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Trailblazer in Parking and Mobility
Alex Argudin Begins Tenure as IPMI Chair By Melissa
Rysak
Art Where You Park
Las Vegas Goes All-In on Public Art
By S. Maria Tamayo-Soto, CAPP, MBA
Suicide Mitigation on Parking Garages By Nicole Gazol
Biking is Booming in the ‘Burgh By Jonathan Pearson
Parking Plays It’s Role By John W. Hammerschlag
IPMI
Gary A. Means,
Sarah Clevinger
Nathan Donnell,
Jason Goldfarb, Esq.
Alex Argudin,
Scott Petri
Julia Scholl
David Perry
Gabe Mendez,
Emily Kwatinetz
PARKING AND MOBILITY ARE, by definition, community-based services. In serving parking and mobility, we serve the community, as that is who uses those services. But when we look at impacting communities versus just serving them—that, friends, is where we make positive change.
Community impact means making a difference. “Impact” is defined as forcible contact with another; secondarily, it means having a strong effect or influence. IPMI and the parking and mobility industry do both in equal measure. We proactively seek ways to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve, forcibly instituting positive change both in the services we provide to the commuting public and how we provide those services. We have a strong effect or influence on those same communities when our professionals find new and innovative ways to build a sense of belonging, pride, and opportunity through our service.
This issue of Parking & Mobility focuses on just a few of the ways that our IPMI members are impacting communities. There are so many more—you are an amazing ensemble of creativity, innovation, and dedication to the communities you serve.
From working to prevent suicide to incorporating culture into parking structures—and Las Vegas finding ways to incorporate art into every facet of parking—the ways in which parking and mobility professionals have found avenues to lift communities are awe-inspiring. What are you and your team doing to make your communities thrive? We want to hear from you and share your stories!
Speaking of awe-inspiring, we are so proud to introduce you to our new IPMI Chair, Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, CAPP. Alex is the incarnation of impact, and she is just getting started. Read more about her in our featured cover story and get inspired to make your own impact.
As always, we thank you for spending some time with us. I hope that this issue makes you as proud to be a part of parking, transportation, and mobility, and the IPMI community, as it made me putting it together for you.
Melissa Rysak, editor rysak@parking-mobility.org
PUBLISHER
Shawn Conrad, CAE s.conrad@parking-mobility.org
EDITOR
Melissa Rysak, CPSM rysak@parking-mobility.org
TECHNICAL EDITOR
Rachel Yoka, CAPP, LEED AP BD+C yoka@parking-mobility.org
ADVERTISING SALES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
Tina Altman taltman@parking-mobility.org
PUBLICATION DESIGN
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Community Involvement
Positive, Measurable Change
By Gary A. Means, CAPP
THIS AUGUST ISSUE of the Parking & Mobility magazine is chocked full of great insights on community involvement. But what does “community” really mean?
Wikipedia says, “A community is a social unit with a shared socially significant characteristic, such as place, set of norms, culture, religion, values, customs, or identity. Communities may share a sense of place situated in a given geographical area or in virtual space through communication platforms.”
Merriam-Webster defines community as “A unified body of individuals. Common character. Social activity. Society at large.”
As you can see from those definitions, there are clearly many forms of communities. In our parking and mobility industry, we are often involved with our campus community or a downtown community. We even have our IPMI Community.
So, let’s talk about community involvement. On its website, the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship states, “Community involvement is the power to bring positive, measurable change to both the communities in which you operate and to your business. The business case for corporate community involvement has never been stronger.” I’d like to explore these concepts in more detail.
Corporate community involvement is more than just philanthropy; it’s actively engaging with local needs. Corporate involvement builds trust and credibility, especially when companies support volunteer initiatives, community events, or nonprofit partnerships.
Employee volunteer programs are key. They boost morale, foster teamwork, and connect employees with company values. At Pivot Parking, community involvement and giving back are so important to our culture that it’s one of the tenets of our Code of Ethics. “Community Engagement and Giving Back: Pivot Parking recognizes the importance of actively contributing to the well-being of the communities we serve. We are committed to giving back through charitable initiatives, volunteer programs, and community partnerships, guided by our faith-based principles of compassion and service.”
Pivot Parking President Todd Brosius said, “Cultivating a culture of compassion and community involvement isn’t just a goal; it’s our duty as corporate stewards of progress. Embracing the power of giving back not only enriches the lives of those we serve but
also strengthens the very fabric of our organization. This is critically important to me and the culture we are building at Pivot Parking. We need to continue to harness our collective passion to create meaningful opportunities for our teams to make a positive impact in the communities we call home.”
When employees are empowered to identify and address community needs through volunteer projects, they become agents of change within their own communities.
At this point, you might be saying, “OK, Gary, our organization holds community outreach projects, but we struggle to get our employees to get involved.” Getting employees involved can be a challenge. Leading by example, offering paid volunteer time off, and aligning volunteer opportunities with employees’ interests are effective strategies.
Let me offer you a bad example of not aligning interests. I remember one time, I was helping with a downtown clean-up project, and I must have “voluntold” some of our staff to help. I couldn’t understand why our team wasn’t excited about it. I later thought about our maintenance team and realized that’s what they do most of the day: clean up trash. Not a good fit! Offering
incentives, organizing group events, and highlighting success stories are other great ways to further motivate participation. By fostering a culture of volunteering, companies not only benefit their communities but also enhance their brand reputation, employee engagement, and long-term sustainability.
Donations for Citations programs like Food for Fines, Toys for Tickets, or blood drives are additional ways to give back to your community. Please let us know what creative ways your organization has given back to your community or found ways to inspire your team to participate! Keep an eye out for volunteering opportunities within the IPMI Community. The Call for Volunteers was just out, due August 2. If you missed it, reach out to the IPMI staff and make sure you take the opportunity to get involved. It’s a chance to give back, develop skills, and expand your network all at the same time! ◆
GARY A. MEANS, CAPP , is Executive Vice President for Pivot Parking and Past-Chair of IPMI’s Board of Directors. He can be reached at gmeans@pivotparking. com
The Vital Role of Parking Infrastructure in Car-Centric Cities
By Sarah Clevinger
FORECASTS BY Forbes suggest the upward trend in car ownership is set to continue despite the ever-rising costs of ownership. The need for adequate parking space has never been more critical. Yet, as cities strive to balance development with sustainability, a paradigm shift is occurring.
An Urban Sustainability Shift
Previously, commercial and residential developments were required to include a minimum number of parking spaces for new construction. This mandate served as the foundation for parking infrastructure in America, ensuring there were spaces to accommodate the growing number of vehicles on the road. Today, however, local governments from Raleigh, NC , to Austin, TX , to Lexington, KY, to San Jose, CA , are removing these requirements, aiming to preserve green space and encourage alternative transportation. While these initiatives are highly commendable, they bring new challenges.
Due to substantial cost, new parking structures are, understandably, not constructed frequently. As a result, existing facilities are invaluable assets that must be managed efficiently to balance the need for adequate parking space with sustainability.
An Opportunity to Rethink Parking
Rethinking traditional approaches is important to parking management as well as spelling out the negative societal and economic impacts that mismanaged parking resources can have.
Efficient management of parking infrastructure is both prudent from a financial standpoint and essential for urban sustainability. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, cities are grappling with congestion, pollution, and limited space. By embracing technology that improves parking efficiency, valuable parking assets can be optimized, creating sustainable communities.
The Right Tools to Improve Parking Management
The Park Assist Solution from TKH Security plays a pivotal role in this effort, maximizing parking efficiency while supporting environmental stewardship. The Park Assist Solution, an automated parking guidance system (APGS), streamlines parking operations, reducing time to park by up to 63% This enhances the parking experience for drivers and reduces fuel usage and emissions, contributing to a greener environment. Additionally, the APGS extends the lifespan of existing parking structures. By optimizing space utilization, the APGS can help extract the maximum value from parking assets, thereby delaying or even eliminating the need to build additional facilities.
The features and benefits of the Park Assist solution combine to streamline operations and maximize revenue. Employees no longer need to count cars or direct drivers to available spaces, allowing time for more impactful work. With 10% more space utilized, adding an APGS can improve parking efficiency leading to more revenue on a per square foot basis.
“In today’s rapidly evolving urban landscape, efficient parking management isn’t just about convenience—it’s about sustainability. With our APGS, parking assets can be optimized while embracing a sustainable future,” said Pete Messman, North America General Manager.
The Future of Parking Infrastructure
As cities assess the efficacy and necessity of parking regulations and embrace alternative methods of transportation, businesses and cities must ensure the most efficient utilization of parking assets. By investing in innovative parking management solutions, such as the APGS, entities can position themselves for long-term success while contributing to the sustainability of their communities.
For more information on enhancing your parking operations, reach out via parkassist.com or info.us@ tkhsecurity.com
SARAH CLEVINGER is the Director of Marketing, North America, for TKH Security. She can be reached at info.us@tkhsecurity.com
Revolutionizing Urban Mobility
The Synergy Between Connected Cars and the Parking Industry
By Nathan Donnell, CAPP
IREMEMBER WHEN I WAS A KID (I can hear my grandmother saying that same exact thing) - man, I’m getting old! I went to Disney’s Epcot Center in 1985. I was enamored with what the future had in store for civilization by the year 2015. Flying cars, supercomputers, and personal submarines were three things that stood out in my mind at 10 years old. Two out of three is not bad! Flying cars may still not be a thing; however, connected vehicles are.
I joined the IPMI Technology Committee in 2017, and the theme the committee came up with that year was connected vehicles: “Understanding the Revolution is the eighth in a series of parkingspecific presentations by IPI’s Parking Technology Committee. This year’s presentation explores the connected vehicle and its impact on parking. We all hear and see the buzzwords: automated, self-driving, driverless, connected vehicles. What exactly does it all mean? Will Uber take over the world in 2020? Will parking facilities become less necessary due to the changing landscape? Who pays for a shared vehicle to park, and how? And how does this new technology now being packaged into our vehicles impact the parking industry and your current and future operations?”
As a society, we’ve never been more connected. You can access just about anything you want with
the phone you hold in your hand. You can video call a friend or family member living on the other side of the earth. How does this fit into our world of parking? In the bustling landscape of urban mobility, the convergence of technology and transportation has brought forth a revolutionary phenomenon: connected cars. These vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors, communication systems, and data analytics capabilities, are reshaping the way we navigate city streets. Among the myriads of industries impacted by this transformation, the parking sector stands out as a key beneficiary.
One of the most immediate benefits of connected cars is their ability to provide real-time navigation and parking assistance to drivers. Integrated GPS systems coupled with data from traffic and parking databases enable drivers to locate available parking spots efficiently. This not only reduces the time spent circling streets in search of parking but also alleviates traffic congestion and carbon emissions associated with unnecessary driving. Gone are the days of hoping a space is available in the garage once you pull up. You can find, reserve, and prepay on the way to your destination.
Connected cars facilitate the implementation of dynamic pricing models in parking facilities. By analyzing factors such as demand, time of day, and special events, parking operators can adjust pricing dynamically to optimize occupancy rates and revenue. Moreover, real-time data from connected cars allows for predictive analytics, enabling operators to anticipate parking demand and allocate resources effectively. More parking operators are partnering with auto manufacturers to share data which gives them a leg up on their competition.
Connected cars enable seamless payment processes through integrated payment platforms. Drivers can pay for parking automatically through mobile apps or vehicle interfaces, eliminating the need for physical transactions. This not only enhances convenience for drivers but also reduces operational costs for parking operators.
With the advent of connected cars, parking facilities can optimize space utilization more effectively. Advanced sensors installed in connected vehicles can detect available parking spaces and communicate this information to centralized parking management systems. As a result, parking spaces can be utilized more efficiently, reducing the need for expansive parking infrastructure and freeing up valuable urban real estate for other purposes.
