone also have access to the app’s Maps and the Nearby Parking features. The Maps feature allows drivers to locate parking before they leave for their destination and to pin their vehicle location onto the map once they have parked. The Nearby Parking feature instantly provides them with the closest PayByPhone parking location number. And the app is available in 11 languages globally, including Spanish and Italian, making it incredibly inclusive for those who live, work, and visit Baltimore. For a full list of areas where PayByPhone is available, and to start using it today, download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store or visit the PayByPhone website www.paybyphone.com. ABOUT PAYBYPHONE PayByPhone is more than just parking. We simplify the journeys for millions of people through our smart, intuitive mobile payment technology and exciting features. We work with over 1,400 clients across North America, the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland. More than 95 million drivers worldwide have trusted us with their payments to date. To discover how our products and services can elevate your driving experience, please visit www.paybyphone.com. Contact: Sarah Claridge Communications Consultant Indaba sarah.claridge@weareindaba.com (+44) 207 692 4964

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.

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.

The Parking Authority of Baltimore City and Mayor Brandon Scott announced that new mobile payment options are now available to pay for parking on City-owned parking lots and at on-street metered parking spaces Downtown. More areas will be added in the next month. Residents and visitors now have three options for mobile payment apps (Flowbird, PayByPhone, and ParkMobile) and a text-to-pay option. Using any of the three apps allows patrons to pay for parking from their mobile devices, receive text notifications when parking time is about to expire, and extend their time without having to visit a parking kiosk. Parkers can download the apps from the App Store or Google Play Store. By providing three different apps, users benefit from increased competition and those who have already downloaded one of the apps can stick with their preferred option. These apps allow you to create an account so you can securely store information like your vehicle's license plate number and credit card information to make payments easier. "Once you have an account, you can skip going to the meter altogether," says Parking Authority Executive Director Peter Little, "When you park, you just open the app, enter the location/zone number, and choose how long you need to park. It will even send you an alert before your parking session expires and give you the option to add more time, if allowed." Another mobile option is Pay-by-Text. Users can text ParkBMore to 727563. Automated replies guide parkers through the rest of the transaction.    Parkers can still pay at the meter using major credit cards such as Visa, Master Card and American Express as well as coin. Tap to pay is another option available at most single space meters.  By implementing modernized parking solutions with convenient payment options, the Parking Authority will be able to better manage parking turnover and meet their goal of making one or two parking spaces available per block, while providing a more user-friendly experience.  More information with links to all the apps are available on our website: parking.baltimorecity.gov.  The Parking Authority of Baltimore City is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to find, or create, and implement parking solutions for Baltimore City, and to be the resource on all things “parking” in Baltimore.  

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.

