Successful Strategies for Implementing, Measuring, and Reporting Green Initiatives by Tammy
Temple
The Key to Low Emission Zones
Forward-Thinking Policies and GPS
Tracking by Eliot Mueting 38 Rethinking Urban Mobility
By John W. Nolan, PTMP, MCM
42 The Parking Ecosystem
Transforming Unused Municipal Space through Collaboration
By
Susan Cole and Carmen Miranda
S USTAINABILITY HAS TAKEN ON a whole new meaning for me this month.
The dictionary has two definitions of sustainability, and both resonate as we enter April, which focuses on sustainable parking, transportation, and mobility:
1. The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
2. Avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance.
Let’s take these one at a time.
After much due diligence and research, we discovered that IPMI’s industry-leading credential, CAPP, was no longer meeting our standard for sustainability as defined in #1 above. The industry and the position of the parking, transportation, and mobility professional have evolved in extraordinary ways, and the Certified Administrator of Public Parking nomenclature no longer encapsulates the new face of the profession. So, to maintain the sustainability of the credentials, IPMI has transformed CAPP into the Parking, Transportation & Mobility Professional TM , or PTMPTM , certification. This transformation locks the credential in as a sustainable resource for our industry, highlighting the extraordinary ability and knowledge of those certified. We are proud of the work of IPMI’s professional development team, both those on staff and those who volunteer, to usher in the new chapter of our certification program.
Now, let’s look at #2—a more traditional approach to green thinking. This issue of Parking & Mobility looks at the sustainability subject through several lenses. From creating and executing a sustainable business action plan to serving the environment with low-emission zones, reusing underutilized space to improve operations, and overall urban mobility plans, we have covered the topic from several non-traditional lenses to get you thinking. We touch on AI and its role in the environmental impact of parking, and smart parking design that can future-proof the environment—and that’s just a few of our fantastic content pieces this month.
How can you and your organization work toward a more sustainable future for our industry, in both definitions? We hope you find some food for thought and that the content included starts some crucial conversations around your table.
As always, thank you for spending some time with us! Please share your thoughts with us, and let’s keep the conversation going.
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
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Balancing Innovation and Human Connection
The True Purpose of Technology
By JC Porter, PTMP
IN THE RAPIDLY EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
OF TECHNOLOGY, it is crucial to emphasize that at its core, technology exists to enhance human experiences and address the myriad needs of individuals within society. The implementation of technological tools should not be regarded as an end unto itself; instead, it should be seen as a way improve processes, elevate customer service, and forge pathways for innovation and growth that ultimately benefit society at large.
For example, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the realm of customer service, where chatbots can efficiently provide rapid responses to straightforward inquiries, thereby freeing human representatives to tackle more intricate challenges that require critical thinking and emotional intelligence. However, these automated systems often fall short when addressing nuanced or complex issues that demand the depth of human insight and empathy—an unsettling reality that is starkly evident in sectors such as parking and transportation, where human judgment can significantly impact customer satisfaction.
Even as society trends increasingly toward digital communication and automated services, instances arise that call for in-person interactions. For instance, when a university student stands on the cusp of their academic journey, navigating the anxiety of
finding their first class on campus, they undoubtedly benefit from the reassurance of a knowledgeable ambassador, easily identified by an Ask Me! slogan on their shirt. This human connection provides not only factual guidance but also emotional support during a potentially overwhelming experience. Similarly, during emergencies, such as power outages or building evacuations, the guidance offered by a human presence at entrance and exit points becomes irreplaceable. These individuals can assess situations, provide real-time information, and offer compassion,
The human touch is an irreplaceable element that fosters connection, understanding, and support in an increasingly automated world. It is the synthesis of human insight and technological capability that will drive true progress—not a blind pursuit of innovation for its own sake, but a thoughtful application of technology that enhances, rather than diminishes, the human experience. As we look to the future, it is essential to maintain balance: harnessing the power of technology while cherishing and cultivating the essential human connections that enrich our lives. ◆
MEASURING YOUR BUSINESS PROGRESS is good business. But are you measuring the right things with the right intentions?
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are critical measures to let business leaders know how their efforts are paying off and if there are any bumps ahead. Consider KPIs the crystal ball into your healthy business. However, KPIs have confused business leaders for a long time because while they are metrics, not every metric is a KPI.
How do you know which metric is the correct KPI for your business? And what do you do with them?
In the parking and mobility industry, you are flooded with data. KPIs are the key data points indicating whether your business is on track for your long-term goals. If they aren’t on track, then you need to be able to pinpoint specific business tactics that will help get them back on track.
For example, you may have a KPI that reads, “Year-over-year revenue growth will be above 15%.”
As you track your revenue growth throughout the year and notice it dips below that 15% goal, you can implement tactics to get it back on track. For example, you can optimize pricing in high-demand locations or time slots and/or develop a corporate or monthly subscription package.
KPIs are not just about revenue; they are meant to help you see the performance of your business. Due to inefficient internal processes, companies tend to lose 20% of their revenue. Knowing this, you can create KPIs to improve your internal processes.
Let’s say you have a KPI to reduce maintenance cost per space by 20%. Some tactics your company may implement would be:
● Develop a systematic inspection routine to catch issues before they become costly repairs.
● Provide targeted training on early problem detection.
● Identify the top maintenance expenses and create specific reduction plans.
Where do you start in identifying your company’s KPIs? You begin with strategic planning. Strategic planning does not have to occur once a year or at a specific time on the calendar. If you want to grow your business, keep it efficient, and make it profitable, strategic planning should be your leadership’s top priority. Their next priority should be implementing the plan. KPIs help everyone in the company (not just leadership) understand how the business performs on that strategic plan.
If a KPI requires more than two sentences to explain, it is not a great KPI. You want every team member to know that what they do in the back office, front office,
and out in the field impacts the company’s performance. KPIs should be shared on a company-wide accessible dashboard, and their progress toward the goal should be overcommunicated. Having each team member know how they are impacting KPIs makes strong companies successful. It builds autonomy, accountability, and ownership in each role at the company.
Did you know you can use AI to help build a great KPI? Use this prompt in your AI platform of choice.
“I need to create a key performance indicator for my parking and mobility company that will improve our [metric] (specific metric based on strategic planning conversation). I want to be able to implement simple and realistic tactics within the next [#] months that will help us achieve the KPI, too. Can you give me a key performance indicator and the tactics to get my company going in the right direction?”
On average, companies should aim to have 3 to 10 KPIs for the business. As you get more experience with KPIs, you will notice that the number your company creates may decrease as you become more comfortable with combining various pieces of the organization into KPIs. KPIs do not measure silos or
departments. Siloed measurements would be simply metrics. KPIs are a bigger picture and broader reach for the company. Metrics are essential to track within each business unit. Your Director of Operations may not care about marketing’s email click-through rate, for example, because that specific metric does not reflect the health of the business long term. It simply reflects the health of that one email or is a contributing factor to a marketing campaign’s success.
Once you have your KPIs in place, prepare to communicate them to the whole organization. Again, KPIs are a team effort, and everyone should be aware of what the company is trying to accomplish. When everyone is moving in the same direction, it is not just a byproduct of a good business. It is the making of a solid foundation for a highly successful company. ◆
JULIE HUVAL, FSMPS, CPSM , is the Owner of Marketing Operations Advisor. She can be reached at julie@marketingopsadvisor.com
AI in Parking
A Green Path Forward for U.S. Sustainable Infrastructure and Urban Mobility
by Rignesh Soni
IN PURSUING A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, parking and mobility are pivotal areas where innovative technologies can drive significant environmental and social benefits.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), with its unparalleled data processing and decision-making capacity, is at the forefront of transforming these domains. As we explore how AI can redefine parking systems and urban mobility, we uncover a roadmap toward a greener, more efficient, and resilient infrastructure for the United States.
The Environmental Impact of Parking
Traditional parking systems have long been associated with inefficiencies that exacerbate urban congestion and emissions. Circling vehicles searching for parking contribute to up to 30% of city traffic, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
AI-driven parking solutions present a transformative opportunity to address these challenges by optimizing space utilization and traffic flows.
How AI is Revolutionizing Parking Management
AI-powered parking systems leverage real-time data and advanced analytics to streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Here are some key applications:
1. Dynamic Pricing Models: AI analyzes demand patterns, enabling parking operators to implement variable pricing strategies. This approach encourages turnover and reduces congestion during peak hours.
2. Generative AI for Parking Layouts: Generative AI models can design optimized parking layouts, ensuring maximum space utilization while maintaining safety and accessibility standards.
3. Demand Forecasting: AI enables accurate demand forecasting by analyzing historical data and external factors such as weather and events. This allows operators to proactively manage capacity and reduce bottlenecks.
