Planning

As business’ grow and corporations take over the Mom and Pop Organizations, where are the companies that used to promote themselves as a family? In the parking and transportation industry we seem to have lost the family feel in the last few years. As companies are expanding, and bottom lines are scrutinized more than ever, what are you doing to ensure your employees are happy? What are you doing to support your employee’s growth and expansion? With major parking and transportation companies growing and expanding the amount of employees they have, how is it possible to treat your team as you once used to? I feel this is an ever growing topic that is harder than ever to compare how it once was. As inflation has hit and the price of items have changed, things are no longer appreciated the same way they used to. A $5 Starbucks gift card only goes so far and often a pizza party is under appreciated. What solution do you see in the future to bring back the family in corporations without breaking the bank or budget? How can we appreciate our employees in a way that personally and economically effects them? Tate Misiaszek, CAPP is a Project Manager for LAZ Parking. You can reach Tate at TMisiaszek@lazparking.com.

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.

Hello, IPMI Community! Parking & Mobility magazine seeks parking, transportation, and mobility professionals interested in authoring our standing monthly columns. You do not need to be a writer; you just need to be a thought leader! I am happy to work closely with those who want to share their expertise but may not be confident writers.  Columns that are still available for 2025 magazine editions include: Business of Parking - Marketing/BD Marketing and business development experts from inside and outside the parking and mobility community provide expertise on topics impacting the financial outcomes of organizations and providing best practices to implement for success. Business of Parking - Finance Financial leaders from the parking and mobility community provide expertise on matters affecting our financial bottom line. From spending to funding, get the most current information on the dollars of our industry from those who know it best. Looking for CFOs, accounting leaders, and strategy officers to contribute! Business of Parking - Legal The legal landscape for parking and mobility operations is changing at an unprecedented rate. Our industry's top legal minds will give insights into the most current legal and regulatory factors impacting our industry. Looking for both in-house and outside legal professionals to lend their expertise! The Green Impact Share stories of the impacts of sustainable parking and mobility. What are the continued impacts of the "greening" of our industry? How are parking and mobility professionals responding to the need for sustainable solutions? HR Perspective Human resources professionals take the lead in sharing vital information on organizational success. Experts in managing our most important resource - our people - speaking on relevant HR or human capital topics. Looking for industry HR leaders to share their expertise! Leadership Moment Share the voices of your organization's C-Suite or senior leadership! Industry trailblazers share insights on leadership and organizational success. When possible, the topic should be matched to the monthly issue theme. We are looking for C-Suite, Executive, and Senior Leadership to contribute. Parking Spotlight Opportunity for planning, design, and construction firms to highlight a completed parking project. Ready to contribute? Email editor@parking-mobility.org, or click here to submit your pitch. Please share your knowledge and help advance our industry! Melissa Rysak is the Vice President, Communications for IPMI. Melissa can be reached at rysak@parking-mobility.org.

We are all aware of the famous Benjamin Franklin quote “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”, yet again and again we are reminded how true that is.  As Parking Professionals, we are often tasked with creating plans and having a plan for an abundance of programs like; Standard Operating Plans, Emergency Action Plans, ADA Plans, Customer Service Plans, Revenue Control Plans, the list goes on and on.  However, Facility Maintenance and Capital Improvement plans seem to take a back seat to the more “parking operational plan” types when in reality, Maintenance and Capital Improvement plans need to be on the top of every parking manager’s priority list.  Failing to prioritize these areas can result in costly repairs and disruptions to parking operations, which ultimately could lead to lost revenue for the owner. As we know, parking often forms the first and last impression a guest has of a building or business, influencing their overall perception.  Yet, many owners fail to implement proper facility maintenance or capital improvement plans for aging parking facilities. Post-tension repairs, concrete repairs, and membrane repairs are rarely considered "exciting" projects that owners are eager to showcase. These projects are typically dusty, noisy, time-consuming, disruptive to parking operations, and VERY EXPENSIVE, so they often get pushed aside in favor of more visually appealing upgrades to the main building or guest entryway. As parking professionals responsible for parking operations, it’s crucial that we communicate with ownership/stakeholders and advocate for a seat at the table to contribute to the discussion on a preliminary capital improvement plan. While most of us may not be engineers by trade, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with the types of parking structures we manage and recognize signs of deterioration. Keep in mind, it will be far more costly to completely rebuild a deteriorating parking facility than to allocate funds annually for ongoing repairs and maintenance. Vincent Campagna, CAPP, is a Manager, Parking & Ground Transportation for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Vincent can be reached at vcampagna@mitchellairport.com.

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.