MIAMI, FL — Miami Parking Authority (MPA) announces the launch of ParkMobile in Miami. The leading provider of mobile parking payment products, ParkMobile will launch in Miami effective Monday, March 3, 2025. With a longstanding record in other cities in South Florida, ParkMobile will be added as an additional parking payment option alongside PayByPhone to the MPA product portfolio. ParkMobile is the leading provider of parking solutions in the U.S. Located in eight of the top 10 cities, ParkMobile prides itself on providing both cities and drivers a more efficient way to manage and pay for parking digitally. In 2021, ParkMobile was acquired by the Easy Park Group, a Sweden-based mobility solutions company. Currently, ParkMobile is recognized as a brand under the EasyPark Group name. For customers who park in Miami, the convenience is unmatched. ParkMobile and PayByphone users can pay for parking using the same location number. In addition, Miami residents will continue to enjoy the resident discounted parking rate when they register with MPA, ensuring that the benefits of the existing system are not lost with the addition of ParkMobile. “When MPA launched PayByPhone in Miami about 16 years ago, the decision was rooted in deriving a benefit to the customer, meaning a seamless, quick, and easy way to pay for parking,” said Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, Chief Executive Officer. “That purpose remains unwavering today. Considering the city’s rapid growth rate, transformation, and traffic challenges, adopting ParkMobile will afford customers an additional payment option, help enhance urban mobility, and increase consumer engagement.” The process is designed to be as user-friendly as possible for the consumer. When they pull into a space, they can easily open either the ParkMobile or PayByPhone app, select the location number, set the time, and begin parking, all with a few simple smartphone taps. Download either app. “We’re on a mission to make cities more livable by providing advanced parking and mobility solutions that further enhance and improve a city’s overall infrastructure,” said David Holler, vice president of sales at ParkMobile. “We’re thrilled to be expanding in southern Florida to provide more access and choice to Miami visitors and residents.” Both apps will continue to offer customers the benefit of sending notifications before the parking session expires. By sending an alert before the session expires, parkers will know precisely when the time will run out, avoiding citations. About Miami Parking Authority MPA is committed to unlocking the potential of deploying breakthrough technology to make the parking experience easier, enhance urban mobility, and forging public-private initiatives that foster economic development. Officially known as the Department of Off-Street Parking of the City of Miami, the MPA was created in 1955 by a Special Act of the Florida State Legislature and incorporated into the City of Miami's Charter in 1968. For more information about MPA, please visit www.miamiparking.com and follow us on IG @mpacommunity, FB @miamiparking, and X @miamiparking. To register for the resident discount program, please visit  https://www.miamiparking.com/resident-discount/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/miami-parking-authority/posts/?feedView=all About ParkMobile ParkMobile, LLC is the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in North America and part of the global parking tech company, EasyPark Group. With the vision to make cities more livable, EasyPark Group owns and develops the apps EasyPark, ParkMobile,RingGo and Park-line, and operates in over 3,200 cities across more than 20 countries. ParkMobile offers digital solutions to quickly find and pay for on-street and off-street parking via a mobile device. The company also offers parking reservations at stadiums, venues, and metro area garages. ParkMobile’s technology is used in thousands of locations across the U.S., including 8 of the top 10 cities, as well as college campuses and airports. ParkMobile has been named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Pacesetter Award list, the Atlanta JournalConstitution's Top Workplaces and won the 2022 Stevie Awards for Best Mobile On-Demand Application. Visit ParkMobile.io or @ParkMobile on Twitter for the latest news and information. For EasyPark Group news, visit easyparkgroup.com. MEDIA CONTACT: MPA: Margarita Rohaidy Delgado, margarita@mrd-consulting.com or (305) 336-6267 ParkMobile: Haley Haas, haley.haas@parkmobile.io.

Chattanooga, TN — Known as the “Scenic City” for its breathtaking mountains, rivers, and outdoor recreation—isn’t just a destination for adventure seekers. It’s also a city committed to innovation, leveraging technology to improve public services. We’ve been proud to partner with the Chattanooga Parking Authority for years, and we’re excited to support their continued expansion with Park Loyalty’s integrated parking management software solutions. From Enforcement Management Software to a Fully Integrated Ecosystem Chattanooga first adopted Enforce Pro, a leading enforcement management software, to modernize parking enforcement. Since its launch, Enforce Pro has streamlined operations, boosting efficiency and compliance. But that was just the beginning—Chattanooga has now expanded to the full Park Loyalty platform without any system conversion downtime. Parking violations, permits, and meter reservations have been transitioned seamlessly, with no disruption to motorists. With the addition of Process Pro and Permit Pro, the City is now building a fully integrated parking management ecosystem that enhances enforcement, streamlines violation processing, and improves public access to permits and reservations. Optimizing Violation Processing with Process Pro With Process Pro, Chattanooga strengthens violation records management, ensuring smoother workflows and more effective case tracking. This ticket processing software automates citation handling, streamlining tasks such as payment processing, DMV data management, noticing, sanctions, and adjudication. While Process Pro strengthens the back-end citation management process, Chattanooga also sought to enhance both its operations and the public’s experience with parking permits. That’s where Permit Pro comes in, offering a seamless and user-friendly solution for permit applications and renewals. Enhancing Public Access with Permit Pro Permit Pro seamlessly integrates with Enforce Pro and Process Pro to manage the full digital permitting lifecycle. Its public-facing portal allows residents to apply for permits, make payments, renew accounts, and reserve metered spaces—all while ensuring compliance with city policies. With enforcement and permitting now fully integrated, Chattanooga is creating a parking system that works seamlessly for both administrators and the public. This unified approach reflects their commitment to smart parking solutions that eliminate manual processing and improving user experience. A Unified Parking System for Chattanooga’s Future Chattanooga’s commitment to smart parking solutions highlights the power of an integrated ecosystem. By combining enforcement, permitting, and reservations within a single platform, the city is improving accessibility, efficiency, and the overall parking experience. We’re proud to continue supporting their vision for a smarter, more connected urban infrastructure. About Park Loyalty At Park Loyalty, we make parking management easier. Whether it’s helping you improve parking enforcement, manage violations, or supporting broader initiatives like curbside management, our Pro Solutions® help parking operations of all types and sizes run smoothly through practical solutions that adapt to your needs. More: www.parkloyalty.com