4. Agentic AI for Personalized Experiences: Agentic AI enhances customer experience by offering tailored recommendations, such as nearby parking spots, real-time updates, and integrated mobility options, improving overall satisfaction.
5. Blockchain Integration for Transparency: Incorporating Blockchain technology ensures secure and transparent payment processing, real-time data sharing, and verifiable records for parking transactions and compliance.
AI’s Role in Urban Mobility
Beyond parking, AI fosters a holistic approach to urban mobility by integrating multimodal transportation systems. For example:
● Curbside Management: AI-driven platforms optimize curb usage for ride-hailing, last-mile delivery, and public transit, balancing urban spaces’ competing demands.
● Traffic Flow Optimization: AI algorithms analyze traffic patterns to provide real-time recommendations, ensuring smoother transit and reducing bottlenecks.
● Public Transit Integration: AI enables seamless connections between parking facilities and public transportation, encouraging multimodal journeys that are both convenient and eco-friendly.
Sustainability and Smart Cities
AI-powered parking systems align closely with the goals of smart cities. These solutions support
AI-powered parking systems leverage real-time data and advanced analytics to streamline operations and enhance user experiences.
sustainability initiatives outlined in federal programs like the SMART Grants Program by reducing urban congestion and optimizing energy consumption. Furthermore, they contribute to the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by modernizing transportation networks and fostering economic growth.
Blockchain technology complements these efforts by enhancing data security and fostering trust among stakeholders, which is critical for adopting integrated systems.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While the potential for AI in parking and mobility is immense, challenges remain. Key hurdles include data privacy, system interoperability, and initial infrastructure costs. However, public-private partnerships and government initiatives, such as the NIST Smart Cities Framework, can help overcome these obstacles.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of urbanization and climate change, AI is a beacon of innovation, offering scalable solutions for parking and mobility challenges. By incorporating Generative AI, Demand Forecasting, Agentic AI, and Blockchain technologies, we can create parking systems and urban mobility networks that not only meet the needs of today but also ensure a sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.
Let’s envision a world where parking contributes to a greener planet and mobility fosters connectivity without compromise. With AI leading the charge, this vision is well within reach. ◆
RIGNESH SONI is the Director of Strategic Development for SP+, A Metropolis Company, and a member of the IPMI Sustainable Mobility Task Force. He can be reached at rsoni@spplus.com
Goals or Systems?
by Matt Penney, PTMP
LET ME SET THE SCENE: The spacious locker room had a different feeling that afternoon. Coach had called a team meeting, and I sat among the 30 or so teenage teammates waiting for his appearance from the office. As he took to the whiteboard, it could have been a scene from a Hoosiers-like underdog sports move. After a few words, he gave us our objective: we were there to set our team goals for the upcoming year.
Comments didn’t come quickly; the group was clearly hesitant to speak. Last season, our team finished 1-9, winning one game and losing nine…some badly. Slowly, a couple of brave souls broke the silence.
“To score in every game.” Not a bad start. Coach wrote the goal on the whiteboard.
“To keep at least one opponent scoreless.” Coach scribbled the second goal next to the first.
Hesitancy started to wane, and suggestions began to flow.
As the board started to fill up, energy caught in the small group—a Texas High School Football revival of sorts…
“District Champs!” an excited voice quickly proclaimed for the back.
“Undefeated!” another voice followed.
A few seconds later: “State Champs!” a player closest to Coach blurted out.
Goals are fun! It is exciting to think about possibilities. Our team would finish 3-7 that season. Three wins are better than one win. We were markedly improved, but it didn’t have anything to do with the goals written on that whiteboard. It had more to do with the long-term, systematic improvements we made to the program to help us achieve those goals.
Sustainability Goals Versus Sustainability Programs
As you consider sustainability programs and the frontline, I suggest focusing on systems instead of goals. If you think this is a radical, potentially heretical concept, I understand your viewpoint. I used to believe that goals were the ultimate tool of successful people and operations. Today, I think most long-term success is built on systems - simple habits repeated over time.
James Clear’s book Atomic Habits is an excellent systemsoriented book. In one specific chapter, Clear discusses the negative side of goal setting. I didn’t think the words negative and goal setting could be used in the same sentence. Then, providing an example we are all familiar with—New Year’s resolutions—Clear outlines his point.
As we are aware, most New Year’s resolutions are not successful. An individual determines a certain number of pounds they would like to lose by the same time next year and sets their New Year’s resolution. While the weight loss is achievable, the focus is already skewed. Weight loss is a lag measure – a cure for the symptom, not the root cause. A better focus would be on a lead measure you can control, such as the number of daily steps you take. Setting a system in place that focuses on getting those steps in regularly and consistently.
It was Clear’s deconstruction of successfully achieved goals that was more surprising. An individual sets out to run a 5K. They find a local race, set a date, and start hitting the pavement for daily jogs. Slowly, over a three-month period, they build their endurance, staying faithful to a simple training regimen. Race day comes, and they successfully complete their goal!
Now what? Successful achievers are now faced with a listless situation. Is it their goal now to run a second 5K? Or do they try for a 10K? Do they take a break, let their body recover, and celebrate their victory? At some point, a surprising number of achievers come face to face with this dilemma. Running the 5K successfully wasn’t a byproduct of lifestyle change; the race was the focus, and now it’s in the past. But were systems put in place to make the positive steps towards achieving the goal a regular
part of an active lifestyle, or were these steps just a means to a short-term end?
Resolutions, whether successful or unsuccessful, don’t lead to transformation directly. 365 days later, the individuals probably have the same aspirations and might be able to use the same resolution next year, but do they lead to permanent change?
Atomic Habits provides several helpful suggestions and business examples of structures that help systems change.
● Understanding where you are starting your journey and setting keystone habits with underlying power.
● Setting up an environment that makes desired habits easier and undesired habits harder.
● Enjoy the successes and confidence-building emotions of small wins.
Becoming a more sustainable operation can be a daunting prospect, and setting a long list of sustainability goals may get you some short-term gain. Instead, consider setting up sustainable systems that are designed to make a long-term impact, and transform your organization in a permanent, maintainable way.
While simple systems don’t grab the headlines like audacious goals, they lead to transformation. Long-term success is built on simple habits repeated over time. The key is the ability to look back a year later and be a more sustainable operation than you were a year ago, then use the same systems to be better the next year. The ultimate goal: transformation ◆
MATT PENNEY, PTMP , is the Director of Parking & Transportation Services for Baylor University and a member of the IPMI On-Site Training team. He can be reached at matt_penney@baylor.edu
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Smart Parking Design To Future-Proof Our Environment
by Lia Reyes
SUSTAINABLE PARKING AND MOBILITY are both highly regarded subjects in the world of parking development and operations. The benefits of a well-thought-out parking solution for your development are critical for long-term feasibility and smooth application of future transportation and transit developments in the parking area. Innovative parking solutions, customized parking demand, comprehensive connectivity with parking placement, closing gaps that connect placement, and the implementation of technology solutions are all applicable in the pursuit of a sustainable parking design and a robust parking operation.
Master Planning
The first step to developing sustainable parking and mobility is to begin with the overall master plan. This will include the incorporation of scientific and customized shared parking calculations, transit options, parking functional and operational design, placement, connectivity, and smart technology.
Shared Parking
The approach to shared parking is not simple; some still make the mistake of overly simplifying these calculations, not taking into consideration the realistic approach to the type of parking operations or connections to parking. Peak and off-peak parking demands can complicate the calculation if the operational factors are not taken into consideration. This fundamental step in developing the sustainable design plan can lead to inadequate or too many spaces and not implementing the most effective parking solutions. Tailored allocation planning offers the ability to efficiently use the spaces, maximizing turnover and functionality, thus reducing unnecessary infrastructure and costly parking spaces.
Multimodal Options
Supplemental transportation options, such as rail and bus systems, play a large role in sustainable mobility solutions for local and regional riders to commute to work and events. Ride-share offers some solutions when there is a lack of mass transit options. Proper
planning for the right of way is critical to allow for future transit design with the scaling capability for a given future large event or development area such as arenas or convention centers.
Internal & External
Some innovative and sustainable elements to sustainable parking and mobility include both external and internal solutions.
The external factors include drop-off, pickups, traffic lane queuing and turning spaces, valet queuing, shuttle bus and TNC curb space, permeable pavements for surface lots for water run-offs, and adequately marked curb areas for seamless use of the ever-growing autonomous technology. Landscaping and lighting play a role in sustainability by ensuring the types of vegetation planted require minimal or no water and that the lighting is programmable, minimizing unnecessary use and long-term costs. Parks or trails that connect parking to different destinations are not only sustainable but also help increase land value in those spaces.
