Technology

In a world where generative AI tools have become so prevalent, they now serve a multitude of purposes, from writing emails to setting reminders to creating presentations. Yet a concerning and growing trend has emerged among organizations both large and small. Instead of prioritizing employee development, many have become dangerously obsessed with leveraging AI as a replacement rather than a supplement for their human capital workforce. This is where it becomes alarming at the organizational level, and why we must raise awareness before it spirals out of control. Employee development and generative AI are two distinct tools that serve very different purposes in our daily operations. Too often, I meet with leaders who say, “I’ll just have AI do it,” or “We can let ChatGPT come up with something,” when discussing new ideas or projects. The first question that comes to my mind is simple: Do you have anyone on staff who can actually move this project forward? Using AI is valuable, but eventually you will hit a roadblock, and that is where projects stall. More importantly, where is your next generation of talent coming from? Over reliance on AI breeds stagnation in the workforce, erodes institutional knowledge, and risks leaving organizations without the human capacity to innovate, adapt, and lead. The solution is not to reject AI but to use it responsibly. Instead of relying solely on AI, I suggest you exploit it through a simple framework: Integrate: Use AI to streamline routine, low-value tasks such as scheduling, document drafting, or data summarization. Invest: Reinvest the time and cost savings from AI into employee development programs. Innovate: Encourage teams to co-create with AI rather than outsource entirely to it. Leaders who strike this balance will future-proof their organizations while empowering the workforce that drives lasting success. Dr. George J. Mclean, MPA, DBA, PTMP, is the Senior Operations and Data Insights Manager for Miami Parking Authority. George can be reached at gmclean@miamiparking.com.

How does parking policy align with the goals of a growing, multimodal city? And how can cities densify without overwhelming their parking systems? These questions have been central in Columbus, Ohio—the Midwest’s fastest-growing city. 2024 was pivotal. In November, Central Ohio voters approved a new transit sales tax to fund a Bus Rapid Transit system. Months earlier, Columbus City Council adopted Phase 1 of “Zone In,” a zoning overhaul creating new districts to spur housing and walkable, transit-oriented development. A major feature: eliminating minimum parking requirements in these new districts. In recent years, cities like Minneapolis, Austin, and Denver have repealed parking minimums to support affordability and transit-oriented growth. Yet, as any parking professional knows, residents are often vocal about street parking access. Columbus was no exception. In response, the City established a new Parking Impact Study process, giving the Division of Mobility and Parking Services authority to evaluate potential spillover from new developments. Studies document on-street occupancies, estimate demand, and determine whether mitigation is needed. If impacts are modest, projects commit to Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures—such as subsidized transit passes, carshare, rideshare, or bike/scooter share—that reduce driving needs. Larger impacts trigger layered mitigations plus a parking management fee, designed to fund new permit zones or other operational tools to protect neighborhood parking access. One year in, only a handful of projects have required studies, and none have yet triggered fees. Still, the policy is already considered a win. Columbus successfully removed parking barriers to new housing—an urgent priority for city leadership—while establishing safeguards to protect residents and manage curb demand. The Columbus model may not fit every city, but its lesson is broader: parking concerns need not block goals around housing affordability or transit-oriented development. With creativity and community dialogue, parking can shift from being a barrier to becoming part of the solution. Justin Goodwin, AICP, PTMP, is the Mobility and Parking Services Administrator for the City of Columbus. Justin can be reached at jmgoodwin@columbus.gov.

Los Angeles, CA –  Automotus has announced a partnership with Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to optimize operations at the airport’s pickup and drop-off terminals. Automotus, a leader in automated curb management technology, will deploy its computer vision platform at SMF’s pickup and drop-off areas to streamline curbside activity, reduce congestion, enhance safety, and improve the passenger experience. Through Automotus' solutions, SMF will gain the ability to monitor curb activity in real time, gather valuable data on vehicle flow, and proactively manage traffic to ensure smooth operations for all travelers. Sacramento International Airport joins other major cities, such as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Fort Lee (NJ), that are deploying Automotus curb management solutions to enhance safety and reduce congestion and emissions through automation. “Our work with Sacramento International Airport underscores the growing demand for smarter, data-driven curbside solutions,” said Jordan Justus, CEO of Automotus. “By automating what used to be manual monitoring, we’re helping airports like SMF improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and create a better experience for travelers and operators alike.” “Managing curbside traffic has become increasingly complex with the growth in rideshare, delivery services, and private vehicle traffic,” said Sheri Thompson-Duarte, Deputy Director of Operations and Public Safety at SMF. “Our partnership with Automotus enables us to better understand and manage these changing demands and to automate certain functions to reduce congestion, minimize idling, and create a more efficient experience for everyone visiting the airport.” For more information, visit www.automotus.ai About Automotus Automotus is the leader in automated curb management, working with cities and airports to make communities safer, healthier, and more accessible by addressing the growing competition for curb space. With first-of-its-kind computer vision technology deployed at the curb, Automotus automates curb operations and enforcement – enabling cities, airports, fleets, and small businesses to manage curb activity, make data-driven decisions, and incentivize EV adoption – all without the need for a parking app or kiosk.