Despite the numerous benefits, the integration of connected cars into the parking industry is not without challenges. Privacy concerns regarding the collection and
usage of vehicle data must be addressed through robust data protection measures and transparent policies.
The synergy between connected cars and the parking industry represents a paradigm shift in urban mobility. By leveraging advanced technology and data-driven insights, parking solutions are becoming more efficient, convenient, and sustainable. As cities continue to grapple with congestion and environmental concerns, the integration of connected cars offers a promising avenue for transforming the urban landscape and shaping the future of transportation. I can’t wait to revisit this article seven years from now and see how much further we’ve progressed as an industry. ◆
NATHAN DONNELL, CAPP , is Senior Director EV/Partnerships for LAZ Parking, and a member of IPMI’s Technology Committee. He can be reached at ndonnell@lazparking.com.
EV Infrastructure Contracts
The Missing Link: Accountability & Due Diligence
By Jason Goldfarb, Esq.
The State of Public EV Charging
Although the majority of electric vehicles (EVs) charge at home or work, the quality of publicly available EV charging infrastructure is what’s pushing public perception. As public EV infrastructure expands, consumer frustration is growing due to a lack of reliability, ubiquity, and convenience. These issues are being driven by insufficient maintenance, chargers being deployed in the wrong places, and chargers being deployed in the right locations but with inadequate infrastructure to handle the volume of EV customers.
However, what’s frequently missing from EV charging deployment contracts are requirements for uptime and reliability, dedicated spaces for EVs, and significant penalties for lack of compliance with those obligations.
The Importance of Uptime and Maintenance Requirements
I recently got involved in a discussion concerning the poor state of publicly available EV charging in the U.S., and several people singled out a well-known company for their non-existent customer service and non-working, ill-maintained charger network. Imagine desperately needing an EV charger while on the road, only to discover that the charger you finally reached was not only nonfunctional, but it had been that way for months on end, and its owner never repaired it. Understandably, people were quite furious.
Not surprisingly, I was told that the deployment contract did not include enforcement mechanisms. There was no required uptime reliability metric, nor was there a penalty for failing to meet that uptime metric that would result in a default.
Typically, if you are entering into a contract and you want to make sure that repairs are handled quickly, it should be standard operating procedure to include that short timeframe requirement in your contract. But beyond that requirement, failure to comply with that repair timeframe should also result in a time-bound default. A good contract will specify the cause for default, impose meaningful penalties for lack of compliance, and incentivize accountability. Without those kinds of incentives, the incentive is to be unaccountable.
Private Industry and Speedy Deployment Issues
The Federal Government recently released another $150 million to fix broken chargers across the United States. Part of the reason there’s so much to repair is that the Federal Government did a fantastic job of speeding up the deployment of the charging infrastructure. Unfortunately, the speed of deployment was one-dimensional. Although we incentivized the buildout (good), we didn’t incentivize keeping the EV charging infrastructure functional (not good). If you think of old movie sets or many of the buildings in a typical amusement park, you’ll get the idea. The buildings look very realistic until you realize that they are just a very realistic-looking façade.
The lack of oversight and the missing contract language drove us to the current situation.
So how do we ensure the thousands of chargers that are currently being installed will have maintenance scoped into their budgets?
If we want meaningful change, it would be worthwhile to connect funding to actual, demonstratable, and consistent real-time uptime and reliability metrics. Until we start including enforcement mechanisms and incentivizing accountability, all we will have are platitudes that are destined to further erode public confidence in the EV infrastructure ecosystem.
Oversimplified Contracts and Their Consequences
Another issue is that EV deployment contracts are being oversimplified in many instances, as in “simple, short, not complicated.”
A “simple” contract is a great sales pitch. You don’t need to spend money on a lawyer to review it. Beautiful EV chargers will be on-site shortly after you sign on the dotted
line. The contract covers everything and costs nothing (except free real estate and advertising), and the deployment company doesn’t entertain document changes because that would make the contract “complicated” and take more time to get signed. They promise 99% uptime reliability (except when they don’t), and you’re assured you don’t need to worry about customer service because you won’t need it since it’s just a problem (if at all) barely 1% of the time. Until the tundra comes into Chicago on a cold day. Which never, ever happens in Chicago.
Unfortunately, that kind of contract is the equivalent of not paying for health insurance if you’re an otherwise healthy person. It’s a huge cost savings as long as you stay healthy. But it’s a very expensive problem if you get sick.
Minimizing the length of a deployment contract is also a terrific way to speed up the deployment process, which can typically take about 18 months. However, that speed and simplicity can come at a cost for the consumer and the property owner, hoping to capitalize on the extra revenue from additional traffic when there’s a problem.
The Consequences of Unaccountability
The current state of publicly available EV charging infrastructure reflects a lack of foresight and accountability in deployment strategies. While the growth of electric vehicles on the road is undeniable, the issues plaguing charging stations—from inadequate placements to insufficient maintenance and reliability—highlight the need for a comprehensive and enforceable framework. The recent federal funding to fix broken chargers is a step in the right direction, demanding 97% uptime and five years of maintenance. However, without robust enforcement mechanisms and understandable real-time reliability metrics, this initiative runs the risk of
not accomplishing much. The rush for speedy deployment, often driven by simplistic contracts and minimal due diligence, has led to instances of nonfunctional chargers, leaving consumers stranded and eroding public confidence. To address these challenges and unlock the potential of the EV market, stakeholders must prioritize enforceable
contracts through proper due diligence to ensure the sustainable growth of EV charging infrastructure.
JASON
R. GOLDFARB,
ESQ
. , is an attorney at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP. You can reach him at jgoldfarb@ frblaw.com
Unleashing the Potential of Communities Through Innovation and Public Service
By Alex Argudin, CAPP
THROUGHOUT HISTORY, collective decisions made in times of great stress have redefined how we live, work, and entertain for years to come. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the events that had been simmering for quite some time.
One of these defining moments occurred at the peak of the outbreak when work habits changed dramatically, and the demand for shared mobility options increased exponentially.
As a result, the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) quickly rose to the challenge by fully sponsoring the Freebee circulator in downtown Miami in October 2020. Initially, the program offered Freebee rides to hospitality workers, first responders, and others who parked in MPA facilities and used this micro-mobility option to reach their workplaces.
With more than 50% of the world’s population living in cities and projected to increase significantly by 2050, connecting communities and enhancing mobility must be prioritized in the face of the global growth of urban environments.
In anticipation of the inevitable trend lines and urban mobility challenges projected for densely populated cities, MPA stepped up to the plate to implement a series of smart-city initiatives to prepare for and respond to today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Some of these include the insightful deployment of a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, the creation of a free-flow technology at loanDepot Park to help manage traffic flow, and the full sponsorship of Freebee at the peak of the pandemic in downtown Miami.
The success of the Freebee rollout in downtown Miami at the peak of COVID-19 gave MPA the impetus to sponsor this micro-mobility option in Coconut Grove approximately two years later. Freebee proved to be a resounding success, with the vision of connecting communities and creating an imaginary bridge between MPA facilities and
other points of interest in downtown Miami and Coconut Grove.
The launch of Freebee in Coconut Grove in January 2023 was envisaged to build an imaginary bridge between the Regatta Harbour garage, parking lots 62 and 72, and other points of interest located in the outskirts by shuttling people to the heart of the business improvement district and back to these facilities.
A resounding success from the start, Freebee has transported a combined total of 101,324 people in downtown Miami and Coconut Grove since their respective adoptions through September 30, 2023.
This replicable model underscores MPA’s commitment to creating a functional, connecting, micromobility-oriented public service with a human focus.
While this is not a panacea, we believe in the shared responsibility to support our public—and private-sector partners in concurring on the prioritization of a path forward to a connected, prosperous, and resilient community.
Today, riders book Freebee outside MPA facilities and other points of interest, thus building an invisible bridge that connects the community, closes the first- and last-mile gap, promotes sustainability, spurs economic vitality, encourages social engagement, and frees up parking spaces in these dense urban settings.
Collectively, our decisions today will leave an indelible imprint in the lives of our children, neighborhoods, and society.
ALEJANDRA “ALEX” ARGUDIN, CAPP
, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Parking Authority and Chair of the IPMI Board of Directors. She can be reached at aargudin@ miamiparking.com
The Leading Credential in Parking & Mobility
CAPP afforded me the amazing opportunity to be a recognized within my organization, and globally in my industry, as a subject matter expert.
Scott C. Bauman, CAPP Manager of Parking & Mobility Services
City of Aurora, Colorado
Scan the QR code to find out why Scott earned his CAPP and how it impacted his career.
A Benefit to the Community Bike Patrols for Traffic Enforcement
By Scott Petri
THE USE OF BIKE PATROLS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT dates back to the late 1800s, the earliest being Boston Park, first used in 1892 to patrol cyclists in city parks (Civic Plus). Other cities followed: Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Cincinnati, and Chicago. The Commissioner of the New York Police Department, Theodore Roosevelt, utilized bike patrols to police cyclists and carriage drivers.
VA
Bike patrols disappeared for a long period, turning to vehicles. In 1987, Seattle, WA, instituted bicycle patrols to reduce crime. Construction and traffic seriously hamper patrol cars. Foot patrol was supplemented with officers on bicycles to reduce crime. By 2000, IACP National Law Enforcement Policy Center reported that there were 4,900 police bike units and over 300 bike medical teams in the U.S. In Toronto, Canada, there are 643 trained bike patrol officers, having been in place for over 30 years. Universities and cities are adopting the use of bike patrols for the advantages they provide, particularly because they are less intimidating and improve community relationships. Bike patrols are also an important community asset for patrolling the miles of bike paths. As of November 2022, there were 18,953
miles of bike lanes in the U.S. In 1978, the U.S. Bicycle Route System was formed to create a system like the U.S. highway system. Ultimately, this system is intended to encompass 50,000 miles. NYC alone has more than 650 miles of bike paths. Bike patrols will be necessary to keep these routes safe and to enforce traffic regulations.
The community benefits of using bike patrols are significant and can be very effective. The International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) has identified the main benefits of bike patrols:
● Bikes are less threatening than patrol vehicles. Patrol vehicles have negative connotations: flashing lights, double parking. Bike patrols offer a more approachable and community-oriented form of enforcement. Officers on bikes are often accessible to community members, facilitating positive interactions and community engagement. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reports that leaving the police cruiser behind lowers people’s defenses and provides for better interaction.
● Bike patrols can develop comradery with cyclists. Other bicyclists are more accepting of bike patrol units creating community-oriented policing.
● Bike patrols have twice as many community contacts as patrol vehicles. This encourages conversations about directions and parking information, reducing the “out to get you” stereotype and increasing community trust.
● Bike patrols can be used for other purposes, such as traffic enforcement, targeted enforcement, events, and surveillance. A bike patrol enforcing traffic violations, including bike lane violations,
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contributes to improved road safety by addressing issues directly on the streets where violations occur. This enhances safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Many cities have implemented Vision Zero goals; bike patrols are an important tool to achieve these goals.
● Bike patrols are environmentally friendly. Enforcing bike lane violations through bike patrols emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear and safe cycling infrastructure. This contributes to the overall promotion of a bike-friendly environment, encouraging more people to use bicycles for commuting and making it safer to do so. There are also significant health benefits for officers on bike patrol. Fitness requirements need to be maintained and are encouraged for officers. Bikes do not use fossil fuels and do not emit CO2.