Some internal factors include peak lane designs, operationally effective functionality of traffic flow that minimizes conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians, idle-reducing PARCS equipment, allocation planning that can address not only day-to-day parking requirements but also special events, and smart parking systems with real-time occupancy tracking can reduce traffic congestion as well as emissions
caused by vehicles searching for parking. Forward-thinking parking designs are important for future city innovations as these details reduce the unnecessary circling of vehicles and maximize the durability of the structures around them.
Placement
A comprehensive and thought-out parking placement is critical in designing a well-connected parking solution. Future-proofed design requires a master plan to reserve the right-of-way today to support the growth of a particular development of the targeted area tomorrow. One of the most important factors in this planning process is the strategic location of parking relative to the venue it serves. Parking should be positioned to facilitate efficient traffic flow, ensuring easy entry and exit points that do not negatively interfere with immediate roadway or pedestrian pathways. Proximity to the venue is essential to reducing walking distances while also considering proper drop-off and pick-up zones for ride-sharing and public transit connections. Parking structures can intensify urban aesthetics by blending in with the surrounding environment and placing them in between buildings rather than being a visual obstruction. This offers pedestrians easy access to storefronts from sidewalks rather than through parking spaces, creating a more pleasant experience.
Connectivity
Comprehensive connectivity is an important feature of well-thought-out solutions for a parking development project. Features include but are not limited to well-lit areas, active trail areas, active sidewalk spaces, electric scooter-enabled trails, walking trails, shuttle systems, and effective wayfinding tools. Today’s innovative technology offers automated driverless vehicles, which require new solutions to address the curb demand and safety, resulting in a more sustainable environment.
Offering safe and fun connections for drivers encourages parking at locations further away from their destination, allowing vehicles to park quicker and removing them off the road. These elements boost the use of less favorable land more effectively for the use of parking, allowing developers to maximize land use at prime locations. They promote multi-modal options by integrating designated bike lanes and pedestrian crossings, with seamless connections to public transit hubs. Moreover, incorporating wayfinding systems, smart lighting, and green spaces for a parking area provides a more user-friendly environment. A well-connected parking infrastructure supports urban development goals by improving traffic flow, increasing walkability, and has the potential to foster a more vibrant and sustainable solution.
Smart Technology
Integrating smart technology that utilizes sensors, cameras, and real-time data analytics parking operations is critical for a guest-centric service that communicates the availability of spaces in lots and garages. It provides live updates on available spaces, directing guests to available spaces, thus reducing circling. Mobile apps and digital signage can further enhance the user experience by offering pre-booking options, dynamic pricing based on demand, and navigation assistance for seamless flow. Contactless payment methods and automated ticketing systems streamline the parking process, minimizing wait times and overall convenience. For larger venues, intelligent traffic flow management systems can predict and adapt to peak times.
There are so many design and operational factors in making parking and mobility sustainable to help improve traffic flow, minimize congestion, maximize land use, and provide a healthier environment. These solution samples can help improve the effectiveness of parking for any development worldwide. ◆
LIA REYES is the Managing Director and Sr. Principal Consultant for LVR International, and a member of the IPMI Sustainable Mobility Task Force. She can be reached at lvr@lvrintl.com
Leading a Culture of Agility
While Maintaining Strategic Discipline
By Rick Neubauer
IN AN ERA OF RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, shifting parking and mobility paradigms, and evolving market dynamics, agility has become a necessity for parking organizations of all types. However, striving for agility doesn’t mean abandoning strategic planning; agility must be cultivated with discipline and direction. Undisciplined organizations risk devolving into chaos, with leadership chasing every new opportunity at the expense of long-term strategy. The challenge lies in fostering a culture of agility while ensuring that strategic momentum is not derailed.
Sounds daunting, right? How can organizations remain agile while at the same time adhering to a strategic plan? In fact, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Organizations can operate strategically while remaining nimble enough to respond to changing industry dynamics and unforeseen opportunities. Here’s how to strike that balance and avoid the pitfalls:
Establish a Culture of Communication and Collaboration
Agility thrives in an environment where communication is open, frequent, and crossfunctional. Transparency across departments enables swift responses to market changes and promotes a shared sense of purpose. However, excessive discussion without clear parameters can lead to analysis paralysis, where ideas get stuck in committees without action.
There are several best practices for promoting more effective communication and collaboration, including:
● Fostering a culture where no amount of communication is considered excessive—keep teams aligned through structured stand-ups, crossfunctional meetings, and digital collaboration tools.
● Setting clear responsibilities and timelines for feedback loops. Agile organizations cannot afford indecision, so create a structure where ideas are
evaluated quickly, and decisions are made efficiently.
● Encouraging structured brainstorming sessions that result in actionable next steps rather than endless discussion.
Stay Customer-Centric
Agility should not be confused with pursuing innovation for its own sake. Organizations that pivot frequently without grounding their decisions in customer needs risk losing focus. The best organizations anticipate customer challenges and adapt their strategies accordingly, ensuring that agility is not merely reactionary but purposeful.
Best practices for staying customer-centric include:
● Developing an in-depth understanding of your customer through continuous engagement, surveys, and data analytics.
● Prioritizing initiatives that solve real customer problems rather than innovating just to appear cutting-edge.
● Using customer feedback to refine offerings but avoiding the trap of trying to cater to every niche request. It’s vital to stay aligned with your core objectives.
Hold Steadfast to Long-Term Goals
The ability to pivot intelligently requires organizational leaders to maintain a clear vision while being flexible about the tactics used to achieve that vision.
Organizations that change their overarching goals too frequently lose credibility with stakeholders and erode team confidence.
Best practices for achieving this balance include:
● Establishing long-term goals that serve as the north star for decision-making.
● Allowing flexibility in execution but not in purpose—teams should be able to adapt strategies without losing sight of the endgame.
● Regularly assess market conditions to refine strategies while ensuring they remain aligned with overarching objectives.
Organizations can operate strategically while remaining nimble enough to respond to changing industry dynamics and unforeseen opportunities.
Leverage Tools to Enhance Efficiency
Agility should not translate into inefficiency. Over the past two decades, technology has transformed the parking and mobility industries, and many of the tools that help improve the customer experience also help improve management efficiency. The right tools can help organizations move faster by automating manual tasks, streamlining operations, and providing real-time data for decision-making.
Best practices for leveraging technology include:
● Investing in technologies that facilitate speed and efficiency, such as project management platforms, AI-driven analytics, and automation tools.
● Continuously evaluating new tools to optimize workflows without overwhelming teams with excessive technology transitions.
● Using data-driven decision-making to prioritize initiatives based on real-time insights rather than gut instinct.
Moving Fast, Iterating, and Improving
Perfection is the enemy of progress. Organizations that spend too much time refining a product or strategy before launch risk missing the market window. Instead, adopting an iterative approach allows for real-world testing and continuous refinement.
Best practices for keeping your organization moving include:
● Focusing on launching minimum viable products (MVPs) rather than waiting for perfection.
● Establishing rapid iteration cycles where feedback is incorporated quickly to improve offerings.
● Encouraging a mindset where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback
Small Wins Drive Big Success
Focus on moving tiny needles to move the big needle. Big wins often stem from a series of more minor, incremental achievements. By breaking down larger objectives into attainable milestones, organizations can maintain momentum and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the magnitude of long-term goals.
Best practices for pursuing incremental achievements include:
● Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with overarching goals and track progress on a micro-level.
● Celebrating small victories to keep teams motivated and engaged.
● Continuously assessing and refining smaller initiatives to ensure that they contribute to the broader strategic vision.
Striking A Balance
Leading a culture of agility requires balancing adaptability and strategic discipline. Organizations can pivot intelligently by fostering open communication, staying customer-centric, holding firm to long-term objectives, leveraging technology, moving fast with iterative improvements, and focusing on small wins without losing strategic momentum. Agility should empower, not distract—when executed effectively, it positions organizations to capitalize on opportunities while maintaining a steady course toward success.
RICK NEUBAUER is the Founder and CEO of Umojo. He can be reached at rneubauer@ umojo.com
Authenticity in the Age of Short-Form Content
by Ravali Kosaraju, PE, PTOE
HAVE YOU EVER SAID SOMETHING THAT FELT OUT OF CHARACTER FOR YOU? I know I wake up not wanting to be this person who does that, and as the day progresses, I need more and more reminders, visual or tactile cues, to keep me on course and authentic to who I am.
Posing for a photo or filming a 30-second video is easy to manage because it captures a passing moment of our lives. In a world full of short-form content that only shows a glimpse of a person’s life, it is difficult to be authentic all the time. Staying true to ourselves isn’t always easy in both physical and digital spaces. And unfortunately, online interactions are not always kind. What does authentic mean anyway? “True to one’s own personality, spirit, or character” is the definition from MerriamWebster. What an interesting thought: to be true to oneself!