Charlotte, NC – Street sweeping, expired plates, and overtime parking top the list of the most common on-street parking violations across the U.S., according to new data released today by Passport, the most trusted technology partner for innovative curb management solutions. Analyzing tens of millions of citations from hundreds of cities and private operators across North America, Passport’s data reveals which violations occur most frequently and how cities can use digital enforcement tools to improve transparency, safety, and compliance. “Meaningful parking data goes beyond payment and citation counts, it provides a dynamic view of how people move through and interact with cities,” said Gene Rohrwasser, CTO of Passport. “With our platform, cities can shift from reactive enforcement to proactive curb management, making streets safer and more efficient, all while driving compliance.” The top 5 on-street parking violations nationwide include: Street sweeping - parked during scheduled cleaning. In the City of Denver, 1 in 3 tickets issued in 2024 were for street sweeping infractions. Meter violation – expired or unpaid meter. In the Chicagoland area, expired meters, street cleaning violations, and nighttime parking rule violations were the top three infractions. While Florida beach towns, where parking turnover is critical to accommodate needs, overtime parking is enforced more than meter payments Expired plate – out-of-date vehicle registration No standing zone/tow away – impeding traffic or emergency access No resident permit – unauthorized parking in residential zones Lesser-known infractions also have serious consequences, and data shows that more cities are increasingly focused on violations that affect public safety, such as parking in no-standing zones or ADA spaces. These violations may be fewer in number, but the public safety risks they address are greater. Among other citations issued nationwide, cities are enforcing violations like: “Daylighting” - a new initiative to address visibility and safety at intersections. It usually includes a physical barrier, such as posts or granite blocks, to prevent vehicles from parking next to intersections, and is already happening in cities like Berkeley, CA; Lancaster, PA; Orlando, FL; Portland, OR, and more. Parking too far from the curb  - most common in cities like New York and Chicago Blocking your own driveway  - most frequently enforced in New York City Parking during a "snow emergency" -  which can still be issued in 70°F weather Parking facing the wrong direction  - tickets issued mostly in Texas and California As cities rethink how curbs are used for parking, deliveries, transit, and pedestrians, Passport’s technology provides a single source of truth. By unifying paid parking, digital permitting, enforcement and curbside payment data, municipalities can better allocate resources, improve accessibility, and engage residents more transparently. Passport supports over 800 cities and private operators across North America and has processed more than $3.5 billion in curbside payments to date. With Passport’s platform, cities can attach photo evidence to citations, reducing unnecessary appeals while prioritizing safety violations. For more insights, visit passportinc.com About Passport Passport is the trusted technology partner for over 800 cities and private operators across North America, unifying paid parking, enforcement operations, and payment infrastructure into one platform. By simplifying how municipalities manage and monetize the curb, Passport empowers local leaders to boost compliance, unlock new revenue opportunities, and improve how people move around their communities. Passport helps cities thrive by delivering the tools and insights they need to meet evolving mobility challenges and create community-focused outcomes. Media Contact: Aimee Eichelberger (312) 952-1528 Passport@983group.com