Charlotte, NC – Passport, the technology leader in parking compliance and curbside payment solutions, demonstrated impressive growth in 2024, with continued momentum anticipated in 2025 and beyond. The Charlotte-based company has processed over 235MM transactions and $3.5B in curbside payments across paid citations, mobile payments, and parking permits. Passport’s daily peak transaction volume is ten times greater than the peak experienced by the largest publicly traded financial institutions in the U.S. Data also revealed that one in five Americans has interacted with at least one of Passport’s products, showcasing the company’s growing impact nationwide. The company’s growth also underscores cities' increasing importance on parking compliance and convenient payment solutions. Over the past 18 months, Passport has launched its parking compliance software in over 40 cities. More than half of these launches were with new clients, generating over $12 million in compliance and payments revenue on their behalf. Passport recently launched its advanced Photo Enforcement solution in five U.S. locations, including Atlanta’s Ponce City Market. The company also rolled out its integrated payments software in 43 locations, including its meter and pay station payment processing solution. “2024 was an exciting year and a culmination of what we've built over the last fifteen years. In many ways, our team got back to the basics and settled in to drive creative approaches and solutions that help cities solve complex problems at the curb,” said Khristian Gutierrez, co-founder and CEO of Passport. “Passport is committed to partnering with cities to understand their unique needs to deliver tools that make their lives, and the lives of their communities, more convenient and efficient.” The City and County of Denver, Colorado, recently partnered with Passport to upgrade its parking compliance and permitting technology. “Our partnership with Passport has enabled us to enhance our processes and innovate to improve compliance and provide better experiences for our residents and visitors,” said Nina Black, City and County of Denver. Another significant milestone announced in 2024 was the expansion of Passport’s Partner Marketplace, a robust partner ecosystem that makes it easier for cities to manage multiple curbside offerings through one platform. The Marketplace includes over 60 partner integrations with leading technology providers like Automotus and Cleverciti and private operators like LAZ Parking, who help cities launch Passport products and solutions. “At Passport, we’re committed to empowering our clients with a future-proof environment. Our modular, API-driven architecture allows us to scale storage and compute resources on-demand, enabling us to support over 850 transactions per second,” said Gene Rohrwasser, CTO of Passport. “This ensures that cities can grow without worrying about infrastructure limitations, giving them the confidence to focus on enhancing their services and building smarter, more connected communities.” Passport supports more than 800 cities and private operators and has processed over $3.5B in curbside payments. For more information, including best practices, resources, and other reports, visit https://www.passportinc.com/. About Passport Passport is the technology leader in parking compliance and curbside payment solutions. By helping cities integrate paid parking, enforcement operations, and payment infrastructure into one software solution, Passport provides the only platform that connects the complexities of mobility to efficiently manage and monetize the curb. From mobile payments to citation issuance, permitting technology, and more, Passport empowers cities of all sizes with better insights to improve parking turnover, expand revenue opportunities, and create better compliance. Passport is trusted by more than 800 clients across North America. Media Contact: Aimee Eichelberger Aimee@983group.com

Passport, the technology leader in parking compliance and curbside payment solutions, is alerting North American cities about a new scam that could potentially make parkers victims of fraud. The scam involves fraudulent text messages claiming to be from a city, notifying individuals of an outstanding parking invoice, and requesting payment via a link. These messages are currently being sent to users in the cities of Charlotte, NC, and Boston, MA and Houston, TX. To safeguard consumers, cities should communicate this potential issue with a warning and clarification on how consumers can confirm if the request is valid. Passport suggests that cities inform residents that: They can verify any outstanding citations through the city's parking portal. By entering a license plate number, users can view all citations, see related photographs, and either appeal or pay charges directly through the secure online system. The city will only use official methods to notify residents of parking citation charges. This includes a physical citation on the windshield and letters via USPS if the citation is unpaid. The city will never send payment links via text message or request payment through unofficial channels.