● Bike patrols can go where patrol vehicles cannot. In cities and on university campuses, the ability to respond quickly is important. Not having to dodge traffic or circle blocks cut down on response time in tight settings. Universities may have car-free zones. Events, sporting events, protests, and concerts can be difficult for patrol cars as access can be blocked by pedestrians. Further, efficient enforcement of traffic violations, including those related to bike lanes, which may be brief (someone getting a cup of coffee or dry cleaning) but dangerous nonetheless, helps maintain traffic flow. This can lead to reduced congestion, benefiting the community by improving overall transportation efficiency.
● Perpetrators do not notice bike patrols. They are stealthier than a patrol vehicle. More important to the community, bike patrols are well suited to address localized traffic concerns and violations. They can respond quickly to community-specific issues, making the enforcement process more tailored to the needs of each neighborhood.
● Bikes are less costly than patrol vehicles. A mountain bike properly fitted will likely be less than $2500. They are cheaper to maintain and require no gas. There are a number of considerations for a bike patrol unit that is intended to enforce traffic and parking violations, including:
● Legal Authorization: Ensure that the team is housed in a unit with the statutory authority to write violations.
● Training: Enforcement officers require instruction on riding, safety, and physical training in addition to normal training requirements. Organizations exist that assist in developing protocols for fitness and health checks, equipment, gear, repair, and maintenance of equipment. Bike patrols are often a preferred assignment among officers.
● Equipment and Gear: If the unit is intended to primarily enforce bike and bus lanes and bus stops, lightweight devices for immobilization to deter future infractions could be provided, along with LPR-enabled cameras or handhelds.
● Strategic Planning: Decide the primary function of the unit, establish priority routes, and consider community input. Bike paths are obvious choices for routes.
● Technology Integration: New mobile and handheld devices will need to be integrated.
● Community Outreach: Build positive relationships with communities through outreach before, during, and after the launch of the program.
● Public Awareness Campaign: Create awareness campaigns about the benefits of traffic enforcement and improved traffic flow and the importance of including bike lanes.
● Evaluation and Adaptation: Establish metrics (KPIs) to evaluate the bike patrol unit’s effectiveness. Be prepared to adapt routes, times, and workforce to improve outcomes.
The community benefits of a bike patrol trafficperforming parking enforcement unit are significant and include accessibility and maneuverability, enhanced safety, reduced traffic congestion, community engagement, approachability, traffic management, and environmental factors. Starting this new form of enforcement is easier than you might think and is likely to be received well by your community. ◆
SCOTT PETRI is the President of Mobility Parking Advisors, LLC. He can be reached at scott@mobilityparkingadvisors.com.
A Drive For Centralized Parking Operations In Cincinnati
By Julia Scholl
IN CINCINNATI, WHERE MIDWEST CHARM MEETS URBAN VIBRANCY, a necessity surfaced in the mid-2000s: the City’s parking infrastructure needed a modern overhaul. With an outdated and fragmented system, efficiency and customer service were suffering . The need for a centralized, integrated solution became evident to move Cincinnati toward its goal of operational independence and enhanced strategic decision-making.
Cincinnati found a way to unlock its parking potential by partnering with IPS Group. Leveraging the IPS Fully Integrated Smart Parking Ecosystem portfolio of technology solutions, the City centralized its operations, leading to seamless management of parking infrastructure and strategic autonomy.
Maximizing Efficiency Through A Central Parking Hub
Partnering with IPS was just the beginning of Cincinnati’s parking transformation. Over the years, the City transitioned from a disjointed system managed by multiple entities to a unified digital platform. This shift empowered Cincinnati with greater control, strategic insights, and a focus on customer satisfaction.
But the road to centralized parking wasn’t without its challenges. Cincinnati needed tailored solutions to meet its unique operational demands and municipal policies. Deploying a fully integrated solution, coupled with strategic partnerships, was key to overcoming these obstacles.
A significant milestone in this transformation was transitioning the Parking Violations Bureau from the County to the City. This move retired outdated technology and reduced reliance on costly infrastructure, with valuable support and resources provided by IPS to facilitate the transition.
Parts of the Whole Data Management
The integration of real-time capabilities, management tools, and business
intelligence from IPS empowered Cincinnati’s Parking Division with operational independence and enhanced data access.
Dan Fortinberry, Parking Division Manager of Cincinnati, says: “Our centralized hub integrates our services like enforcement, mobile payments, and digital permitting, ensuring rapid responses to changes and improved customer service.”
Fully Integrated Enforcement and Digital Permitting
IPS Enforcement and Digital Permitting technology enabled agile enforcement across 52 business districts and nonpublic parking areas, including the City’s streetcar system. Digital permitting streamlined processes, eliminating physical hangtags, and offering a faster, user-friendly experience through the digital public portal.
Revenue Control Systems
Combining IPS Single-Space Meters and Pay Stations ensured a tailored fit for Cincinnati’s infrastructure, enhancing reliability, uptime, and customer
experience while ensuring the safety and efficiency of collections staff.
A Partner in Customer Success
Reflecting on the experience, Fortinberry expressed: “IPS has always made me feel like we’re important by demonstrating that they’re willing to create their own risk at the reward of developing strong partnerships with their clients. They’re willing to deviate from standard products to provide the right solution. IPS is technically able to get us to where we need to be without losing the ability to talk to us as if we’re their only customer.”
Cincinnati stands out as an example of parking management innovation in the ever-evolving urban mobility landscape. Through its centralized strategy and dedication to service excellence, Cincinnati demonstrates best practices for Smart Communities nationwide. ◆
JULIA SCHOLL is Marketing Content Manager for IPS Group. She can be reached at julia. scholl@ipsgroupinc.com
Watry Design, Inc.
FIRM NAME: Watry Design, Inc.
PROJECT LOCATION: Reno, Nevada
PROJECT OWNER: University of Nevada, Reno
KEY STAFF: Francisco Navarro
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS: Clark & Sullivan Construction, General Contractor Navarro
Gateway Parking Complex
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO (UNR)’s new Mathewson University Gateway campus expands the university to I-80. It includes a new College of Business, a life-sciences building, and eventually extends to a future privately run hotel and conference center. Since the area is removed from existing parking, a garage needed to be built in advance of the future buildings. The resulting 281,908-square-foot Gateway Parking Complex provides 811 stalls on seven levels. It connects the main campus to the new expansion and creates the first direct link between UNR and downtown Reno itself.
As the first component of the new expansion, the structure needed to have its own identity while respecting that of the main campus. Therefore, the distinctive red brick found in buildings such as the nearby Morrill Hall and Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center is incorporated throughout the facade. Windows designed into the enclosed stairwells create the appearance of another building rather than a parking structure. In addition to the architectural façade detailing, the team matched historical light fixtures found throughout the campus as exterior lighting elements.
The 8th Street façade features digital signage that allows the University to advertise events and celebrate campus culture.
Due to a 30+ foot grade elevation change between the main campus and 9th Street, an enclosed pedestrian bridge on level four provides a safe passage over 9th Street and guides users to the heart of UNR’s main campus. To pay homage to Reno’s founding in 1868 as part of the transcontinental railroad, the design of the bridge includes a train-inspired roof and exposed trusses that evoke a historic railway bridge.
The bridge provided a unique opportunity to create an ADA path from the main campus through the parking structure, offering those with disabilities safe and convenient passage to the south campus and, subsequently, downtown Reno. It also created a means to route additional utilities needed for the expansion without costly subterranean excavation.
The changes in elevation on the site also enhanced functional design. For example, multiple entrances were designed so that users could enter the structure on level 1 via Lake Street or level 2 via 9th Street. The layout offers UNR the flexibility to redirect traffic more efficiently as needed for events. ◆
“The
bridge is practical as well as symbolic. Not only does it provide pedestrian access as well as the utility corridor, but it connects the university one step closer to downtown as we grow closer to our partners at the City of Reno.”
—UNR Vice President of Advising and Finance Vic Redding
Mastering Employee Retention
Balancing Art and Science for Organizational Success
By David Perry
AMONG THE MANY TOPICS ON THE MINDS
of today’s human resources leaders, one seems to stand out among the rest. Employee retention has emerged as a critical factor in organizational success. Beyond merely filling positions, companies today need to recognize the strategic importance of retaining top talent. After all, the resolve of an organization lies not just in its products or services but more so in the people who drive its vision forward and create positive customer experiences. I mean, let’s be honest: if we are focusing a large amount of effort on customer retention, why wouldn’t we consider a similar effort for our employees?
throw a pizza party for the amazing efforts in hitting a sales goal (don’t worry, Linda and Bob, I’ve got your back.)
Open communication channels are crucial. More and more organizations rely on regular feedback sessions, town hall meetings, 360, and annual reviews. Many organizations also have platforms for anonymous suggestions to empower employees to voice their concerns and ideas.
Unfortunately, the employee retention equation isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s an accumulation of organizational culture, employee engagement, and growth opportunities. At its core, it’s about creating and maintaining an environment where employees feel valued, challenged, and motivated to contribute their best. However, achieving this delicate balance is both an art and a science.
Creating a culture of recognition will be one of the most important parts of the retention equation. Employees thrive in environments where their efforts are acknowledged, and their contributions celebrated. Simple gestures like public commendations, personalized notes of appreciation, or employee recognition programs can go a long way in nurturing a sense of belonging, loyalty, and appreciation. Yes, I mean more than having “Linda” or “Bob” from HR
However, the art of employee retention extends beyond gestures and communication. It encompasses the creation of a compelling vision that resonates with employees. People are naturally drawn to organizations with a clear sense of purpose and direction, but they also want to be a part of the purpose. These purpose driven contributions help employees understand how their work contributes to the overall bigger picture.
We’ve scratched the surface of the art of retention; now, let’s touch on data-driven insights and how they play a pivotal role in understanding employee needs. Employee engagement surveys and assessments, coupled with analytics, allow organizations to pinpoint areas of improvement and tailor retention strategies accordingly. Companies typically utilize an employee engagement survey to identify common reasons for employee turnover. One way of dealing with employee feedback regarding departures would be to invest in professional development. Most employees want opportunities for growth and advancement. By offering training programs, mentorship initiatives, and career progression pathways, organizations enhance
employee skill sets and demonstrate a commitment to their long-term success and fulfillment. This may also be known as another term – upskilling.
Lastly, leadership plays a central role in employee retention. Managers serve as the primary interface between employees and the organization. Today’s leaders are characterized by empathy, mentorship, and a genuine interest in employee well-being. When our employees feel supported and inspired by their leaders, they’re more likely to stay committed and engaged. I have experienced this very thing in my own career, going the extra mile not because your leader will notice it but because you know your leader would have done the same thing in that situation.
As mentioned before, we are only scratching the surface of the employee retention equation. It
is a complicated endeavor that requires a delicate balance of art and data analysis. Organizations can create an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated by cultivating a culture of appreciation, fostering open communication, and providing ample growth opportunities. Realistically, enticing the top performers to stay for the long haul.
In doing so, we are protecting one of our best assets, our people, and laying the foundation for sustained success and growth in the ever-evolving battle for talent. ◆
DAVID PERRY is the Human Resources Manager for the Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh. He can be reached at dperry@ pittsburghparking.com
Equity in Fleet Management
By Gabe Mendez, CAPP
DO YOU HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) if you manage a fleet program for your organization? Yes! DEI should be at the forefront of all you do, from the workforce you employ to the services your organization provides to customers.
Diversity in Hiring and Recruiting
When hiring and recruiting, what practices do you use to ensure your efforts result in diversity among staff?
Internship programs and vocational school programs can be a great source for garage staffing. These programs provide opportunities for high school students and non-traditional students to access specialized and trades-related training.
During your recruitment processes, are you posting job openings in strategic locations (i.e., journals, job boards, community centers, etc.) that put these opportunities in front of various populations? You want a qualified and wellrounded applicant pool to hire the best individuals.