While authenticity is often defined as being true to oneself, I believe it also means standing up for what you believe in. Now, I am not suggesting that we go around expressing what’s on our mind disregarding social norms and basic etiquette. For instance, I will never tell my mother that her cooking will always be sub-par to her mother’s since I intend to live a somewhat lengthy life. However, if a loved one uses outdated or offensive language, I will respectfully correct them. I will promote kindness and encourage acceptance no matter who it is and where they come from.
I recognize that cultural norms limit people’s understanding of the world around them. But for the most part, we should be able to live and let live. Why? Because life is too short.
Recently, I was asked to be 15 minutes early for an appointment, so I left work early to be there. It turned out that I was not taken in for my appointment until 30 minutes after my scheduled appointment, so I had a total of a 45-minute wait. My reaction was to express my disappointment to the staff and write a bad review on Google (of course). I paused, reflected, and chose a different response instead. I spoke with the receptionist about the cause of the delay and how much longer it would take. I learned that they were unexpectedly shortstaffed, leading to the delay. A simple curious conversation helped me see a perspective I was missing and stopped me from acting on my “out of character” impulses.
So, how do we ensure authenticity in a space that sometimes feels hostile? Next time you see or hear someone you know say or do something unkind online or in person, try talking to them. And if it’s you who had an “out of character” moment, take a second to reflect. You don’t have to correct any actions at the moment; you don’t have to be the better person pointing out
their “wrong.” Ask questions to understand what led them or you to say or do that.
I encourage all of you to take on this challenge. Often, our “out of character” moments aren’t intentional. Many factors can cause them: getting cut off in traffic, taking the blame for a mistake that wasn’t ours, exhaustion from staying up all night with a sick child, and so on. Recognizing this can help us approach situations with more empathy.
Lately, I’ve realized that asking questions is more eyeopening than sharing my opinions on right or wrong. On a few occasions, we both walked away with valuable insights to reflect on! It wasn’t a competition to be right, just mutual inquisitiveness.
Other techniques, like deep breathing and gently tapping on my wrist, work for me when I feel my authenticity slipping away. These tools bring me back to the present and help me respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Why do we need a challenge now? Simply making it through each day can feel like a challenge. Let’s return to the short-form content and consider how it shapes our interactions. A Pew Research Center survey of (10,093 nationally representative) U.S. adults found that 41% of respondents have experienced online harassment, and 25% have experienced more severe harassment. That’s over one in three people and an alarming number.
We can reverse this by challenging ourselves to stand up for our beliefs and be our authentic selves. It is up to us to promote kindness and encourage acceptance no matter who it is.
Can we collectively bring down these percentages, decimal by decimal? ◆
RAVALI KOSARAJU, PE, PTOE , is the Director of Mobility for WGI, Inc., and a member of IPMI’s Allyship & Equity Committee. She can be reached at ravali.kosaraju@wginc.com
The Talent Crunch
by Kathleen Laney
NO, YOU AREN’T IMAGINING IT. It’s true. Hiring is more challenging than ever. Parking and mobility employers are struggling to find and hire workers with the necessary skills and experience. Job openings ranging from frontline operations to technology-focused roles remain open longer than ever. Leadership pipelines are thinning as the youngest baby boomers are coming of retirement age, leaving gaps younger workers have not rushed to fill. Parking is at the crossroads of a real talent crisis.
What’s behind this shortage, and how can we address it?
The Struggle is Real
Parking and mobility organizations face a combination of industry-specific issues and broader workforce trends.
Lack of Industry Awareness
Recruiting top talent is challenging for all organizations these days. Still, when it comes to parking, there is the added hurdle of being an industry largely unknown and misunderstood by outsiders. After all, parking doesn’t exactly sound glamorous. Industry veterans understand parking is a complex sector filled with exciting opportunities. However, by the public, if parking is even thought about as an industry at all, it is primarily viewed as dull and stagnant with few growth prospects. This reputation is one of the reasons it is uncommon for people to pursue a career in parking actively.
An Aging Workforce
The impact of the aging workforce on organizations is a significant concern. Parking has long relied on experienced professionals who have worked up the “corporate ladder” for decades. These employees, often in leadership roles, have developed expertise and built key relationships that are not easily replaceable. As more and more of these employees come to retirement age, companies struggle to find replacements with comparable knowledge and networks.
Compensation and Career Growth Concerns
The perception that parking jobs don’t offer competitive salaries or long-term career advancement does little to help employers’ hiring efforts. Talented individuals are unlikely to commit to an industry where they see limited growth opportunities for professional development or competitive compensation.
How Can Parking Solve Its Talent Challenges?
Despite these challenges, parking isn’t doomed. Organizations that prioritize industry and employer branding, career development, and transparent, competitive compensation create workplaces that attract highly qualified talent. A strategic focus on these initiatives will help make them a top choice for professionals seeking long-term growth.
Parking Isn’t Just Parking
The industry needs to change its perception from “garages and lots” to a sector driven by Smart City technologies, automated parking solutions, and EV infrastructure. Progress has been made in redefining parking’s image but work still needs to be done. Employers should showcase their best success stories, case studies, and trending developments to attract additional skilled professionals to parking organizations.
Sell the Employer Brand
Finding qualified talent in a niche market such as parking has unique challenges. Parking is a small world with a limited pool of potential candidates with the specialized experience and knowledge required for many roles, creating intense competition among
industry employers for top talent. A strong employer brand can play a pivotal role in attracting that talent. Prospective employees want a clear sense of a prospective employer and what they stand for.
Employer branding is not a one-and-done activity. It needs to be an ongoing initiative that tells people why they should want to join an organization. Employers can communicate their brand by highlighting development and training programs, emphasizing industry reputation, and showcasing employee accomplishments.
Developing Clear Career Paths
Many job seekers mistakenly view parking jobs as dead-end roles. Employers need to work to change that. Employers who define clear paths for career progression within their organizations will attract the most driven talent and retain their best employees. Through initiatives such as leadership training, professional development, or mentorship programs, employers can provide their employees with career advancement opportunities, encouraging them to see parking as more than a short-term job.
Offer Transparent, Competitive Compensation
It’s no secret that money talks. Today, job seekers are much more likely to respond to job postings that include compensation information. Despite this trend,
many employers are reluctant to post pay ranges as they fear this will hurt their ability to negotiate—in reality, publicly listed compensation results in less wasted time working with candidates whose pay requirements are not aligned. In some states today, all job postings are legally required to include a pay range. Regardless of whether a salary is listed openly, the pay must be competitive. Regular compensation benchmarking will help employers ensure that pay meets market demands and inflation trends.
From Crisis to Opportunity
The parking industry faces significant hiring challenges. However, these same challenges open new opportunities. Organizations that communicate a strong value proposition, offer career advancement, and provide competitive compensation can more effectively compete as parking continues to move into the future as an innovative industry. Those employers who recognize this opportunity and invest in their workforce strategy won’t just survive the talent crunch; they will come out of it stronger and more competitive than ever.
KATHLEEN LANEY is Founder and Search Consultant with Laney Solutions. She can be reached at kathleen@laneysolutions.com
Texas Parking & Transportation Association
Parking, Pizza, and Playbooks A Winning Roundtable in the Heart of Texas
by Dennis Delaney, PTMP
THE TEXAS PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (TPTA) holds three roundtables and a Summer Summit each year. The roundtables and summits are free to anyone who registers. You do not have to be a member of TPTA; you can be someone in the parking industry who wishes to learn.
Our roundtables consist of a networking event at a local restaurant followed by a full day of sessions. Thanks to our sponsors and members volunteering their space, we offer drinks and dinner at the networking event and breakfast, snacks, and lunch during the programming at no charge.
2025 Winter Roundtable
The Winter Roundtable took place this past January, hosted by Matt Penney, PTMP, Director of Parking at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. I have heard people describe Waco as being the “Heart of Texas,” and we loved the roundtable in Waco!
The networking event was at a local pizza parlor. There is nothing better than getting to know someone over pizza and drinks (Shirley Temples for me, of course!). Many stayed past our end time discussing common parking concerns and issues.
The next morning started with breakfast, and then we
jumped into sessions. Matt selected the Lettermen’s Club inside McLane Stadium for the location, which brought us deep into Baylor’s Athletic history and success. The need to wear green and gold was contagious! Part of the program was a tour of the stadium from the locker room to the highest press box and then finally standing on the turf field and taking our traditional group photo.
Attendees were treated to a unique session with two local state championship high school football coaches discussing their lives as winning coaches that ran parallel to our lives in the parking industry. They showed parallels where when we win or do something people think is right, they love us, but if we lose or do something wrong, they hate us. It was one of the best sessions at a roundtable I have ever attended! Thank you to Matt Penney for providing us with this intriguing and interactive discussion. I hope it is something that all my peers at IPMI get to experience! (Editor’s Note: We will work on that Dennis!)