Rezcomm, the global leader in modular ecommerce solutions for parking, travel, and public infrastructure, has been awarded a national cooperative procurement contract by the League of Oregon Cities, enabling public-serving agencies to purchase Rezcomm’s platform directly through NPPGov, one of the largest cooperative purchasing networks in the United States. The contract provides pre-approved access to Rezcomm’s full suite of ecommerce, CRM, and analytics tools - streamlining procurement and accelerating digital transformation for eligible organizations across all 50 U.S. states. “This contract is a milestone in Rezcomm’s expansion across North America,” said Marc Ive, CEO of Rezcomm. “It makes it easier than ever for public-serving organizations to access future-ready digital tools while remaining fully compliant with procurement regulations. We’re proud to support municipalities, airports, and civic venues as they modernize operations and deliver better services to the communities they serve.” Faster procurement through NPPGov NPPGov offers publicly solicited contracts that meet the highest compliance and competitive bidding standards. Membership is free, and any eligible public agency, such as cities, counties, airports, universities, and healthcare providers, can “piggyback” on existing contracts to avoid delays and reduce administrative overhead. “Our mission at NPPGov is to simplify procurement for public agencies, and this partnership with Rezcomm delivers exactly that,” said Bill DeMars, Executive Director at NPPGov. “We’re excited to welcome Rezcomm to our contract portfolio, giving agencies fast access to a proven platform with the power to transform public services.”  What the contract covers Through the League of Oregon Cities contract, NPPGov members gain access to Rezcomm’s all-in-one booking and engagement platform, including: Parking & Reservations: Online booking for parking, lounges, fast track, EV charging, events, and more Revenue Optimization: Dynamic pricing and yield tools powered by real-time analytics CRM & Marketing Automation: Personalized experiences, first-party data capture, and loyalty programs Operational Automation: Predictive AI, automated messaging, and real-time notifications Compliance & Resilience: Hosted on AWS with certified data protection, privacy, and uptime standards Included Support: Onboarding, training, and 24/7 helpdesk - at no additional cost Expert Team Access: Data analysts, marketers, revenue and operational specialists to drive success Rezcomm is already trusted by some of the world’s busiest airports and public operators, delivering secure, scalable technology for mission-critical environments. Why it matters This cooperative purchasing agreement is designed to eliminate procurement friction and support rapid innovation for public sector leaders. Key benefits include: No RFP Required – Contract is competitively solicited and ready to activate Nationwide Eligibility – Approved for use in all 50 U.S. states Fully Compliant – Meets public procurement and audit requirements No Membership Fee – Free to join NPPGov Faster Go-Live – Services can be launched in weeks, not months Whether managing city parking, operating an airport, or expanding public amenities, Rezcomm offers a streamlined route to modernization - without compromising procurement governance. What happens next The contract is now live. Agencies can activate access immediately and begin working with Rezcomm’s dedicated team of onboarding specialists, marketers, data analysts, and revenue experts. To learn more or to activate the contract, visit: https://info.rezcomm.com/nppgov About Rezcomm Your customers expect joined-up services. With Rezcomm Marketplace, your platform delivers exactly that - seamless, personalized experiences across digital and physical touchpoints. Originally built for airports, Rezcomm now powers travel hubs of all kinds. Our modular, AI-driven platform combines ecommerce, CRM, reservations, BI, and marketing. By giving organizations full data ownership and rich predictive analytics, Rezcomm helps them personalize every interaction, automate operations, and unlock new revenue at scale. Rezcomm supports clients globally and holds industry-leading certifications, including PCI DSS Level 1 Version 4.0 and Cyber Essentials Plus. Learn more at rezcomm.com. For press or partnership enquiries, contact Sarah Tull, Director of Communications, at sarah.tull@rezcomm.com.