According to Andy Santos, Director of People and Culture at SpotHero, “Where diversity makes a difference is having a diverse team be included in the decision-making process so there can be a representation of different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.”
One important factor in the decision-making processes we employ at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is inviting stakeholder input. Stakeholder input allows us to see the desired results through a different lens and through their experiences.
Leveling the Playing Field
Employee recruitment practices, pay, and growth may be at the forefront of your mind when you think about DEI, but what about your customers? Do your organization’s services allow more customers to participate in organizational activities? Are you providing equal access to your services?
When we evaluate our fleet makeup, we usually look at what types of vehicles we need to get our business done. We evaluate how many passenger vehicles we need for staff to get to and from meetings or conferences. We consider the size of work trucks needed to allow our grounds and maintenance groups to do their jobs. Then, we look at our sustainability policies to determine whether to look at flex fuel, hybrid-electric, internal combustion engines (ICE), or plug-in EVs.
Next, we buy the vehicle, put it into our motor pool for any employee to use, and consider our work done. However, this method of building our fleet does not level the playing field for all users.
For example, we have not considered how members of the workforce with disabilities can access and use these vehicles. What about those within the workforce who use mobility devices? Can they be passengers and ride together with their team to an offsite meeting or out-of-town conference?
Without accessible vehicles in your fleet, you may unintentionally exclude some eligible fleet users from participation in organizational events. This does not create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you build or update your fleet:
● Can you add controls to a vehicle that will allow it to be operated easily with either foot or hand controls?
● Can you add a vehicle with a wheelchair ramp and other accessibility accommodations to your fleet?
● If you cannot add devices to a vehicle or add another vehicle to your fleet, can you instead look at local vehicle rental agencies that offer these vehicles that your employees can rent? Can you develop a use contract to ensure equitable pricing for an accessible vehicle if you cannot add it to your fleet?
Sense of Belonging
If your organization has decided to make vehicles accessible to those with mobility devices, additional details, such as the vehicle’s usability and accessibility enhancements, may need to be considered.
For example, can a user self-secure a mobility aid in the vehicle? Manual-securement systems with straps and hooks may not work for some users and may require outside assistance for use. Therefore, a better approach is to consider an automatic self-securement system that the individual can initiate themselves.
Adding a self-securement system that an individual can initiate themselves fosters greater independence.
According to UW–Madison student Brelynn Bille, “The selfsecurement system is a great feature for mobility aid users because it emphasizes independence and autonomy for the user. With the way the self-securement gripped my wheelchair, I didn’t feel the same discomfort, nor did I tip backward going up hills as I do in the manual securements. I feel more comfortable and confident in using the buses that have this securement option knowing there are fewer barriers!”
Risk Management
Beyond the technical research, you will also want to meet with your risk management group to look at the risk liability associated with adding accessibility enhancements functions to your vehicles. Does your insurance coverage require anything special to cover these vehicles? If so, you will need to make sure you add those to your coverage. Your risk management policies may have to be updated to address the use of these specially equipped vehicles.
Customer Access
In addition to identifying and providing training to fleet users, it is important to consider who has access to vehicles in the first place. Is your online reservation system accessible to someone who may need a screen reader? Is it mobile and desktop friendly?
When the individual comes to pick up the vehicle, what is their experience? Are the keys in a location that is accessible to someone with mobility limitations? Do you have alternate information formats at the pickup location, such as materials in translation? If you have an afterhours drop-off system, is the key drop box in an accessible location, or is it on top of a counter or at an outdoor kiosk on an inaccessible island?
Taking a comprehensive approach to DEI in managing one’s fleet provides accessible options for more users, helps include more people in organizational events, as well as enhances both connections and independence for more users. ◆
GABE MENDEZ, CAPP, is the Director of Transportation Operations for UW-Madison Transportation Services, and a member of the IPMI Board of Directors. He can be reached at gabe. mendez@wisc.edu
Pacific Intermountain Parking and Transportation Association
Join us at Camp PIPTA!
By Emily Kwatinetz
AN INDUSTRY EVENT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS. The Pacific Intermountain Parking and Transportation Association (PIPTA) is thrilled to announce our much-anticipated annual conference, this year themed “Camp PIPTA”. The conference is set to take place from October 23–25, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. This event promises an engaging mix of professional development, networking, and a touch of nostalgic camp fun.
Get ready to embrace the “Camp PIPTA” spirit. Our theme this year aims to bring a refreshing twist to the traditional conference experience, fostering an environment reminiscent of summer camp. Like chatting around a fire, the conference is a chance to engage in heartfelt conversations, share stories, and build lasting connections with colleagues from across the parking and transportation industry. We hope to see you there!
Introducing you to a few of our camp guides (a.k.a. board members). To give you a glimpse into the minds behind PIPTA, we’re excited to introduce a few of our dedicated board members who have played pivotal roles in organizing this year’s conference:
Chrissy comes to Camp PIPTA all the way from West loves the Pacific Northwest dearly. You will probably be surprised to learn that she is a 3rd generation parking professional! Her grandfather started Jones Parking Company in 1965 after a long career with National Garages, and Chrissy even had the opportunity to drive a propane-powered sweeper in her grandparents’ ramp. When Chrissy dove into the world of consulting, she discovered a passion for writing about data and developing customized recommendations. On the weekends you can usually find her outside either hunting for morels, exploring trails with her dog, gardening, or spending time around a campfire with her friends and family.
Ian Ortlieb
When Ian attended his first PIPTA conference he was working for Washington State University, and he now resides in Missoula, Montana. Ian has a true passion for the industry, so much so that the sight of a newly painted parking lot with fresh asphalt sparks joy. He loves the work he does and appreciates the friendships he has made throughout his career. Outside of work, Ian loves to spend time with his family around home, out fishing, or hiking. According to his wife, he has also “infected” his son with his love of video games, and Ian proudly proclaims himself as a video game nerd.
Alyssa Alt
Alyssa Alt. Alyssa splits her time between Denver and Manitou Springs, Colorado, so she’s thrilled to welcome conference attendees to the region. Alyssa appreciates the valuable insights she has learned from past panels and conversations at PIPTA. Alyssa works for the City of Denver now, and previously worked to help expand a car-sharing company in the area. Both an avid bike and transit rider, Alyssa loves to explore the transit systems and bike paths in new cities she visits. During the summers, she often spends her weekends out on a river with her husband either on a raft, ducky, or other watercraft. During the colder months, Alyssa can usually be found reading a book (mostly fiction), playing Euchre with friends, or enjoying nearby hiking trails with her dog, Ollie.
Melina Morokhovich
Melina brings both a friendly Canadian spirit to the board, coming to us from Coquitlam, British Columbia, as well as a worldly perspective—she has lived all over the world including London, Bloemendaal, Tokyo, Ottawa, Chicago, Denver, and Vancouver. In fact, Melina moved ten times in five years! Denver was one of her favorite places to live, so she is really excited at the prospect to go back to Denver for the conference. She is a professed parking enthusiast and has quite a few interests outside of parking too. She used to work in the film industry, has a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do, often plays board games, and loves sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and especially wallyball. We hope you enjoyed getting to know some of the fantastic people behind PIPTA. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events! To learn more about PIPTA, please visit our website at
EMILY KWATINETZ is a Senior Associate at Dixon Resources Unlimited and a member of IPMI’s Conference Program Task Force. She can be reached at emily@dixonresourcesunlimited.com
in Parking TRAILBLAA
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and Mobility
Alex Argudin Begins Tenure as IPMI Chair
By Melissa Rysak
WHEN YOU FIRST MEET Alejandra
“Alex” Argudin, CAPP, you cannot help but be captivated. Alex has a kind, thoughtful, and magnetic personality that makes people want to engage with her, putting people immediately at ease. But as your conversation with Alex progresses, you make the shift from captivated… to spellbound. Alex is not just an incredible source of knowledge on all things parking; she is a fierce advocate for her community and her parking and mobility colleagues. Her dedication and support make everyone around her feel valued and heard.
One word we can use to describe Alex: impactful
Plain and simple, Alex is a force. She gets things done. She has spent more than 20 years of her career making an impact. Now, she can make the largest impact yet on our industry as she takes over as Chair of the IPMI Board of Directors.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Parking Authority, Alex provides Miami and the surrounding region with innovative, forward-thinking parking and mobility services that lift the community and provide significant economic impact. As Chair of IPMI, Alex will bring the same passion for community, innovation, progress, and success to the people of parking and mobility.
Her impact begins now
From Humble Beginnings
Alex began her journey with a humble start in the City of Miami. Born to a factory worker mother and having lost her father at 14, Alex had to step up early in life. She secured a summer job through a youth program in the city answering phones, which became the cornerstone of her impressive career in public service. “My mom taught me what it means to have a work ethic. She always worked so hard, but it was difficult for her to make ends meet. At 14 years old, I was helping to support my family with the money I made,” she recalls.
As it turned out, that first professional job was with the City of Miami, which would be her work home for the next 14 years. This experience laid the foundation for her future roles and provided her with invaluable insights into public service. “The city became my second family,” Alex says, highlighting the support and flexibility she received from her public sector colleagues during her formative years.
Education and Early Career
Working for the City got her through the last years of high school and then college, and she achieved both a bachelor’s in marketing and an MBA from Florida International University.
After graduation, Alex stayed with the city and took a position with the Department of Public Facilities, where she gained experience working on Miami’s major event venues, including the Orange Bowl, the James L. Knight Center, and more. The head of the department at that time had to take an unexpected leave, and at just 21 years of age, Alex was thrown into her first leadership role. Working in the public facilities department was Alex’s first foray into the world of parking. She worked closely with the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) team, which managed the parking for all the city facilities. She continued to work in tandem with the MPA team as she moved on to a position in the City Manager’s office. All the while, Alex was learning the inner workings of city government and, at the same time, discovering that she had a real passion for both public service and parking.
The Leap to the Parking Authority
So, when the MPA came knocking in 2006 and asked her to make the jump to work for them, Alex made a pivotal career move and joined their ranks. Initially hesitant about leaving her secure job with the city, she took a leap of faith. “I loved the people I worked with and was hesitant to leave them and the security they represented, but I knew I had more to do. More that I was
“When you look at where our industry is right now—what our make-up is, who is working next to us—we are so much farther along than we were. We are so much more diverse than we were, and we are right there. The question is, how do we push over the edge? Where do we go from here?”
capable of. I knew parking would be my next chapter,” she explains.
“I had no idea what I was walking into,” Alex says. “At the end of the day, I didn’t know what parking people actually did.” She was about to find out!
Her new role as the head of development for MPA involved overseeing the construction of parking facilities and managing public parking operations. MPA’s aging inventory presented significant challenges in terms of maintenance and upkeep, and Alex was thrown directly into the deep end to make sure the community was being served. Her strong connections in the city greatly influenced her early success.
Alex’s entry into the parking industry was marked by learning and adaptation. Guided by her predecessor and mentor, Art Noriega, she quickly grasped the nuances of parking operations and development. “It was trial by error,” she admits, recounting her early days of learning how to manage public parking and about specifics like parking occupancy, peak times, and operational efficiencies. She learned by doing (and sometimes failing) and became more and more proficient in parking with the support of her MPA team.
Rising Through the Ranks
One of Alex’s first projects was the construction of a new parking structure—not an easy task for a veteran of the parking industry to complete successfully, let alone someone still new to the parking world. But as she does with all challenges, Alex jumped in headfirst. “That first garage project was the beginning of a great career in parking,” she says. Alex’s strategic thinking and ability to leverage her city connections enabled her to move projects forward efficiently, and she never looked back.