Future Events
TPTA Roundtables offer quite a bit of actionable content for no charge to industry professionals! You can also join us for the TPTA Annual Conference and Expo in Galveston, Texas, April 21 to April 24, 2025. We have fantastic content that we know people will enjoy. Hopefully, they will attend the sessions and resist going out on the beach just outside of the hotel until the breaks! ◆
DENNIS DELANEY, PTMP , is the Assistant Director-Parking at the University of Texas at Austin, president of the Texas Parking & Transportation Association, and a member of the IPMI State & Regional Committee. He can be reached at ddelaney@austin.utexas.edu
EXPERTS ASK THE
Which parking and mobility innovations are promoting a more sustainable future?
The parking and mobility industry plays a fundamental role in driving sustainability in transportation. Which parking and mobility innovations are promoting a greener, more sustainable future?
Scott Petri President Mobility Parking Advisors, LLC
Technology that reduces congestion and congestion-related violations, such as double parking, reduces greenhouse gases and gasoline consumption. Enforcement of loading zones to create turnover reduces the time delivery companies spend searching for available loading spaces. The projections for vast increases in e-commerce will require new technologies and vigilant automated enforcement.”
Brian Shaw, PTMP Practice Builder
Kimley-Horn
Parking guidance systems are allowing drivers to find parking faster and reduce circling to find both on and off-street parking. Also, the electrification of public transportation is reducing emissions while transporting people more efficiently.”
Leo Pelle, PTMP
Parking
Enforcement Supervisor
City of Boulder. CO
Multimodal parking hubs, cutting-edge innovations in parking sensors, AI camera technology, and realtime accurate car counting systems are revolutionizing the parking landscape and promoting sustainability. These advancements provide drivers with sustainable mobility options and parking data, thus reducing the need for visitors to search for available parking and, thereby, minimizing congestion and emissions. However, it’s important to note that parking enforcement plays a crucial role by ensuring the availability of temporary loading zones and promoting timely turnover in parking spaces, which are strategies that are essential for optimizing urban mobility in high-demand areas.”
Katherine Beatty Executive Vice President of Customer Experience TEZ Technology
The parking industry is making big strides in sustainability by using AI-driven pricing to reduce congestion and emissions while making parking more efficient. On top of that, frictionless, ticketless systems cut down on waste and integrate with EV charging, micro-mobility, and public transit to support greener transportation options.”
HAVE A QUESTION? Send it to editor@parking-mobility.org and watch this space for answers from the experts.
Benito Perez, CAPP
Policy Director
Transportation for America
As the late Don Shoup demonstrated through his research, circling for parking contributes to a third of congestion in communities, which means emissions, roadway safety issues, and other adverse outcomes on people and transportation systems. Policy approaches (i.e. pricing or use restrictions) and supportive technology that advance a more dynamic management of parking assets will lead to managing that circling for parking and nudge people to consider other mobility solutions to get to their destination.”
Cameron Lang Sales Manager US HotSpot Parking, a Product of Arcadis
In terms of mobility, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) have made the biggest impact on minimizing emissions. Using solar power to charge the EVs furthers the sustainability of this approach. For parking, creating more green spaces and utilizing permeable pavements will allow the physical lots to be managed longer, provide more shade, and improve air quality. Combining these solutions will help the world of parking and mobility look very similar in the current use of cars and parking lots but promote a greener environment.”
Nick Mazzenga, PE
Parking Technology Consultant
Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.
Just as traffic signal re-timing improves the flow of vehicles through intersections, parking guidance systems (PGS) enhance transportation efficiency by reducing the time spent searching for parking. This not only has the opportunity to cut vehicle emissions and congestion but also promotes a greener and more sustainable future in mobility.”
Matt Brooker Vice President of Sales Automotus
Addressing loading issues presents a major opportunity to advance sustainability by reducing congestion, idling, and circling. Cities like Pittsburgh, which have implemented smart loading zones, have cut emissions by roughly 30 metric tons per zone annually. Some cities are also exploring zero-emission delivery zones or incentives like discounted loading for clean vehicles.”
Regina
Clewlow CEO & Founder Populus
Dynamic curb management and digital permitting are transforming how cities allocate space for sustainable transportation. By leveraging data and AI, cities can prioritize EV charging, micromobility, and transit access—reducing congestion and emissions.”
Melonie Curry Senior
Staff Analyst
City of Houston, Texas (ParkHouston)
The change from meters and street hardware to digital payments allows operators to be more responsive in their curbside parking management and utilize innovative approaches such as dynamic pricing.”
Creating Action Plans SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
by Tammy Temple
Successful Strategies for Implementing, Measuring, and Reporting Green Initiatives
ACROSS NEARLY EVERY INDUSTRY TODAY, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword or “feel good” concept—it has transformed into an essential component of responsible business practices. Professional industries across the spectrum have dedicated some portion of their mission, vision, daily operations, and budget to a greater focus on environmental responsibility and how they can play even a small role in helping make the earth greener, cleaner, and healthier.
Corporate sustainability strategies have evolved from simply creating a “green” strategy or statement to establishing entire Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs. This is necessitated to reduce their environmental impacts, enhance brand reputation, attract top talent, and meet the expectations of employees, management, stakeholders, investors, and customers. However, building an effective ESG program requires more than just good intentions; it demands a structured, strategic approach.
Organizations in the parking, transportation, and mobility industry have endless opportunities to implement direct and impactful ESG initiatives. Our industry touches upon many key elements that lend themselves to enhancing sustainability including energy use, building construction,
waste management, alternative vehicle use and vehicle emissions, and much more.
Our industry’s organizations have an incredible opportunity to implement real change. Many have already made that commitment. This article serves as a roadmap for companies looking to develop and implement a scalable ESG program appropriate for their services and solutions, and that delivers measurable results.
What is ESG?
ESG criteria serve as a foundation for sustainable corporate practices. The three pillars guide businesses in making decisions that minimize environmental impact, foster social responsibility, and
maintain ethical governance. While ESG originated as a framework for investors to assess corporate sustainability, it has since evolved into a best-practice model for companies looking to future-proof their operations and create and implement greener practices.
Why Does ESG Matter?
Fundamentally, ESG is a framework that helps organizations assess and improve their environmental and social impact while maintaining strong governance practices. The environmental component focuses on sustainability initiatives like reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources, and minimizing waste. The social aspect involves corporate responsibility towards employees, customers, and communities, including diversity initiatives and fair labor practices. Finally, governance ensures transparency, ethical business practices, and regulatory compliance.
Organizations in the parking, transportation, and mobility space encompass not just private (or publicly traded) for-profit businesses like operators, consultants, and solution providers but
also universities, municipalities, transit agencies, healthcare institutions, airports, private developers, and more. For an industry that embodies such an extensive range of concentrations, ESG is not focused solely on corporate responsibility but also dedicated to identifying and implementing strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and future-proof the organization. A firm ESG policy or strategy can lead to a reduction of energy and more sustainable parking and transportation initiatives as well as lower energy expenses, increased customer loyalty, and new revenue streams through green technology adoption.
Role of Corporate ESG Strategies
ESG adoption is more than just an ethical prerogative for organizations—it drives tangible business benefits. Companies that implement ESG strategies effectively can:
● Improve operational efficiency and reduce costs through energy conservation and waste management.
● Enhance brand reputation and attract sustainabilityconscious customers.
A firm ESG policy or strategy can lead to a reduction of energy and more sustainable parking and transportation initiatives as well as lower energy expenses, increased customer loyalty, and new revenue streams through green technology adoption.
● Gain access to ESG-focused investment funds and grants.
● Mitigate regulatory and legal risks by proactively adhering to environmental laws.
● Improve employee morale and retention by fostering a value-driven workplace.
Community Impacts
The impact of ESG initiatives extends beyond corporate boundaries. By integrating sustainable practices, businesses contribute to healthier, more resilient communities. These efforts:
● Reduce pollution and carbon emissions, improving air and water quality.
● Promote alternative transportation options, reducing congestion and lowering fuel consumption.
● Support local economies by prioritizing partnerships with ethical vendors.
● Encourage corporate social responsibility through community engagement and philanthropy.
Building a Corporate ESG Roadmap
A well-defined ESG roadmap is essential for guiding companies through
sustainability implementation. The following steps provide a structured approach to building a successful ESG program:
1. Engage with Industry Experts: Organizations should begin by consulting sustainability professionals specializing in their sector. These experts can offer insights into best practices, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends.
2. Conduct a Benchmark Assessment: Before launching an ESG initiative, companies must assess their current sustainability performance. This involves:
● Measuring carbon footprint and energy consumption.
● Evaluating waste management and recycling efforts.
