The First/Last Mile Challenge
Leveraging Micro-Mobility in Communities
IPMI & Member News
Leveraging Micro-Mobility in Communities
Crafting a New Model for the Future
IPMI’s new year is off to a fantastic start, and we couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you work in a municipality, chances are you've received an email from a colleague in another city requesting information—anything from a simple meter rate survey to more complex issues like commercial loading zones or managing ADA parking in the on-street environment. Or perhaps you’ve been the one sending that email. You may have also participated in numerous IPMI municipal roundtables, whether in person at the annual conference or virtually. One of the unique aspects of our profession is our willingness to share challenges and solutions. If Houston is facing a particular issue, cities like LA, Seattle, or Miami have probably already tackled it and can offer valuable insights. That’s how emails and conversations flow, allowing us to collaborate—because, after all, why reinvent the wheel? While this informal system has worked well, it’s time to take it to the next level. IPMI has formalized this collaboration by creating a space where we can exchange ideas, discuss policies, and share municipal codes—the backbone of any city. The newly established IPMI Policy & Legislative Cohort will offer strategic guidance and recommendations on policies and regulations impacting the parking and mobility profession. The Cohort’s work began with a survey aimed at identifying the most pressing policy topics across cities. Among the top issues are policies around new technologies that could revolutionize parking management by reducing friction—think AI, LPR, and citation by mail. What policies or city codes are necessary to facilitate the adoption of these tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness? However, cities are also grappling with policies that limit the use of these technologies, hindering progress. For instance, if state or city codes require parking citations to be placed on a windshield, a city can’t even begin to explore mailing citations until the code is updated—assuming there’s political will to make that change. Other key policy concerns include curb management for critical building access and ADA parking. If you have a topic you'd like the Cohort to consider, we encourage you to share it with us. In addition to this, IPMI has launched an updated member online community with a dedicated “Policy and Legislation” Community. The updated platform will enable seamless conversations and document exchanges where you can easily find relevant information on any hot topic you’re currently tackling. The municipal sector of IPMI has always been a strong, tight knit, yet welcoming community. The work of the Policy & Legislative Cohort will help build on this foundation, driving meaningful change and fostering greater collaboration across the parking and mobility profession. Maria Irshad, MPA, CAPP, is the Deputy Director for the City of Houston, Texas (ParkHouston).
How City Officials Can Improve Urban Planning Through Strong Community Relationships
In today’s fast changing world, businesses are rethinking their customer service approach. Rather than relying on large teams, many are opting for self-service tools and effective messaging to empower customers to manage their own accounts. This shift isn't just about cutting costs—it's about improving efficiency while maintaining high service standards. Why Less is More Traditional customer service models focused on staffing large teams to handle daily service needs. But today, customers want instant, 24/7 access to solutions. From updating accounts to finding answers online, self-service platforms are the key to giving customers more control over their experience. This shift also helps businesses lower costs and scale operations more effectively. The Power of Messaging While self-service is essential, messaging is the real necessity. Clear, friendly, and proactive communication is critical to ensuring that digital platforms don’t feel foreign. Whether it’s a well-crafted FAQ poster, a chatbot that guides users smoothly, or helpful prompts throughout an app, easy-to-understand messaging enhances the user experience. • Clear instructions ensure customers can solve problems quickly. • A friendly tone fosters a sense of connection, even in automated interactions. • Proactive support anticipates needs and guides users before they get stuck. Looking Ahead The future of customer service is a balance of self-service and personal support. By combining smart messaging with digital solutions, companies can continue to offer high-quality service while adapting to modern demands. In the end, it's not about how many people you have on your team—it’s about how effectively you communicate with your customers. Tavris Parker, CAPP, is a Parking Operations Manager for the City of Virginia Beach. Tavris can be reached at TParker@vbgov.com.