Alex’s career trajectory within the MPA was marked by rapid growth and increasing responsibilities. Her ability to navigate complex projects and her dedication to learning every aspect of the business set her apart. While working on the development and ongoing maintenance of the MPA’s facilities, she also made sure to dive into operations. She knew that to take on higher-level positions, she needed to master both sides of the industry, and she emphasized the importance of understanding both development and operations in parking.
This constant search for learning and knowledge, coupled with the work ethic she learned from her mother, eventually led to her elevation to the position of CEO of the MPA.
Leadership and Mentorship
Alex credits both her mentors and experiences for deeply influencing her leadership style. She names industry veterans and mentors like Art Noriega, Roamy Valera, CAPP, and Lenny Bier, among many others, who have taught, advised, and mentored her throughout her career. Alex values listening and learning from others, a skill she gained from training with Art. “I became a very good listener, which helps me be a really good leader,” she asserts. This approach has helped her navigate challenges and drive the MPA toward success.
She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the role it plays in shaping future leaders. Alex is committed to supporting young professionals and helping them navigate their careers in the parking industry. “I want to be an inspiration to other aspiring parking professionals, specifically women and other underrepresented individuals,” she says, reflecting on her journey and the support she received from her mentors.
The “OG Crew.” (L-R) Chester Escobar, Lenny Bier, Alex Argudin, CAPP, Art Noriega, Roamy Valera, CAPP
Facing Challenges and Driving Innovation
Alex’s tenure at the MPA has not been without challenges. She acknowledges the difficulties of being a woman in a male-dominated industry but prefers to focus on her hard work and achievements. “I have never thought of myself as a ‘woman’ among ‘men.’ In my eyes, I was just one of the guys,” she says, emphasizing her desire to be seen for her abilities and contributions rather than her gender. “I worked longer and harder than anyone around me for a long time—but it was not because I was a woman. It was because I wanted to be the best, to learn everything I could, and prove myself to those around me.” That work ethic, something she learned so early on in her life and career, would come to be one of the building blocks of her success.
Alex wants to inspire other women and help them see that they do not have to be the best “woman” in their job —they can simply aspire to be the best.
One of the ways to be the best—and stay the best— is to innovate. Innovation has been one of Alex’s key focuses. She is passionate about integrating technology and forward-thinking solutions into the parking industry. “Technology has positively impacted parking,” she notes, highlighting the role of tech in improving operations and managing urban spaces effectively.
Another example of Alex’s passion for innovation— her commitment to Public-Private Partnerships or P3s. Partnering with developers using this model has become more prevalent in parking in the past decade but is still not the industry norm. Alex is a champion for it and the benefits that this type of project can have on the community at large. “The P3 model has become a staple for us at MPA. We have been able to successfully push for urban projects that involve some affordable, marketrate housing—that changes a community.” She sees parking’s role as providing resources for a community to thrive and will bring that same mindset as the leader for IPMI’s board.
There’s a New Chair in Town
As the Chair of the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI), Alex has a long list of her goals and aspirations and what she hopes IPMI can accomplish in the next two years.
“I see IPMI as the train that all of us in the parking and mobility community get on together to get where we are going,” Alex says. She wants to make sure that all members of that community are represented and served and that all are getting the benefits of the resources IPMI has to offer.
The Miami Parking Authority Running Team
“Coming from a big city environment, I see all of the challenges we witness with providing outstanding parking and mobility services for the community, and I know that smaller communities have those same challenges and fewer resources to counter them,” Alex says. One of her goals is to ensure that IPMI addresses the needs of all member organizations—large and small. She plans to do this by educating our members on how they can impact policy.
Alex clearly sees the gaps in public policy that impact the parking and mobility sectors and believes that policy has not kept pace with technological advancements and innovation. “Public policy is really hindering progress in parking and mobility,” she states, advocating for a more proactive approach to policymaking. “The lack of knowledge about the intricacies of parking among those that are making policy is impeding our ability to do business. We need to figure out how to change this.” Alex intends to help our members use their voices to impact change.
One way Alex will accomplish this is by serving as an ambassador for parking and mobility with other organizations. By participating in industry groups, including NACTO, MOVE, CoMotion and others, Alex will represent parking and mobility interests in the larger transportation industry and can work to position IPMI members to understand and navigate the complex world of policy.
(L-R) Maria Irshad, CAPP, MPA, Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, CAPP, and Rachel Yoka, CAPP
WOW Center Wellness Crew
Alex volunteering with Habitat for Humanity
“When I look at the young people now coming up in our industry, I want them to see what is possible. I want them to get their CAPP and see that they can have a career in parking. There are so many up-and-coming leaders in IPMI and our community, and I want them to see what their future can be. If I can be an example to them, I will be serving all our futures.”
Focus on the Big Topics
In addition to policy, Alex sees a few topics as the primary drivers of today’s parking and mobility, and these will be focal points for her as she begins to influence opportunities for conversation, education, and action.
Curb management is another factor that has had a huge impact on the parking industry. Streets are being used in new ways with the rise in popularity of delivery services and street-side eateries. With other uses taking over the curb, many cities have lost much of their street parking. Monetizing the curb is a topic that needs more attention, specifically how policy impacts the ability to manage and operate the curb properly.
Alex gives technology as another big-ticket topic, both from a positive and negative perspective. How our community adopts new technology and what impacts it will have financially and operationally will certainly be something to watch for the foreseeable future.
and sons AJ and Lucas.
The resurgence of urban living and families moving back into cities will have a huge impact on the industry. The population shift of people relocating as an outcome of the pandemic has altered parking needs and patterns and will be something to watch closely in the coming years. In addition, the influx of federal funds into infrastructure improvements and upgrades has resulted in a significant increase in infrastructure construction, adding to transportation woes and urban congestion. These are all factors that affect parking and mobility within a community.
“Strategically, we must think about the future of what is to come. EVs are here—flying cars are next. They are real! And they are coming. What does all this mean to the industry?” Alex is confident that the talent we need to manage the next generation of parking and mobility is out there but needs to be cultivated. “We need to work to entice people, the best and the brightest, into our industry, and then we need to keep them here.” Alex is ready to take IPMI further into a place of futuristic thinking. She intends to keep us facing forward and anticipating what is coming down the pike in three, five, ten years, and beyond.
Personal Life and Passions
If you want to see Alex absolutely glow, ask her about her family. She and her husband, Albert, have two sons, AJ and Lucas, who have both been active in baseball for many years. Alex finds great joy in supporting her sons’ sports endeavors and spending time with them outdoors. “As often as we can, we’re on a baseball field or fishing in the Keys,” she says, describing her family’s favorite activities.
Alex with her husband, Albert,
Being a baseball mom is one of Alex’s favorite job titles. Over the years, she has taken great pride in watching her boys develop as players, teammates, and now young men. Watching them overcome adversity and seeing all the lessons they have learned through the sport has been extremely rewarding and reminds her of her childhood. “I had to overcome a lot of adversity at a young age, and while my boys have not had the same challenges, through the sport, they have learned life lessons on how to get knocked down and then get back up. It has been a joy to watch them as they grew up, learned to be better people, and learned what it means to be part of a team.”
Alex is also passionate about her nonprofit work. She chairs the board of the WOW Center, a nonprofit organization for adults with disabilities, inspired by her
“Let’s look at building parking differently. Why don’t we build something that will unlock the opportunity for additional redevelopment, for more affordable housing, and for more opportunity for TOD and micro-mobility? Why can’t parking become a resource for the community and a springboard to a better quality of life? We can be the catalyst. Parking can be the agent of change.”
sister-in-law, Ivy, who has Down syndrome. “It fills every inch of me when nothing else does,” she says, expressing her deep commitment to the cause.
Something else Alex loves—pickleball. Do not be surprised if you see a pickleball tournament at a future IPMI Conference & Expo!
Looking Ahead
According to Alex, parking is essential to communities thriving, and she envisions a future where parking plays a central role in urban development and community building. Alex stresses that parking facilities can contribute to urban revitalization. “Parking can play a huge role in developing communities,” she asserts, emphasizing the industry’s need for strategic thinking and innovation. “It can unlock a beautiful future for a community if we can just be openminded enough to see the possibilities.”
As Alex prepares to lead IPMI, she is focused on fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. She aims to leverage her experiences and insights to drive the industry forward and create opportunities for future leaders. “I want us to continue to be ahead of the curve, setting the bar for education, resources, and best practices in parking and mobility,” she says. Alex intends to position IPMI to continue to lead the way in parking and mobility solutions. Alex Argudin’s journey to become a leader in the parking industry is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and vision. Her story inspires those around her and sets a benchmark for excellence in the parking and mobility sectors. ◆
MELISSA RYSAK is the editor of Parking & Mobility magazine and Marketing & Communications Director at IPMI. She can be reached at rysak@ parking-mobility.org
By
Vegas Goes All-In on Public Art
S. Maria Tamayo-Soto, CAPP, MBA
By S. Maria Tamayo-Soto, CAPP, MBA
OR OVER 40 YEARS, the City of Las Vegas has demonstrated unwavering support for local artists as a foundation of our cultural identity and community enrichment. Showcasing and preserving local artistic talents has played a pivotal role in fostering creativity, cultural appreciation, and economic vitality in Downtown Las Vegas, and more specifically, the heart of the Arts District known as “18b,” representing the original 18 blocks of the Arts District.
This area has grown significantly as the hub of the arts scene over the past several years. The economic redevelopment of the area has encouraged small business owners to set up shop on Main Street and open craft beer breweries, now creating an area known as “Brewery Row” and dozens of specialty restaurants, unique shops, and bars revitalizing a once neglected historic area of our city. The boom of business has brought forth the need to strategically incorporate temporary parking lots scattered throughout the district and implement onstreet parking to manage the curbs and encourage employees to park on the outer edges, leaving the curb for customers.
The parking industry is all too aware of the criticism we receive when we initiate paid parking in an area that has historically provided free parking for decades. It is a process that needs to be handled with care and a great deal of open communication to create trust and some acceptance and incorporate art and beauty, so the process is not as challenging. This was no easy feat for my predecessor as the process took months of meetings with local businesses, city officials, district board officials, and City Council, as well as working with dozens of vacant landowners to persuade them it was a win/ win situation to collaborate in building temporary parking lots and install paid parking throughout the area.
What part does art play in parking, you ask?
A creative idea emerged through all these meetings and discussions: local artists would be solicited to present proposals for art installations within
the parking lots, such as murals and meter wraps for the 64 newly planned parking meters to be installed throughout the Arts District. A portion of the revenue collected for paid parking was then reinvested back into the community as we sought to license imagery of original artworks we could reproduce specifically onto the parking meter wraps in the downtown Arts District.
Issuing a call for artwork for the meter wrap project, selected artists would be required to have a tie to the downtown Las Vegas community, with the artwork developing pride in the birthplace of Las Vegas. We started with an initial budget of $20,000 for the artwork and anticipated spending another $20,000 for the actual wraps and the installation. Being compensated by Parking Services for the chosen meter artwork, the strategy was embraced by the art community and local businesses, and we received more than 160 entries of some of the most creative designs we have ever seen. A panel consisting of Parking Services, local business owners/stakeholders, and our city visual arts team was assembled to review the submittals. It was a collaborative effort with many discussions and so many talented artists; it was no easy task to get down to the final 20 local artists’ work being chosen. The process took several months, beginning with the concept, advertising the Public Art Program “It’s a Wrap!” - a City of Las Vegas Public Art partnership with Parking Services. A call for artists was then advertised on our city website and shared throughout our social media network. The meter templates and the wraps were created by a local print shop, and finally, the installation of the first 20 of the 64 meter wraps. We even included a QR code on the meter to scan to receive additional information on the art projects as well as the artists themselves.