● Identifying existing sustainability policies and gaps.
● Understanding stakeholder expectations.
3. Define ESG Priorities and Goals: Leadership engagement is crucial in setting ESG priorities and understanding short-term and long-
Broader initiatives like transitioning to a carbon-neutral fleet or investing in solar energy, completing a greenhouse gas inventory to manage risk and identify reduction opportunities.
term risks to the business. Companies should focus on:
● Short-term goals: Developing an ESG Policy that articulates ESG commitments and future actions, a Human Rights policy consistent with United Nations Guiding Principles on business and human rights, and reducing single-use plastics.
● Long-term goals: Broader initiatives like transitioning to a carbon-neutral fleet or investing in solar energy, completing a greenhouse gas inventory to manage risk and identify reduction opportunities.
● Industry-specific concerns: What strategies are a good fit for your specialty and would allow your organization to succeed in this area? For instance, parking operators
may prioritize EV infrastructure, while solution providers may focus on reducing material waste or energy usage.
4. Operationalize ESG Initiatives: Once priorities are set, companies can integrate ESG initiatives into their daily operations. Key focus areas include:
Energy Efficiency
● Retrofitting buildings with LED lighting and automated energy controls.
● Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
● Utilizing energy procurement strategies like carbon offset programs.
Water Conservation
● Implementing rainwater harvesting systems.
● Using low-flow toilets and faucets.
● Mapping water usage to identify conservation opportunities.
Waste Management
● Establishing comprehensive recycling programs for paper, plastic, and e-waste.
● Eliminating single-use plastics in office spaces and customer-facing areas.
● Partnering with vendors who use sustainable packaging materials.
Air Quality and Pollution Reduction
● Implementing idle-reduction policies for fleets and shuttle services.
● Expanding EV charging infrastructure.
● Supporting alternative transportation programs such as bike-sharing and walking initiatives.
Behavioral and Cultural Change
● Educating employees through sustainability training sessions.
● Launching company-wide ESG challenges to engage staff.
● Promoting sustainability through internal newsletters and social media campaigns.
Case Study: A Look at ESG Success
LAZ Parking has committed to establishing an extensive ESG program and implementing principles to integrate effectively into its business model for many years. Key initiatives include:
● EV Charging Expansion: Partnering with BP to enhance electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
● E-Commerce Solutions: Reducing paper waste by digitizing transactions and customer interactions.
● Idle Reduction Programs: Implementing smart valet and healthcare shuttle systems to minimize fuel consumption.
● Sustainable Procurement: Establish a procurement policy with ESG and human rights commitments to ensure goods and services are obtained responsibly and ethically. Implement a Responsible Vendor Code of Conduct that outlines ethical standards for suppliers.
● Last-Mile Logistics Optimization: Developing efficient delivery models to reduce urban congestion and emissions.
Rainwater harvesting systems.
By embedding sustainability into its core operations, LAZ has not only transformed its internal corporate operations, but this vision has extended to the opportunity to apply sustainable strategies at many of the facilities it operates across the U.S.
ESG in Action
University of California, Merced
In support of its sustainability goals, the University of California, Merced implemented an idle reduction project for its shuttle system. Prior to the program’s launch, the idling rate amounted to 19% of engine running time.
By the end of the pilot, the idle rate had dropped significantly to 9% of engine running time. Originally launched as a pilot program, these idle reduction policies have now become institutionalized for the University’s shuttle system, maintaining an average idle rate of 9%.
City of Norwalk, CT
The City of Norwalk has developed and identified several new opportunities to enhance climate resilience efforts while addressing critical gaps to effectively build a pipeline of viable sustainability projects at the city level. The City worked to identify sustainability initiatives that would produce a long-term return on investment. The City has committed to investing in several strategies to reduce operational costs, increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, increase customer experience, and advance the well-being of employees.
“I am determined to make Norwalk the greenest City in Connecticut,” said Mayor Rilling. “Addressing the threats of climate change cannot wait. It’s our responsibility to take a proactive approach by implementing the steps in this Sustainability and Resilience Plan on behalf of our children, grandchildren, and future generations, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Examples of sustainability initiatives employed throughout the parking division include renewable energy solutions, LED lighting, EV charging station installations, community partnerships, recycling and composting programs, low-impact construction materials, green technology, and third-party certifications. The parking division is launching a new parking access control system that will encourage payment before exit using a paperless (mobile pay) process. This program is designed to reduce vehicle idling by decreasing exiting time.
Measuring and Reporting ESG Progress
To ensure ESG initiatives realize tangible results, organizations must implement a data-driven approach to track performance. Key strategies include:
● ESG Performance Metrics: Setting benchmarks for carbon footprint reduction, waste diversion, and energy efficiency.
● Sustainability Reporting Frameworks: Utilizing reporting and tracking platforms to maintain transparency.
● Stakeholder Communication: Engaging investors, customers, and employees through annual ESG reports and updates.
● Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and refining ESG strategies based on data insights and industry advancements.
Long-Term Outcomes of ESG Integration
Beyond immediate operational improvements, ESG commitment yields long-term business advantages:
● Talent Acquisition and Employee Retention: Sustainability-conscious professionals are increasingly drawn to organizations with strong ESG values, improving recruitment and retention rates.
● Enhanced Brand Reputation: Companies with verifiable ESG initiatives attract ethical consumers, corporate clients, and investors, gaining a competitive edge.
● Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Proactive ESG adoption helps businesses navigate evolving environmental regulations, avoiding potential fines and legal complications.
● Financial Performance and Investor Confidence: Sustainability-focused companies are more likely to secure ESG-linked funding, improving overall financial health and stock performance.
Creating a comprehensive ESG roadmap requires commitment, collaboration, and a strategic approach. Businesses can drive meaningful environmental and social impact by engaging experts, benchmarking current practices, setting measurable goals, and integrating sustainability across operations. ESG transformation benefits corporate performance and contributes to the broader community and industry evolution. As companies embrace sustainability, they position themselves as leaders in transitioning to a greener, more ethical future. ◆
TAMMY TEMPLE is the Director of Sustainability for LAZ Parking. She can be reached at ttemple@lazparking.com
by Eliot Mueting
The Key to Low Emission Zones
Forward-Thinking Policies and GPS Tracking
Rethinking Urban Congestion
Over the past five years, congestion in cities has reached unprecedented levels, mainly driven by the explosive growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for last-mile delivery services. Urban streets, once designed for a mix of personal vehicles, transit, and pedestrians, are now required to accommodate commercial delivery fleets, ride-hailing services, and freight vehicles, all vying for limited road space. This shift has placed immense pressure on city infrastructure, leading to longer travel times, increased vehicle idling, and worsening air pollution. Looking ahead, the situation is only expected to intensify. By 2030, demand for urban freight deliveries is projected to rise by 31% from 2020 levels, further amplifying congestion and emissions unless cities adopt bold and strategic interventions.
One of the most groundbreaking initiatives to combat congestion in dense urban centers is New York City’s congestion pricing program, which became the first of its kind in the United States in 2024. This policy charges vehicles a fee for entering high-traffic zones, encouraging mode shifts to transit, which has already led to significant revenue, improved traffic flow, and reduced emissions. While the program represents a crucial step forward in mobility and traffic management, its implementation has not been without challenges. Political opposition, legal battles, and concerns over economic impacts on commuters and businesses created quite a bumpy rollout. Additionally, the need for robust enforcement mechanisms, including GPS tracking and license plate recognition, has added layers of complexity. Still, the initiative stands as a trailblazing example of how cities can leverage pricing mechanisms to incentivize sustainable transportation choices and reclaim urban space from congestion.
As cities seek sustainable solutions to control and effectively manage congestion, congestion pricing is not the only option. Introducing low emission zones (LEZs), geographically defined areas where high-emission vehicles are restricted, charged, or prohibited to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While LEZs have gained traction in cities across Europe—including London, Paris, and Stockholm—North American cities are still navigating how to implement these policies effectively. The challenge is twofold: municipalities must establish clear regulatory frameworks that govern vehicle access based on vehicle properties while also deploying the necessary technical infrastructure to enforce compliance. Without both
elements, LEZs risk being underutilized or difficult to enforce, ultimately failing to deliver meaningful emissions reductions.
The Policy Foundation for Low-Emission Zones
The first step in implementing a successful LEZ is passing the legal and regulatory framework that defines the zone’s rules. Cities must develop ordinances that outline the specific characteristics of vehicles that are acceptable versus not, what geographic areas will be targeted, and whether there will be any specific times the policies are effective. These policies will need to include restrictions based on vehicle type, fuel source, or emissions category, with enforcement mechanisms designed to ensure compliance. The size and weight of the vehicle are also being targeted by regulators, as in Paris, for example, where larger, heavier vehicles are now being charged more for parking.