Portier, a global leader in intelligent parking guidance and smart mobility solutions, is pleased to announce the successful installation of its Portier VISION camera-based parking guidance system at the newly opened Passaic Municipal Garage, a major infrastructure investment by the City of Passaic, New Jersey to ease parking congestion and support downtown growth. The system was delivered and installed by Portier’s U.S. integration partner, Precision Technology Solutions (PTS), known for deploying scalable, high-performance parking technologies nationwide. Located at Passaic and State Streets in the heart of downtown, the 300-space parking facility was designed to serve city government staff, commuters, and visitors to nearby shops, restaurants, and the soon-to-be-built bus depot. The garage features EV charging stations, designated short- and long-term parking areas, and enhanced security features. A key innovation is the implementation of real-time parking guidance powered by Portier VISION. The Portier VISION system uses advanced camera-based sensors to detect occupancy and guide drivers to open spaces using overhead LED indicators and dynamic digital signage. This technology significantly reduces the time drivers spend circulating in search of parking, easing traffic flow in and around the garage and enhancing the overall visitor experience. For this project, the installation includes both indoor and outdoor camera units – all integrated into a single, seamless user experience. At the core of the solution is Portier HOST, Portier’s powerful cloud-based management and analytics platform. Portier HOST gives the City of Passaic full visibility into garage activity, including space utilization, dwell time, and turnover, empowering city officials to make informed decisions and optimize parking operations over time. The platform is accessible from any device and allows for remote system management, automated reporting, and integration with third-party systems such as mobile apps or payment platforms. "By combining Portier VISION with the HOST platform, the City of Passaic gains a modern, data-driven approach to managing parking in a high-demand area," said Steve Gorski, Vice President of Portier USA. "It’s a great example of how smart parking infrastructure can contribute to smoother mobility and better urban experiences." Passaic mayor Hector C. Lora stated, “I’m excited about the introduction of this new technology in this state-of-the-art parking facility that will bring great benefits for those who work and visit the city. We deeply appreciate Portier VISION for collaborating with the City of Passaic to address parking concerns in an innovative and practical way. We look forward to incorporating this technology in future projects to come.” This installation is part of a broader effort by city officials to enhance downtown accessibility and support economic development, made possible through a mix of state funding, municipal bonds, and innovative parking policies. The garage also includes future-ready design features, such as prefabricated components and mixed-use retail space on the ground level. To learn more about Portier’s parking guidance solutions and the Portier HOST platform, visit www.portier.host. For more information on Precision Technology Solutions, visit https://www.precisiontimesystems.com/.

Funding Innovation Without the Headaches

San Diego, CA – Zevtron, the leading provider of intelligent EV charging solutions, announced a strategic partnership with SpotGenius, an innovator in camera-based parking and space monitoring technologies. The collaboration will integrate SpotGenius’ Vision AI Technology into Zevtron’s industry-leading EV charging platform to provide real-time monitoring of EV charging spaces to assure that they are being used properly and that the appropriate vehicle is being charged. The integration leverages SpotGenius’ advanced Camera Vision AI to continuously monitor EV charging stalls. This technology ensures that only electric vehicles are using designated charging spaces and that EVs vacate stalls promptly once charging is complete. The system is designed to: Validate license plate numbers via the Zevtron platform to assure that the correct vehicle is being powered. Detect and prevent misuse of EV charging stalls by identifying gas-powered vehicles occupying EV spaces. Monitor charging session compliance by determining when an EV remains parked after completing its charge. Provide real-time notifications to the Zevtron platform, enabling immediate alerts to charger owners, property managers, or enforcement personnel when a violation occurs. Record detailed data on infractions, including time- and date-stamped evidence, to support enforcement and trend analysis. “This partnership with SpotGenius takes EV charging management to the next level,” said Zevtron’s founder Bob Andrews. “By integrating real-time AI vision monitoring with our platform, we’re not only ensuring that charging infrastructure is used as intended, but we’re also maximizing charger availability for drivers who rely on them.” The combined solution provides actionable intelligence and powerful enforcement capabilities to EV charging owners and operators, reducing the frustration caused by blocked or overstayed chargers. Drivers benefit from improved charger availability, while property owners gain greater control over their EV charging resources. “Our Vision AI was designed to make parking and EV space usage smarter and more efficient,” said Shabbir Karimi, CEO of SpotGenius. “By pairing our technology with Zevtron’s platform, we’re providing a new level of visibility and improving the management of EV charging spaces, ensuring that they remain accessible for those who need them most.” The integrated Zevtron-SpotGenius solution is available immediately and can be deployed across a wide range of properties, including public charging networks, commercial developments and workplaces, airports, and universities and other types of campuses. For more information about Zevtron’s EV charging solutions, visit www.zevtron.com. About Zevtron Zevtron is a leading national EV software and hardware provider based in Carlsbad, California. The company’s products and services are designed to provide flexibility, manageability, and profitability to building owners, institutions, and parking owners who offer EV charging. Zevtron is the only leading EV provider to integrate its technology with leading parking access and revenue control equipment for easy and convenient EV charging management, and its hardware agnostic software platform allows owners to keep 100% of EV charging revenues. Zevtron can be found online at http://zevton.com/.  About SpotGenius SpotGenius is an innovative smart parking management system that leverages computer vision and AI technology to provide you with 'eyes in the parking lot'. Built by a seasoned team of AI experts, SpotGenius is changing how parking management works by providing advanced analytics, robust enforcement triggers, and real-time, spot-level parking data. SpotGenius can be found online at http://spotgenius.com.