The positive impact it has had on the art community is very exciting to see. The artwork has enhanced the existing visual landscape of the Arts District. The best part of incorporating the art into the meters is the respect the community has for our local artists. Beyond aesthetics,
this initiative serves as a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and engage and support the arts. Moreover, the art installations have contributed to the identity and character of the historic downtown area, preserving its cultural heritage while promoting economic revitalization through increased foot traffic and tourism. The parking meter art program has not only beautified our city streets but also encouraged and strengthened the bonds we have within the community, which in turn continues to stimulate our growth and make the area a more inviting and inspiring location for everyone.
Previously, we had experienced vandalism and graffiti on our meters, but with the new meter wrap, the meters have been free of costly repairs and maintenance. It has also sparked interest by local media sources who have come to the Arts District to showcase the artwork, attracting tourists and locals alike to events such as First Fridays, which supports our local artists. Tourists often post photos taken of the meter
art, further promoting the Arts District and our local artists and increasing parking revenue for the area. Transforming our parking meters into pieces of art has not only beautified the historic areas of Downtown Las Vegas but also instilled a sense of community pride. By showcasing local artists’ work on these meters, residents and visitors alike now have an opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant culture. Another opportunity to invoke inspiration and expression of art was to showcase murals in and around our parking lots. Again the City of Las Vegas pushed out a request for qualifications from local artists. The City of Las Vegas believes that the Public Art Program creates engaging public spaces that unite people, build a sense of community, and enrich the community through painted murals. Through a fair and public process, an evaluation panel consisting of local artists, Las Vegas Arts Commissioners, and community stakeholders reviews the submissions with the goal of enhancing public
spaces with creative and thought-provoking works of art. The murals amplify our community’s understanding of the diversity of the arts in Las Vegas while creating an engaging permanent public display within our parking areas and streets.
Several murals have been created through the City of Las Vegas’s “Down for Anything” campaign, where the art is a driver for social media influencers, tourists, and the general public alike to come downtown and take photos with the artwork and post for hundreds of thousands of followers to see and appreciate. Parking Services works jointly with the local property owners and the Communications and Cultural Affairs Departments to facilitate the commission and installation of murals on the parking lot walls and sides of adjacent buildings.
These installations are funded through the Percent for the Arts Fund, the City’s General Fund, and grants totaling more than $4.5 million for public art projects—75% of the funds have been awarded to local Las Vegas Valley artists and vendors. The public art installations have provided vital support to our local artists, and as the pride in the community grows, the respect for the art has continued to discourage the graffitists from vandalizing the area walls, saving us valuable time and money which it takes to clean up the damage and repainting of the walls every few months.
The city transfers some of the art to street banners on light poles, and Parking Services incorporates artistic wrought iron bike racks at every parking lot. Keeping in line with these art initiatives, Parking Services has a grand plan to ensure the arts are incorporated into our new Arts District Garage, slated to begin construction at the end of 2024. Our hope is to incorporate local artists’ work on the building itself. Whether it be in the form of murals or sculpted art designs, this five-and-a-halfstory garage has the potential to offer a large-scale art installation with yet another
project ready to be enjoyed by the entire parking world! So, if you are ever in Las Vegas, please be sure to visit the 18b Arts District, park your vehicle, and enjoy our public art in parking. ◆
S. MARIA TAMAYO-SOTO, CAPP, MBA , is the Parking Services Manager for the City of Las Vegas, Economic and Urban Development, and a member of the IPMI Allyship & Equity Advisory Group. She can be reached at smsoto@ lasvegasnevada.gov.
Evolution in Safety
Suicide Mitigation on Parking Garages
FIU’s unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of our community and focus on crisis prevention propelled us to seek, invest, and implement the most effective solutions available.
By Nicole Gazol
SUICIDES ARE A SIGNIFICANT CAUSE OF MORTALITY in the United States, ranking third among young adults ages 15-25 and second among those 25-34, as reported in 2020 by the National Institute of Mental Health. Unfortunately, parking garages are one of the many places where suicides have been increasingly occurring. To prevent such tragedies, Florida International University (FIU) has been developing an innovative system that can provide real-time monitoring to all their parking garages.
Parking garages play a vital role in urban environments, serving both practical and strategic purposes. Beyond offering parking spaces, they contribute to efficient environmental planning and traffic management. However, challenges in controlling and regulating activities within them, particularly tragic incidents like suicides, highlight the complexity of managing risks within these structures.
FIU Operations and Safety—Parking
Sustainability & Transportation has installed and tested a multipurpose, innovative suicide risk detection system on the rooftop of Parking Garage 5 (PG5), and installation is underway in the remaining five garages. By utilizing modern technology for real-time risk detection, FIU demonstrates
its unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of its community. This system’s implementation serves as a safeguard, actively protecting individuals within FIU parking garages.
This system uses a suite of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled analytic cameras, including fixed low light and 360° PTZ cameras, paired with object recognition, line-crossing detection, loitering detection, and dynamic tracking. The rooftop security system incorporates an intuitive alarm and notification feature, as networked PA speakers allow our crisis intervention team to relay audio messages to the subject. By harnessing various innovative technologies, we aim to proactively identify and resolve risk issues in real time.
By harnessing various innovative technologies, we aim to proactively identify and resolve risk issues in real time.
Benefits
Utilizing the advantages of real-time live monitoring along with alert notifications and the deployment of various AI-powered cameras, FIU has gained several benefits, including but not limited to:
1. Live Visual Confirmation: The live monitoring feature allows personnel with clearance to visually confirm any alerts, enhancing the accuracy of our response to any potential threat. The combined presence of automated alerts and human confirmation establishes a comprehensive and reliable response.
2. Responsive Threat Management: When an alert is triggered, FIU responds to the location of the incident that is triggering the alert. Paired with live monitoring, this allows swift decision-making in response to varying threats.
3. Dynamic Tracking: Various cameras offer a comprehensive view of the surroundings, configured to eliminate blind spots. This configuration facilitates dynamic tracking of individuals and moving objects, ensuring they remain in constant view of the cameras.
4. Enhanced Resource Allocation and Situational Awareness: Personnel can be directed precisely to areas quickly when and where their presence is needed. This is crucial in environments where threats are escalating, providing a heightened situational awareness of ongoing events at the scene.
5. Upgradeability with Plug and Play Design: The seamless integration with a range of other security systems and equipment enhances the overall effectiveness and deployability of the system. This enables straightforward setup in diverse environments and excellent compatibility for upgrades and replacement parts as needed.
6. Post-Incident Analysis: Leveraging recorded footage enables security teams to review incidents and refine security protocols for future events.
Improving Operations, Programs, and Service Delivery
FIU created a sophisticated and comprehensive security system through collaboration with industry leaders and the team’s hands-on approach to developing the ecosystem. This system can effectively address and mitigate rooftop suicides in FIU parking garages. FIU’s technology solution integrates the programming and installation expertise of Miller Electric, AI-powered cameras by AXIS Communications, and Genetec’s software.
The rooftop security system incorporates an intuitive alarm and notification feature, as networked PA speakers allow our crisis intervention team to relay audio messages to the subject.
Powered by the AI cameras, the system will detect potential suicide risks proactively via realtime monitoring, potentially allowing for immediate intervention and administering any aid given the circumstances. Utilizing our cameras with Perimeter Defender, a key application that allows various unique features (including the customizability of drawing out areas for detection purposes), automatically detects people and vehicles while being capable of responding to people who loiter around walls after crossing a designated threshold.
The 360° PTZ cameras are strategically placed on the opposite corner stair towers. They offer a wide-area view by utilizing their pan, tilt, and zooming capabilities. When the designated threshold is crossed, an alert will be triggered. The cameras can also apply dynamic tracking to trail individuals, keeping them within sight as they navigate the area. This ensures that any potential threats are continuously monitored.
When an alert is triggered in parallel to the camera’s autonomous actions, it will be identified by on-campus
dispatch, who can use an audible warning to prompt individuals to step further back from the walls. If any potential situation arises where security would be needed at the scene, immediate actions can be taken to dispatch.
The bulk of the installation process is internally managed, allowing FIU full control over the entire physical infrastructure. This ensures high customization, component integration, and repairability. The servers used to manage the system and store data are hosted internally, allowing easy data management, backups, and availability.
Management
The deployment of FIU’s Suicide Mitigation System within their parking garages stands as a compelling example of effective project management and development. Shaped in response to campus issues, FIU’s approach illustrates a strategic and adaptable methodology highlighting the strength of a wellintegrated system utilizing innovative technology. The
This system uses a suite of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled analytic cameras, including fixed low light and 360° PTZ cameras.
strategic choice of combining Genetec software with AXIS AI cameras reflects a thoughtful decision, given that AXIS is a part of Genetec’s partner ecosystem.
Continuous communication with Miller Electric ensured the correct configuration of the system. Tests to identify loitering areas on our rooftop were conducted, and by evaluating daily error reports and real-time data analysis during and after primary testing, necessary steps were taken to optimize quality while installations were taking place. This includes adjusting the system as it is being developed and constructed, ensuring its accuracy and capability while minimizing false alarms and promptly addressing any issues that arise.
While constructing the system, FIU engaged in-house personnel and experienced experts with equipment to reduce strain. This collaboration resulted in a seamless implementation process, enabling us to build the system with minimal stress. Live demonstrations offer an exceptional experience, ensuring efficient communication of the understanding of the components.
Innovation & Creativity
The innovation and creativity behind FIU’s Suicide Mitigation System is evident. Integrating AI cameras for real-time suicide prevention not only detects potential threats but also serves as a powerful security system with dynamic tracking capabilities. Through its meticulous design and the deployment of AI algorithms, FIU has been able to reduce false alarms and receive alerts for potentially harmful behavior whenever an individual approaches the perimeter of the parking garage.
Summary
Again, suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst young people in the United States, and the rates have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic. FIU’s Suicide Mitigation System goes well beyond innovative security measures. FIU serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to their affiliates that they can create a safer environment on their campuses for all.
NICOLE GAZOL is an Office Assistant at Florida International University. She can be reached at ngazol@fiu.edu
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By Jonathan Pearson
YEARS AGO, the first thing that came to mind for many when thinking about commuting was single-occupancy vehicles and mass transit for those in cities where available. Active lifestyles and sustainability goals have brought another big player to the streets—biking. The University of Pittsburgh and the City of Pittsburgh have experienced this evolution firsthand in the past five years.
Biking’s resurgence as a prominent commuting option in Pittsburgh represents a multifaceted phenomenon driven by evolving sociocultural norms, environmental imperatives, and strategic partnerships. Against the backdrop of sustainability priorities and urban revitalization efforts, the University of Pittsburgh’s collaboration with POGOH has emerged as one of the leading bike share partnerships in the mobility industry, promoting biking as a viable alternative to traditional modes of transportation.
Sustainability Goals
Like many other universities, corporations, and organizations, the University of Pittsburgh has set sustainability goals for the future. Goals include a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2037. Commuting and transportation are a top priority in achieving these goals. Dr. Aurora Sharrard, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, has played a key role in developing and implementing these goals.
“ We strive for convenient multimodal access to and through our campus, prioritizing a walkable campus and low carbon modes to promote the health and safety of our community and the environment. Every member of the Pitt community makes a personal and daily decision about how to get to and from campus. These decisions are based on where we live, who else we may be responsible for, our access to transit, the weather, our personal mobility, and more. These decisions also tend to change over the seasons of our lives,” Sharrard stated about University plans.
The Unlikely Environment Where Biking Has Thrived
The University is located in the dense Oakland area of Pittsburgh, an area home to four higher educational institutions, a major medical center, numerous businesses, and several residential neighborhoods. It is also the third largest area of economic activity in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The elevation change is approximately 413 feet between the lowest academic facility and the highest point on campus. Because of the steep incline, students have even labeled the primary path from lower to upper campus as “Cardiac Hill.” Additionally, as Pittsburgh winters are cold and there is always the possibility of snow accumulation, it may not appear that biking would be a major mobility option, but it has become one.