For example, cities may create tiered access rules, where electric and hybrid vehicles receive unrestricted entry, while gasoline and diesel-powered fleets face limitations or must pay a fee to enter. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has pioneered this model, charging higher-polluting vehicles a daily fee to operate in the city center while allowing zero-emission vehicles to travel freely.
Policy design must also consider exemptions and incentives. Essential service providers—such as emergency vehicles, public transportation, or certain freight operators—may require exemptions, while companies investing in cleaner vehicle fleets could be eligible for subsidies or tax credits. Additionally, policies should address peak-hour delivery restrictions, encouraging
One of the most effective solutions is GPS-based geofencing, which enables cities to track connected vehicle fleets in real-time.
off-peak freight movement to reduce congestion and emissions during the busiest parts of the day.
Getting this legislation passed will also require effective stakeholder engagement and a messaging campaign that positions the policy well. There is an inherent risk for residents or local businesses to express concern about the negative impacts of a policy of this kind on their personal experience or professional success. A city needs to communicate its goals for the policy early and often and lean on other city examples as justification for why it believes in following suit.
However, passing an ordinance alone does not guarantee success. A regulatory framework must be paired with technical solutions that enable cities to track, monitor, and enforce LEZ policies in real-time. Compliance can be nearly impossible to measure, let alone enforce, without the right tools. Without an adequate explanation of how a new policy will be administered and enforced, many will not leave the cutting room floor without passing at least a sniff test of feasibility.
The Technical Backbone of LEZ Enforcement
Once a city has defined its LEZ regulations, the challenge shifts to data capture and compliance enforcement. Unlike traditional parking or traffic violations that rely on manual ticketing and visual enforcement, LEZs require continuous, automated tracking of vehicle
activity. The success of these programs depends on a city’s ability to monitor which vehicles are entering the zone, how long they remain, and whether they meet emissions standards.
One of the most effective solutions is GPS-based geofencing, which enables cities to track connected vehicle fleets in real-time. This technology has already been deployed for congestion pricing in cities like New York, where ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft pay per trip within designated zones. By extending this model to commercial freight and delivery fleets, cities can automate compliance monitoring and implement dynamic pricing structures based on vehicle type and emissions output.
Complementary to GPS tracking, License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras can serve as a secondary enforcement mechanism, automatically identifying and cross-referencing vehicle plates against emissions registries. LPR systems have been widely used for tolling and speed enforcement, making them a natural fit for LEZ compliance.
To further enhance monitoring, cities can integrate curbside sensors and IoT-enabled infrastructure that detects when vehicles occupy restricted zones. Smart loading zones, for instance, use real-time occupancy sensors to regulate commercial deliveries, allowing access only to pre-approved, low-emission vehicles. These digital curb management tools help prevent unauthorized parking and reduce unnecessary idling, which contributes significantly to urban air pollution.
All the data captured with these tools will then need to be aggregated in a scalable and seamless manner. This is where data standardization comes into play. Cities should strongly encourage all their technology vendors to convert data into industry-leading standards, such as the Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS) or the Open Mobility Foundation’s Curb Data Specification (CDS). With consistent data, cities can more readily review all activity in a consistent format for easy reporting and translation into fees.
Lessons from Early Adopters
Cities that have successfully implemented LEZs have done so by ensuring seamless coordination between policy and technology and taking a phased implementation approach. In Stockholm, where congestion and air pollution were major concerns, city officials first introduced an LEZ focused on heavy-duty trucks before expanding the program to a broader range of vehicles. The key to Stockholm’s success has been comprehensive data integration, linking GPS vehicle tracking with emissions databases and automatic fee collection systems.
New York’s congestion pricing model also provides a roadmap for how cities can use GPS data to dynamically charge vehicles based on their emissions impact. Initially applied to ride-hailing services, this approach could be expanded to regulate commercial delivery fleets, ensuring that high-emission vehicles pay a premium for operating in densely populated areas.
Beyond emissions reductions, these data-driven approaches streamline enforcement, reducing the administrative burden on cities while encouraging fleet operators to proactively invest in cleaner vehicles to lower their costs.
The Future of LEZs: A Data-Driven Approach
As more cities consider LEZ implementation, success depends on integrating smart policies with modern technology. Municipal leaders must recognize that a policy-only approach—without the necessary technical infrastructure—will lead to weak enforcement and limited compliance. Similarly, adopting new technologies without clear, enforceable regulations can result in data collection without actionable outcomes.
To build truly effective LEZs, cities should prioritize the following:
● Adopt clear and enforceable emissions-based access policies that define who can enter restricted zones and under what conditions.
● Leverage GPS tracking and geofencing technology to create automated compliance mechanisms for commercial fleets.
● Deploy curbside sensors, LPR cameras, and real-time occupancy monitoring to enhance enforcement and optimize
curb usage.
Cities that have successfully implemented LEZs have done so by ensuring seamless coordination between policy and technology and taking a phased implementation approach.
● Integrate LEZ data with parking and mobility platforms to provide seamless management across various transportation policies.
● By treating LEZs as a dynamic, technology-enabled tool rather than a static restriction, cities can reduce emissions, improve air quality, and optimize urban freight movement while ensuring that policies are enforceable and adaptable to evolving urban mobility needs.
Conclusion
Low-emission zones represent a crucial opportunity for cities to control their air quality and climate goals while modernizing urban freight management. The key to their success lies in harmonizing forward-thinking policies with real-time technology solutions that enable data-driven decision-making and streamlined enforcement.
As urban populations continue to grow and demand for deliveries rises, cities that embrace GPS tracking, geofencing, and digital curb management will be best positioned to lead the charge in sustainable mobility. The time to act is now—by leveraging both policy and technology, cities can create cleaner, more efficient streets for the future. ◆
ELIOT MUETING is the Director of Solutions Engineering for Populus. He can be reached at eliot@ populus.ai.
RETHINKING URBAN MOBILITY
By John W. Nolan, PTMP, MCM
URBAN MOBILITY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CRITICAL ASPECT OF CITY PLANNING and development. With the ever-evolving landscape of transportation, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has been heralded as a significant step toward sustainable and eco-friendly urban settings. However, recent executive orders which eliminate subsidies for electric vehicles and increase production of oil and gas present substantial challenges for the future of EV adoption in cities and towns across the United States.
Challenges Facing Electric Vehicle Adoption
Elimination of EV Subsidies
The removal of federal subsidies for electric vehicles represents a significant setback for both manufacturers and consumers. These subsidies have been instrumental in making EVs more affordable and appealing to a broader range of consumers. Without them, the initial cost barrier of purchasing an EV becomes more pronounced, potentially deterring many from making the switch from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Although Elon Musk has stated that he is not in favor of the EV tax credits and that this hurdle can be overcome, U.S. manufacturers have stopped production of a number of EV vehicles because of low or no profitability, and lack of consumer demand. In addition, we have also seen a significant consolidation of bus manufacturers with complaints about the difficulty of manufacturing at a profitable price. These headwinds can only make it worse.
Increased Production of Oil and Gas
Rising Battery Costs
The executive order to boost oil and gas production further complicates the landscape for EVs. With increased availability and and transitioning to more sustainable forms of transportation.
Another significant challenge for EV manufacturers is the soaring prices of batteries, driven by the high cost of mining lithium. Currently, the U.S. has but one major mining facility with the majority of Lithium being mined in China. As the demand for lithium continues to rise, so does the cost, making EV production more expensive. This cost increase would most likely be passed on to consumers, further complicating the affordability and appeal of electric vehicles.
Lack of Public Infrastructure
The current lack of public infrastructure to support a national electric grid is another hurdle. Reduced funding for developing and maintaining EV charging stations limits the convenience and feasibility of owning an EV. For many potential buyers, the availability of charging stations is a critical factor in their decision-making process. Without a robust infrastructure in place, the widespread adoption of EVs will continue to face substantial barriers.
A Glimmer of Hope: Recent EV Sales…. But!
Despite these challenges, there has been a notable increase in EV sales in the United States. According to Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book, sales of electric vehicles in the U.S. jumped 15.2% year over year in the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching a record 365,824 units for any quarter. For 2024, EV sales totaled 1.3 million,
marking a 7.3% increase from the previous year. This growth can be attributed to strong incentives from automakers, excellent lease deals, and federal and state incentive programs. However, with the new executive orders in place, these incentives are likely to disappear, posing a significant threat to the continued growth of the EV market.
An August 2023 article titled Electric Vehicles
Now Hit the Road Fork of Hype vs. Reality by Martin Romjue, Managing Editor of Fleet Group, reports on a talk delivered by Steve Greenfield, CEO of Automotive Ventures, a private equity group investing in promising companies in this space. Greenfield’s presentation at the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA) in Chicago that August discussed conflicting signals and mixed outcomes in the years ahead as America pursued its experiment in vehicle electrification.