Chicago, IL — Umojo, a leader in smart city, parking, and security technology, announced the launch of NexShield, an AI-powered video surveillance platform that transforms parking security from passive recording to proactive prevention. Built on advanced computer vision and real-time AI analytics, NexShield not only detects suspicious activity—it deters it. “Most surveillance is reactive and labor-intensive,” said Rick Neubauer, Founder & CEO of Umojo. “With NexShield, we’ve built a proactive platform that deters crime and alerts the right people at the right time—helping operators respond faster, reduce risk, and create safer environments.” NexShield doesn’t just watch—it intervenes. High-visibility red/blue lights paired with audio alerts through on-site speakers act as strong deterrents, while AI behavior monitoring flags and escalates suspicious activity in real time. Alerts stream directly into the Umojo Command Center Platform for immediate action, reducing theft, vandalism, and loitering. Through the Umojo mobile app, alerts and notifications can also be sent instantly to facility managers or area rovers—with smart scheduling to ensure that managers are only notified when they are on duty, preventing alert fatigue and ensuring the right people always receive the right alerts. Why NexShield Is Different Audio & Visual Deterrence — Red/blue lights and on-site speaker alerts stop incidents before they escalate. Real-Time Command Center Alerts — Alerts feed directly into the Umojo Command Center Platform, where video is reviewed and escalated to the right team or authority for immediate action. Mobile App Notifications — Sends alerts to managers and rovers, with smart scheduling so only on-duty staff are notified. Video Forensics — Metadata-driven search for fast, precise incident review. Vehicle Fingerprinting (LPR) — Tracks vehicles to flag repeat offenders, stolen cars, and suspicious patterns. Face Detection — Identifies persons of interest and strengthens investigations. Best-in-Class Video Analytics — Advanced AI tools, including occupancy heatmaps, smoke and fire detection, crowd and fight detection, and vehicle break-in detection, deliver powerful insights for safety, security, and operations. Universal Compatibility — A true Swiss Army knife of surveillance, NexShield works with any camera system and across any security or monitoring application, from parking facilities to broader smart city environments. Availability NexShield is available now. To learn more or schedule a live demo, visit www.umojo.com or contact sales@umojo.com. About Umojo Umojo is a leader in smart city, parking, and security technology, delivering mobility platforms, contact center operations, data analytics, and network security that drive operational excellence and superior customer experiences. The Umojo Nexus Platform powers solutions for municipalities, parking operators, and businesses, delivering unmatched insights and control for on- and off-street parking and mobility. Learn more at www.umojo.com.

Just 10 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, the City of Glendale faces the same traffic pressures as many of its neighboring cities in LA County, making effective, data-driven parking enforcement essential. From managing turnover in in-demand commercial corridors to maintaining safe curb access for multi-modal transportation, parking plays a vital role in urban mobility. When Jesus Alvarez stepped into his role as Parking Services Supervisor for the City, he brought over a decade of enforcement experience across Southern California cities, and a clear mission: Enhance the City’s enforcement operations with efficiency by upgrading to a modern system, replacing the outdated legacy platform that had become unreliable. "We couldn’t even run basic reports with filters,” Alvarez recalled. “How are we going to provide exceptional customer service when we can’t make data-driven decisions with our enforcement resources?” Challenges before Park Loyalty The City’s enforcement team faced several critical challenges with their old system. Outdated citation software and handheld devices prone to freezing and other connectivity issues that disrupted day-to-day enforcement Rigid reporting tools with missing or unusable data Poor customer support and limited responsiveness Lack of vendor transparency during system outages or failures Inability to use “active” integrations “Updates felt like downgrades. We were stuck with an enforcement tool that just didn’t work for how we needed to operate,” says Alvarez. Time for a change: A platform designed for enforcement reality In previous positions, Alvarez had worked with Park Loyalty Founder and CTO Sriram Somanchi and was drawn to what a new technology partner might offer. Although Park Loyalty was a new company at the time, Somanchi brought extensive experience in parking enforcement, applying the most practical aspects of that experience to the startup from the outset. Glendale became one of the first cities to implement Enforce Pro®, Park Loyalty’s enforcement management solution, and as an early adopter, helped shape its initial product roadmap. What developed was more than just a vendor-client relationship; it was a true collaboration. “We all grew together,” explained Alvarez. “As one of their early cities, we were more than just a customer; we were a partner in what ended up being a truly mutual relationship. It was simple. We’d tell them what we needed, and they’d build it.” This approach is exactly what makes Jesus Alvarez an industry impact leader: someone whose vision and openness helped shape solutions that strengthen operations, benefit communities, and set new standards across the industry. Solutions delivered Customizable reports for vehicle inspections, signage audits, and equipment inventory Smartphone-based handhelds paired with Bluetooth printers for modular field use Real-time analytics and