Bikeshare Partnership
In 2019, the University of Pittsburgh partnered with POGOH, a bike share nonprofit by Bike Share Pittsburgh, Inc. The pilot program allowed all first-year students and resident advisors unlimited 30-minute rides; the program resulted in 1,146 rides being taken.
Responding to pandemic transportation limitations and exploring the true potential of the partnership, all students, staff, and faculty were granted access to unlimited 30-minute rides in the Fall of 2020. Fast forward to the 2023-2024 academic year, which is projected to finish with around 215,000 rides—an 18,870% increase in only five years! This astonishing number is achieved with a vast majority of students being on campus only eight months of the year.
The success of the University bike share partnership has far surpassed any expectation the University of Pittsburgh or POGOH had when it was formed.
For Lucy Klug, a Mobility Specialist for the University of Pittsburgh, the program has come full circle. Klug rode Pittsburgh bike share bikes as an undergraduate student during the University’s pilot and now frequently utilizes POGOH to commute to and from campus as a University employee.
“As a student at Pitt in 2019, I was lucky to be a part of the pilot POGOH program, often riding POGOH bikes to get around campus and with friends to explore and enjoy the city. Since then, I’ve watched the program grow each year—and now, as an employee, I still regularly ride POGOH bikes to commute and run errands while having fun along the way! This partnership with POGOH has enhanced my life for years, and I’m thrilled to be involved in its continued expansion,” Klug said.
The University cites numerous reasons for the program’s success outside of active lifestyles and an environmentally conscious decision-making mindset, but two key reasons are bike availability and the incorporation of electric-assist bikes (e-bikes). POGOH currently has more than 60 stations and over 600 bikes in the Pittsburgh region, with plans to add an additional 53 stations by the end of 2025. Currently, seven of the top ten most utilized POGOH stations are located near the University, allowing for quick access to bikeshare for the University community.
Third-year student Allison O’Neil says, “It’s so convenient. I utilize POGOH for getting to and from class, as well as just generally getting around. I tell my friends ‘I’ll be there shortly. I’ll grab a POGOH bike.’”
The University has also experienced the substantial impact of e-bikes being added to the POGOH system. In the 2023-2024 academic year, over 86% of rides taken by the University community were taken on e-bikes. With the topographical changes on campus and in the region, the availability of e-bikes makes biking an option to get almost anywhere.
Socioeconomic Implications
The rise of biking as a mainstream commuting option in Pittsburgh carries significant socioeconomic implications and shapes patterns of mobility, urban development, and community engagement. At its core, biking represents a democratization of transportation and is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to car-centric lifestyles. For marginalized communities and low-income residents, access to affordable transportation options can be transformative, enabling greater mobility and socioeconomic opportunity.
Furthermore, biking fosters a sense of community and belonging, transcending socioeconomic divides and fostering social cohesion. In Pittsburgh, initiatives, including community bike rides, bike repair workshops, and cycling advocacy groups, have empowered residents to reclaim public space, have active lifestyles, and advocate for safer streets. By prioritizing investments in cycling infrastructure and promoting inclusive participation, policymakers can cultivate more equitable and resilient communities where transportation options are accessible to all.
It Takes A City—And Then Some
The increase in biking needs support from more than just the riders themselves. To create a bike friendly atmosphere in a city, there are numerous entities that need to be involved. David White, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Bike Share, knows better than anyone the intricacies of the success of POGOH bike share and biking in Pittsburgh.
“A trusted 10-year partnership between the City of Pittsburgh and POGOH owner Bike Share Pittsburgh allows the nonprofit to operate and install bike share station equipment in the public rights of way; in many ways, the POGOH bike share system functions as an extension of the City’s mobility goals and policies. Bike Share Pittsburgh also has partnerships in place with public transit provider Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) – and seamless digital integration allows riders to use a single mobile application (Transit App) to locate, route, purchase, and board POGOH bikes, PRT buses, and light rail. Local health insurance and healthcare network Highmark and Allegheny Health Network provide critical title sponsor funding to ensure the long-term success of the POGOH brand,” White said.
When asked about what is driving the resurgence of biking in addition to the riders and the bikes, White added, “Local electric utility Duquesne
Light executed an agreement with the POGOH operators to allow electrical connections from POGOH stations directly to the street light infrastructure. This crucial collaboration creates the hardware foundation to facilitate electric-assist bicycle charging directly at POGOH stations. In Pittsburgh, considering environmental impacts and long-term mobility consequences are not optional; sustainability is baked into every partnership.”
Infrastructure Development
Central to biking’s resurgence in Pittsburgh is the ongoing investment in cycling infrastructure, encompassing bike lanes, shared pathways, bike racks, and bike sharing programs. These infrastructure improvements not only enhance safety and convenience for cyclists but signal a broader commitment to sustainable urban planning and active transportation. By integrating biking into the fabric of the city, planners and policymakers have helped make Pittsburgh a more livable, vibrant, and resilient metropolis.
An example of bike friendly infrastructure development is the creation of dedicated bike lanes along major thoroughfares such as Forbes Avenue, Penn Avenue, and Bigelow Boulevard,
helping connect key destinations and neighborhoods. These protected bike lanes are separate from vehicular traffic and offer cyclists a safe and efficient route to navigate the city, helping reduce the risk of accidents and motor vehicle conflicts.
The Bigelow Boulevard renovation was completed as a partnership between the University and the City of Pittsburgh. In 2023, Bikes For People recognized it as the #3 “Best New U.S. Bike Lanes.” This upgrade incorporated protected bike lanes, raised crosswalks, and covered shuttle stops while still surrounded by green space in the urban area adjacent to the University’s iconic Cathedral of Learning, at the heart of campus.
“The Bigelow Boulevard project, which was initiated and managed by the University of Pittsburgh, serves as an example of how institutions can invest in surrounding communities to the benefit of both,” said Paul Supowitz, Special Assistant for Strategic Initiatives at the University of Pittsburgh.
Cultural Shifts
Beyond infrastructure investments, biking’s resurgence in Pittsburgh reflects broader cultural shifts towards sustainability, health consciousness, and active living. As individuals increasingly
prioritize environmental stewardship and personal well-being, biking emerges as a symbol of empowerment, autonomy, and self-expression. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the city’s scenic trails, cyclists embody a sense of freedom and adventure, redefining notions of mobility and urban citizenship.
Moreover, biking transcends generational divides, appealing to both young professionals seeking alternative lifestyles and older adults embracing newfound passions. In Pittsburgh, cycling cafes, bike-themed events, and urban cycling tours reflect a subculture that celebrates the joy of two wheels.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the future of biking in Pittsburgh appears promising, fueled by continued investments in infrastructure, evolving transportation policies, and shifting consumer preferences. As the city and University strive to achieve its sustainability goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, biking will play an increasingly integral role in shaping the urban landscape and fostering a more equitable and resilient society.
Key priorities for the future include expanding bike-sharing programs, enhancing the connectivity of existing bike lanes, and integrating cycling into broader transportation networks. Additionally, efforts to promote cycling education, advocacy, and awareness will be essential in fostering an even greater bike-friendly culture. By harnessing the current collaborative momentum, technological innovation, and partnerships, Pittsburgh has the opportunity to emerge as a national leader in sustainable transportation and urban mobility.
JONATHAN PEARSON is the Director of Mobility for the University of Pittsburgh. He can be reached at jpearson@bc.pitt. edu
The of public art Parking Plays Its Role
MParking Plays It’s Role
By John W. Hammerschlag
The Impacts of Public Art
By John W. Hammerschlag
ENTION ART, and someone may automatically imagine a quiet museum full of priceless art pieces created by famous artists or perhaps a smaller, private gallery show to promote a new and upcoming artist’s work. But public art has become a rapidly growing priority and requirement for institutions and developers. There are numerous challenges when planning new projects, including how the new addition’s personality integrates with the community’s identity while also establishing an identity of its own. Institutions and developers are continuously finding new ways to make buildings more alluring in the quest to attract prospective tenants and beautify communities. Turning blank concrete walls into colorful murals, adding a public art installation, or choosing a theme that embraces the spirit of the community is becoming an increasingly popular strategy for achieving this goal.
Public art takes on many diverse roles when incorporated into parking structures. Interior art serves as a navigation aid, guiding parking patrons through a confusing network of parking stalls and floors by using themed parking. It also elevates bland, dreary concrete slabs into something much more visually interesting. Externally, public art can be used to foster a sense of civic pride by highlighting the historical or cultural identity of the structure’s location.
Interior Public Art and Wayfinding
After an exhausting day filled with work or entertainment, the primary objective for parking patrons is to locate their car and exit the garage as quickly as possible. Many parking structures facilitate this goal by using themed parking. A parking facility may use a music or theater theme, complete with a singer’s or production’s better-known songs piped through speakers on each floor. Others may use esteemed authors or months of the year. These thematic cues serve as mnemonic devices, allowing parkers to more easily recall that they parked on the “Elvis” or “Robert Frost” level than on an easily forgotten Level 3 or 7.
The Poetry Garage in Chicago, IL, is an innovative facility that pays tribute to a variety of American poets. Captivating displays of each poet’s work in the elevator lobbies and throughout each level provide floor reminders.
Some locations use a combination of interior and exterior design elements to overcome the challenges of the building site. In the late 1980s, General Parking was involved in the design and construction of the South Loop Self Park on a derelict site at the corner of Federal and Van Buren Streets in Chicago. The City of Chicago wanted an attractive streetscape but due to its proximity to the federal Metropolitan Correctional Facility and Chicago Transit Authority elevated train tracks, foot traffic did not justify adding traditional retail stores at street level.
The Poetry Garage | 201 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL COURTESY OF HAMMERSCHLAG & CO., INC.
South Loop Self Park | 318 S. Federal St., Chicago, IL COURTESY OF MARK MCMAHON
With the city’s blessing, local Chicago area artist Mark McMahon was commissioned to create an art wall instead. Consisting of 1,500 tiles depicting lively scenes and famous Chicago landmarks, the installation wraps around the east and south walls of the garage exterior.
Mr. McMahon’s attention to the durability of each tile and architectural protection from the elements has ensured the art wall’s endurance after being exposed to Chicago’s mercurial weather for 34 years.
The theme continues inside the structure. Each floor and elevator lobby are identified by one of the tile scenes depicting Chicago landmarks from the art wall to help daily commuters and visitors locate their cars. The thoughtful integration has made another non-descript parking structure a more vibrant and engaging addition to the community.
When incorporating art into a parking facility’s design, developers must consider complementing the identity of the neighborhood. Chicago’s trendy River North neighborhood is a destination for lovers of art, culture, shopping, dining, and nightlife. The once-neglected area is now an attractive location for developers and residents. When Fifield Companies began development on the NEXT Apartments, a luxury apartment complex, they commissioned several notable graffiti artists to paint a unique mural on each floor, bringing the vibrancy of the neighborhood inside.
Dave Monahan of All American Sign was contracted to incorporate recognizable wayfinding signage that coordinated with the garage’s design aesthetic.
Each floor is meticulously color-coded with primary Pantone colors chosen to complement its mural. Elevator core interiors, exteriors, and columns on each floor were painted to give each floor its own identity. The murals add a hint of edginess to the parking structure, a nod to the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere.
Public Art on a Grand Scale
Community art in architectural design isn’t limited to wayfinding and parking facility interiors. Roaming through any metropolitan community, one might find building walls covered in colorful art that not only display the talents of local and international artists but may also illustrate local history, define a neighborhood’s character, or simply change an otherwise non-descript landscape into something more attractive. Using murals and other installations, institutions and developers can contribute to a neighborhood aesthetic.
A particularly distinctive project is the Museum Garage in the heart of the Miami Design District in Miami, FL. Unveiled in 2018, the garage’s developers brought together five artists to put their mark on the seven-story structure to give it five distinct façades. Spearheaded by Design District developer Craig Robins and Terence Riley of K/R, the project brought together contributions from WORKac (“Ant Farm”), J. Mayer. H. (“XOX [Hugs and Kisses]”), Nicolas Buffe (“Serious Play”), Clavel Arquitectos (“Urban Jam”), and K/R (“Barricades”). This unique fusion of artistic talent transformed the Museum Garage into a multidimensional masterpiece.
The design methodology was based on the surrealist parlor game Exquisite Corpse. In this engaging game, an artist draws on a piece of paper and then folds it, concealing what they drew before giving it to the next guest. The unfolded paper at the end of the game reveals the collective sketches. Much like this game, the artists
NEXT Apartments | 347 W. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL COURTESY OF FIFIELD COMPANIES
NEXT Apartments | 347 W. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL
COURTESY OF FIFIELD COMPANIES
did not collaborate but were each given an area and freedom to unleash their creative vision. The finished works are vastly different yet meld together to create a masterpiece that contributes to the district’s avantgarde personality.
Another example of ambitious design is the Kansas City Public Library Garage. The concept was brought to life when Kansas City added additional parking to its downtown area. In a true sense of community involvement, the city looked to residents for help in making the garage more interesting. Citizens suggested their favorite book titles, and the list was finalized by the Kansas City Public Library Board of Trustees. The final titles—22 in all—were constructed to look like books on a shelf.
The structure is titled “Community Bookshelf.” Each ‘book’ is constructed of signboard mylar over concrete, measuring approximately 25’ high and 9’ wide.
In Evanston, IL, a dramatic mural graces the alleyfacing garage wall at Fifield Companies E2 Apartment at 1890 Maple Avenue. Created by local muralist Thomas
Melvin and titled Eee-tu (What Redwing called to Drake), the mural is an abstract homage to Evanston’s vibrant community and natural beauty, illustrating Lake Michigan, the Grosse Point Lighthouse, the connecting El train to Chicago, and the mural’s namesakes—the redwing blackbird on one end and the drake on the
Museum Garage | 90 NE 41st St., Miami, FL
COURTESY OF DACRA; PHOTO CREDIT: LUIS GOMEZ
Kansas City Public Library Central Branch | Kansas City, MO
COURTESY OF KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE SINCLAIR
other. The vibrant artwork gives a nod to the Evanston community, lending allure to those attending Evanston’s Farmer’s Market from May to November.
The Sinclair, a luxury development led by Fifield Companies, is located at 1201 North LaSalle Street in Chicago, IL. It occupies a high-traffic area with abundant dining, retail, and entertainment venues. The development includes retail and above-grade parking.
Drawing inspiration from neighboring Sandburg Village, The Sinclair honors renowned author Upton Sinclair. Sandburg Village, a bold 1960s urban renewal project, once consisted of individual buildings named for celebrated American authors, such as Emily
Dickinson, James Joyce, and William Faulkner. The Sinclair extends this theme by seamlessly incorporating a continuation of the neighborhood’s literary roots with the addition of a mural depicting five notable writers—Earnest Hemmingway, James Baldwin, Upton Sinclair, Betty Smith, and Ayn Rand. Created by native Chicago muralist Jeff Zimmerman, the mural adds a lively diversion to an otherwise dull backdrop of the parking garage.
Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies just north of Denver, Loveland, CO, has been an artistic haven since the 1970s. Known as the “Gateway to the Rockies,” Loveland shows off its artistic heritage with over 200 sculpture installations throughout town, two sculpture parks, and several major annual art shows. Loveland also boasts two of the continent’s largest foundries.
The garage—free to the public—serves a mixeduse development that includes residential, retail, restaurants, a hotel, and a five-screen luxury theater. And with Loveland’s affinity for the arts, it’s no wonder a glorious mural graces the exterior of the facility.
The City of Loveland enlisted the talents of international muralist DAAS to create the mural entitled “My Favorite Things.” The vibrant mural covers two of the garage’s exterior walls and pays homage to the region’s majestic topography and the 30 heart sculptures scattered about the city.
This addition to the Loveland cityscape has transformed an ordinary space into a public art
E2 Apartments | 1890 Maple Ave, Evanston, IL COURTESY OF FIFIELD COMPANIES
The Sinclair | 1201 North LaSalle St., Chicago, IL COURTESY OF FIFIELD COMPANIES
masterpiece that matches the cultural identity of the city and is another example of the positive impact public art can have on structured parking facilities.
Driving through older American cities and towns, one might notice “ghost murals”—large pieces painted decades ago and faded by the relentless forces of elements and time. One such mural graces the exterior of a building at 312 2nd Street SW overlooking Gas Lot, one
of the Roanoke surface lots owned by a Hammerschlag-sponsored venture and now operated by Premium Parking.
Created in 1979, this vintage art piece is based on the 1975 pastel “Accentuated Forms in Space,” painted by acclaimed Roanoke artist Dorothy Gillespie. The 50’ X 50’ mural is one of only two created from Ms. Gillespie’s work and was the result of a collaboration between the local art community and the artist. Over time, the mural lost its vibrancy, and area residents began expressing interest in its restoration. Support from local community groups enabled the restoration of the original mural in Spring 2023 by local artists Jack Fralin and Dana James of Best Bet Arts & Media. On May 15, 2023, the mural was rededicated, renewing a significant contribution to the city’s vibrant art community back to life.
Public Art Funding
Some communities, like Evanston, IL, embrace the idea that public art unites communities and enhances
The Loveland Foundry Parking Structure | 255 E. 2nd St., Loveland, CO
“Accentuated Forms in Space” | 312 2nd St. SW, Roanoke, VA COURTESY OF METROPOLIS PARKING
the city’s beauty while fostering a sense of inclusion. To this end, the city passed an ordinance in 1991 that states any new city building must set aside part of the cost for artwork, generally 1% of the total cost of the building. Following an extensive review of artists, the city selects a finalist to bring their creations to life. Communities adopting this method of funding public art promote their economy by attracting visitors, investors, and businesses. Thanks to this ordinance and Evanston’s general appreciation for art, public art installations will continue to have a positive impact on the community for years to come.
Two such installations are “The Encounter” and “Search and Effect.” “The Encounter,” a sculpture by internationally known artist Hubertus von der Goltz, was installed in December 2009. Two figures balanced on a steel beam high above the street at 1800 Maple Self Park in Evanston, Illinois, appear to be edging toward one another. The sculpture symbolizes people coming together, much like citizens and visitors of Evanston will meet each other around town.
A few blocks away, the Sherman Plaza Self Park has incorporated lights in the elevator lobbies to illuminate
large icons fixed on the outward-facing windows, bringing to mind a searching spotlight beam. The spotlights also cast shadows from individuals in the lobbies onto the icons, establishing a human presence. On the street below, inscriptions titled “Silhouette+Shadow” are illuminated by the lights from the descending elevators. People passing by can view the phrases, which might evoke the effects ideation and creation have upon society. Created by the Chicago based artistic team of Krivanek+Breaux/Art+Design LLC, the multimedia piece known as “Search & Effect” was installed in 2014. Public art actively contributes to the well-being of a community while enriching the overall quality of life for residents and visitors. A parking garage may be a practical necessity, but with planning and creativity, it can be elevated to match the energy of the surrounding environment. ◆
JOHN HAMMERSCHLAG is President of Hammerschlag & Co., Inc. and is a member of IPMI’s Planning, Design, and Construction Committee. He can be reached at john@hammerschlagparking.com
“Search & Effect” | 821 Davis St., Evanston, IL COURTESY OF KRIVANEK + BREAUX | ART + DESIGN, LLC
“Silhouette + Shadow” | 821 Davis St., Evanston, IL COURTESY OF KRIVANEK + BREAUX | ART + DESIGN, LLC
“The Encounter” | 1800 Maple Ave., Evanston, IL COURTESY OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON
IPMI’s In-House Training & Development Team brings best-of-class education directly to you, where and how you need it.
IPMI Training & Development Team
Matt Penney, CAPP, Director of Parking & Transportation Services, Baylor University Training & Development Specialist, IPMI For more information or to book your organization’s training session now, email Cindy Campbell at campbell@parking-mobility.org.
Celebrating Industry Leaders
THE CAPP CERTIFICATION is recognized worldwide as the leading credential in parking and mobility. It is an extraordinary accomplishment for a professional in our industry to achieve this level of distinction. CAPP professionals represent the best that parking and mobility have to offer, leading with innovation, professionalism, and expertise and working to advance the profession. By successfully obtaining their CAPP credential, they have demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and experience, setting them apart from their counterparts.
Let’s celebrate these extraordinary parking and mobility professionals!
Many of the newest CAPPs were recognized on stage at the #IPMI2024 Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo in Columbus, OH, in June 2024, and we are pleased to present them here. Please join us in congratulating them!
Jeri Baker
Executive Account Manager
T2 Systems, a Verra Mobility Company
Zachary T. Boyd
Account Manager
T2 Systems
Linda Braak
Director, Customer Care & Planning
University of California Davis
Katherine M. Campbell
Interim Director of Transportation & Parking Services
Old Dominion University
Bryce M. Council
Director of Operations
University of California, Davis
Jodi Hart
Chief Financial Officer
Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh
Jane Duong Davaransky
Transportation Operations
Business Manager
Meta
Dulce Gomez
Assistant Parking Manager
City of Pasadena | Department of Transportation
Kevin Guilbault IT Manager
Princeton University
Broxton J. Harvey
Parking Division GM City of Sarasota, FL
Gina L. Hurny
Assistant Director, Parking Services
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Kristi Irwin
Manager, Contract Bussing, Transportation Business Unit
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Maggie Japinoski
Senior Parking Administrator City of Durham, NC
Jon Keanini
Parking Planning Assistant
Parking and Transportation Services, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Donna M. King
Parking Program Manager City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Jeremy Moon
Business Manager
Cardinal Tracking
Katerina V. Moreland
Senior Associate Director
Clemson University
Leo Pelle
Parking Enforcement Supervisor
City of Boulder, CO
Ralph Pichardo
Regional Manager
SP+ Parking
Scott D. Silsdorf
Director of Parking University of Virginia
Christopher “Mac” Stevens
Director of Operations
LAZ Parking, LTD
William Gregory Vedrin II
Parking Manager
California Polytechnic State University
Matthew Whitten
General Manager
LAZ Parking, LTD
IPMI Events Calendar
2024
AUGUST
AUGUST 5 - SEPTEMBER 9
Call for Presentations
Submit proposals for presentations for #IPMI2025.
AUGUST 14
Free Virtual Frontline Training Amplify Company Culture & Employee Engagement with Organizational Rounding
AUGUST 22
Free Member Chat Awards
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 5
Free IPMI Municipal Member Roundtable
Virtual Roundtable limited to municipal/ city members.
SEPTEMBER 10–OCTOBER 18
Call for Awards
Nominate projects, organizations, and professionals for Awards of Excellence and Professional Recognition Awards.
SEPTEMBER 11
IPMI Webinar
IPMI Planning, Design & Construction Committee
Planning, Design, and Construction Concerns for Modern Parking & Mobility Sponsored by Passport
SEPTEMBER 19
Free Member Chat New Members
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 3
Free IPMI Higher Education Member Roundtable
Virtual Roundtable limited to higher education members.
OCTOBER 9
Free Virtual Frontline Training Don’t call us Meter Maids!