dashboards for officer performance tracking and supervisory management Fast hardware replacement when needed, and responsive support Reliable uptime and proactive monitoring tools that track performance across Park Loyalty and all integrated third-party technologies within the parking ecosystem Practical innovation that works: Operational and officer efficiency The move to smartphone-based handhelds allowed for quick swaps in the field, no reconfiguration required. This minimized downtime and aligned with Alvarez’s goals of operational efficiency. The team also saw improvements in field oversight and training. With Enforce Pro’s productivity reporting, Alvarez could monitor performance trends and provide specific coaching where needed. “If an enforcement officer takes 90 seconds to issue a parking citation while the team’s average is 60 seconds or less, supervisory staff can investigate the reasons behind this trend and offer appropriate support to our enforcement team.” A Technology-First Partner Built for the Future Park Loyalty is a technology-first company, and that shows in its prioritization of development resources. Built with modern architecture and an API-first approach, the Enforce Pro platform is designed for rapid development, scalable integrations, and long-term adaptability. They are more than just dependable. They embody leading-edge technology, unwavering client focus, and a proven track record of success. Alvarez values this commitment to reliability just as much as innovation. As new enforcement challenges arise, he knows the Park Loyalty team can adapt alongside him without the long delays or limitations experienced with many legacy providers. Real-Time Integration Across the Parking Ecosystem One of Glendale’s priorities was interoperability across its entire parking system. One of Enforce Pro’s greatest advantages for Glendale is its ability to pull data from across the City’s parking ecosystem, including: T2 Systems (parking meters) PayByPhone (mobile payments) License Plate Recognition (LPR tools) That means officers can check in real time whether a vehicle is paid or not, reducing errors and disputes. Alvarez also uses the Integrations Dashboard to monitor system latency and performance, making sure everything is in sync. “If latency spikes above a minute, we know something’s off. Whether it’s a meter issue or a network problem, we can catch it before it affects enforcement.” Results: Reliable Enforcement, Better Compliance Since implementing Park Loyalty, the City of Glendale has seen: Improved officer efficiency and uptime in the field Increased citation accuracy and fewer disputed tickets Greater trust and transparency through consistent data Faster response times for hardware and support needs A flexible system that evolves with operational needs And perhaps most importantly for Alvarez: he finally has tools that help him lead effectively. “Whenever we requested something, it was like VIP service. Whoever’s on the call is truly engaged: listening, taking notes, and making sure the issue gets fixed.” Final Word: Why Park Loyalty? Alvarez didn’t hesitate when asked if he’d recommend Park Loyalty to other cities. “Once they see it, they’ll see how easy and smooth enforcement can be. It just works. That makes all the difference.” Key Takeaways for Parking Leaders: Strategic partnerships with your vendors matter Flexibility and adaptability beat out flashy features Real-time integrations drive operational accuracy Data visibility enables better leadership and officer support A technology-first mindset is crucial for staying future-ready Contact Us If you're facing similar challenges or planning your next step in enforcement or citation processing, we’d love to help. Contact us to learn how Park Loyalty can support your goals with proven, scalable solutions. Email: info@parkloyalty.com Website: parkloyalty.com

Technology has redefined how to improve operational efficiency—especially in the parking industry. Today’s operators are leveraging innovative parking solutions like reservation systems, smart sensors, and dynamic pricing to drive growth and streamline operations. A parking reservation system is one of the most effective ways to increase operational efficiency. These platforms allow drivers to reserve spots in advance, reducing search time, traffic congestion, and emissions. Paired with a parking management system, they offer real-time data, enhance space utilization, and improve the overall customer experience. Modern parking lot management software goes even further by providing powerful data analytics. Operators can now measure operational efficiency by tracking occupancy patterns, peak hours, and customer behavior. These insights help optimize operations and support strategic decisions—like implementing dynamic pricing for maximum profitability and leveraging customer data to develop marketing strategies. Digital payments are another game-changer. A parking management app simplifies transactions with contactless and mobile options, reducing staffing needs while increasing convenience and parking lot efficiency. Layout matters, too. The most efficient parking lot layout is one that integrates guidance systems, sensors, and LPR technology to streamline traffic flow and improve the parking efficiency formula. Finally, visibility is key. Once you’ve upgraded with parking management software and an online parking reservation system, use digital marketing to attract users. Listing your location on Google Maps and using SEO can drive traffic and boost bookings. If you're aiming for the most efficient parking lot and looking to grow your business, now is the time to embrace technology. From a parking reservation system to dynamic pricing and data analytics, each step you take builds long-term operational success. David Sparks is the Chief Marketing Officer for Space Genius. David can be reached at dsparks@spacegenius.com.

Chicago, IL – Ocra, the leading provider of parking revenue management software, announces its successful raise of $5 million in strategic capital led by Trestle Partners, with significant follow-on participation from existing investor MCR, the third-largest hotel owner-operator in North America. This latest funding round marks a meaningful milestone in Ocra’s growth. Trestle Partners joins as a new investor, leading the round and reinforcing the Ocra leadership team’s long-term growth mindset. MCR, which first invested in Ocra in an oversubscribed round in April 2024, doubled-down on its investment, signaling an emphatic endorsement of the company’s current performance and future potential. “Parking is no longer an afterthought, but a substantial ancillary revenue stream for asset owners”, says Thomas Babcock, Partner at Trestle Partners. “It’s clear to us that Ocra is building the solutions needed to unlock that value. Our investment is a reflection of this clarity, and of the momentum that Ocra is building.” Joe Delli Santi, Chief Investment Officer at MCR, adds: “We’ve seen firsthand how Ocra has matured over the last two years. Increasing our investment was an easy decision. This is a team that knows how to execute and understands the complexity of the industry. We’re proud to support their next phase of growth.” The funding will be used to accelerate product development and expand go-to-market efforts. Ocra’s leadership succeeded in their goal of getting the company to cash-flow breakeven while growing nearly 200% YoY and is excited to add more fuel to the fire. “We didn’t set out to raise capital this year – and frankly, we didn’t need to,” says Ocra’s Chief Executive Officer, Ethan Glass. “Our team has scaled the business with top-tier unit economics and a strong foundation. But the opportunity arose to accelerate growth without compromising who we are. Trestle Partners, MCR, and our other esteemed investors bring far more than capital – they’re strategic partners who share our vision and are uniquely positioned to support this next chapter.” The company also plans to expand its presence within the hospitality and commercial real estate, where demand for streamlined, real-time parking revenue management is growing. Amplifying this infusion of new capital, Anthony Broad-Crawford, joins the Ocra leadership team as Chief Technology Officer. A seasoned technology executive with 20+ years of experience launching award-winning, patent-receiving products on a global scale, Broad-Crawford has previously served as C-Suite product leadership at multiple innovative companies in the parking space, including SpotHero, FLASH, and Parkonect. “AI has made for an unprecedented moment in history – it’s more significant than personal computing, the internet, and mobile computing combined,” says Anthony Broad-Crawford, Ocra’s Chief Technology Officer. “Parking and mobility remain one of the premier spaces where AI can have a transformative and societal impact. Therefore, I’m honored and excited to partner with Ocra to accelerate this AI transformation of our industry, leveraging their unique combination of human-led services and technology to deliver groundbreaking results.” To learn more about Ocra, contact info@getocra.com or visit getocra.com. About Ocra Founded in 2019, Ocra is a team of parking revenue management experts who partner with parking asset owners, property managers, and hotel management companies to achieve optimum yield of their parking assets and drive higher net operating income (NOI). Ocra CoPilot – the company’s sophisticated, data-driven approach to rate and inventory management for parking assets – provides an “eyes in the sky” approach for the “boots on the ground” operations team to maximize parking revenue. Today, Ocra works with 50+ parking operators and 20+ property management groups at 600+ locations across North America. In the hotel sector alone, Ocra has generated $12.3m in incremental revenue at 45+ locations in the past 6 months by selling unutilized parking inventory to non-guest customers. The company has raised $10m to date, in a July 2025 $5M round led by Trestle Partners as well as an oversubscribed April 2024 $3.5m round co-led by MCR and Parker Technology. For more information about Ocra, email info@getocra.com or visit www.getocra.com. Media Contact: Sarah Becherer VP, Marketing Ocra sarah@getocra.com