This article presents many potential outcomes but clearly sends the message that change is not happening overnight. There are many factors to consider, from the fact that 20% of public charges are not working correctly to the cost of EVs, range anxiety, time to charge, fire risk, and increasing lithium and battery replacement costs.
He sees 130 EV types starting around 2030, which would create much more competition, thus driving
Bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters present viable alternatives for shortdistance travel within urban areas. By creating dedicated protected lanes and parking spaces for these modes of transportation, cities can encourage their use and reduce traffic congestion, especially in the urban environment.
vehicle prices lower. However, I am not buying that conclusion. With OEMs currently pulling back from this space and consolidating bus manufacturers, Toyota may have had it correct all along with its bet on hybrids as a better option, at least in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. Greenfield claims that it will take another 10 to 12 years before most vehicles produced in the U.S. are electric. He states we will see a good co-existence of EVs and ICE vehicles for the foreseeable future.
With the yin and yang of lower operating costs for EVs being favorable for the owner but not so much for the dealership maintenance facility, where does the incentive lie for the dealer in promoting EVs? Also, with higher repair costs for body damage, higher costs for batteries and battery replacement, and increasing insurance rates, where’s the value proposition for the private owner outside of not contributing to climate change? Will that be enough?
Rethinking Urban Mobility
Given the current headwinds facing the EV industry, it is imperative to rethink and innovate urban mobility strategies. Here are several approaches to consider:
● Encouraging More Public Transportation:
Investing in and promoting public transportation can significantly reduce the reliance on personal vehicles, decreasing overall carbon emissions. Cities can explore ways to make public transit more efficient, dependable, safe, and appealing to residents. However, without more investment from the public, government, and private entities, this will continue to be challenging, and nobody wants to hear about higher taxes.
● Supporting Alternative Transportation Modes: Bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters present viable alternatives for short-distance travel within urban areas. By creating dedicated protected lanes and parking spaces for these modes of transportation, cities can encourage their use and reduce traffic congestion, especially in the urban environment.
● Developing Shared Mobility Solutions: Car-sharing infrastructure and EV chargers for residential complexes, especially in underserved communities, are essential. Ride-sharing services can also play a crucial role in reducing the number of vehicles on the road. These services offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to car ownership, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
● Implementing Green Urban Planning: Urban planning that prioritizes green spaces, pedestrianfriendly areas, and mixed-use developments can create more sustainable and livable cities. Cities can lower their overall carbon footprint by reducing the need for long commutes and encouraging walking and cycling. This is being implemented in many cities with new regulations on reducing the required parking on new development projects, allowing
Car-sharing infrastructure and EV chargers for residential complexes, especially in underserved communities, are essential. Ride-sharing services can also play a crucial role in reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
developers to increase their percentage of affordable units built for the project thanks to this cost elimination.
● Investing in Renewable Energy: To address the challenges posed by the rising costs of lithium and the lack of public infrastructure, it is essential to invest in renewable energy sources and develop innovative energy storage solutions. This investment can help create a more resilient and sustainable electric grid, supporting the broader adoption of EVs. But will this now be financially feasible without government support?
Conclusion
The recent executive orders present significant challenges for the future of electric vehicles, energy grid expansion, and urban mobility. However, by rethinking and innovating our approach to transportation, cities can continue to
move toward a more sustainable and ecofriendly future. Encouraging more public transportation, supporting alternative transportation modes, developing shared mobility solutions, reducing parking quotas for projects, implementing green urban planning, and investing in renewable energy are all critical steps in this journey. The path forward may be challenging, but with determination and ingenuity, we can overcome these obstacles and hopefully create a better future for all. ◆
JOHN W. NOLAN, PTMP, MCM , is a Transportation, Parking, Mobility and Construction Advisor with Nolan Management and Construction Services and a member of the IPMI Planning, Design, and Construction Committee. He can be reached at john.nolan.harvard@gmail.com
The
Parking
Ecosystem
Transforming Unused Municipal Space through Collaboration
By Susan Cole and Carmen Miranda
THE SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION
AGENCY (SFMTA) manages a portfolio of 21 parking facilities in the densely populated city of San Francisco, with 17,249 people per square mile—the second-highest population
The new system allows authorized staff to access products 24/7 through a secure self-service system, eliminating delays and improving resource allocation. Distribution is now faster and more reliable, freeing up time for staff to focus on client service and other operational priorities.
For the past six years, LAZ Parking has operated the SFMTA parking portfolio. The partnership focused on improving operational performance and aligning the management of parking assets with the local culture. To further enhance these objectives, SFMTA and LAZ expanded their public-private partnership (PPP) by incorporating an innovative third-party provider specializing in revenue control solutions. This collaboration improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and promoted greater sustainability and inclusivity within urban infrastructure.
The Parking Ecosystem Concept
A parking ecosystem integrates various technologies and systems to optimize parking availability, financial management, and operational efficiency. Key components include:
● Occupancy sensors.
● Mobile applications for drivers.
● Automated payment solutions.
● Consumable resources.
● Data analytics for improved management.
● Physical infrastructure.
When effectively integrated, these elements create a seamless system that enhances the client experience, increases operational efficiency, and improves revenue control. Advances in parking and revenue technology, such as eliminating on-site server rooms and introducing self-service kiosks, have also reduced staffing needs and freed up valuable space within parking facilities.
The challenge was to repurpose this underutilized space in a way that would add value to the overall parking operation. Traditionally, such spaces are not ideal for retail or high-traffic use, but they present a valuable opportunity for strategic repurposing within the parking infrastructure. By aligning these
spaces with the parking ecosystem’s operational and revenue management needs, the partnership aimed to create a smarter and more efficient urban infrastructure.
Repurposing Municipal Assets to Create Operational Value
Introducing an automated self-service model for managing revenue control products marks a significant advancement in operational efficiency. This initiative transformed unused space within the Fifth and Mission Garage into a secure self-service warehouse. This centralized facility provides round-the-clock access to essential revenue control products for all 21 SFMTA parking garages, significantly reducing overhead costs associated with procurement, storage, and logistics.
By automating the distribution of revenue control products, the system ensures that authorized personnel can access products when needed without waiting for lengthy order fulfillment times. This model also streamlines inventory management and reduces the time and effort required for manual tracking and restocking.
Operational and Programmatic Improvements
The partnership introduced a “Tickets as a Service” (TaaS) model to achieve early success. This approach centralizes the procurement and distribution of essential parking materials, reducing the time and money spent managing these resources. Inventory management is automated, providing secure, sameday access to critical products and eliminating delays caused by traditional ordering and shipping processes.
Previously, garage managers faced four- to eight-week lead times for ticket orders and a complex and labor-intensive inventory process. The new system allows authorized staff to access products 24/7 through a secure self-service system, eliminating delays and improving resource allocation. Distribution is now faster and more reliable, freeing up time for staff to focus on client service and other operational priorities.
Measurable Benefits: Efficiency, Cost Savings, and ROI
The implementation of the TaaS model has resulted in several measurable improvements:
● Reduced Lead Times: Order fulfillment times have decreased from four to eight weeks to immediate ondemand access.
● Cost Reduction: Centralized supply and automation have cut storage, freight, and procurement costs by 25% to 40%, improving overall operational margins.
● Inventory Efficiency: Just-in-time inventory management reduces waste and spoilage while improving resource planning.
● Operational Streamlining: The automated system minimizes manual effort and increases staff productivity, leading to better labor and resource allocation.
● The financial benefits have supported longterm profitability and operational stability. The predictability of fixed-rate services has also improved budget planning and reduced financial volatility.
Innovation and Creativity in Parking Management
Voices from the Partnership
“Managing a system with 21 garages and lots requires efficiency at every level. With approximately 4.5 million tickets processed annually, the introduction of an automated self-service model has been a game-changer. The ability to retrieve tickets immediately from a centralized facility has eliminated shipping delays and last-minute emergencies, significantly improving our operations.”
Robert Aicardi, Off-Street Manager, SFMTA
The partnership introduced several groundbreaking innovations in parking and transportation management:
● Repurposing Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure was optimized without requiring new construction, maximizing efficiency while minimizing additional costs.
● Inclusive Partnerships: The initiative promotes economic inclusion and equity by expanding the traditional public-private partnership model to include diverse partners.
● TaaS Model: Shifting from a static supply chain to a service-based model improves efficiency and streamlines the supply of revenue control products.
● Automation: Self-service and technology-driven distribution ensure 24/7 availability of essential products, meeting the demand for contactless solutions.
The focus on automation and efficiency aligns with sustainability goals by reducing waste and optimizing resources. The streamlined model minimizes environmental impact while maintaining high service levels.
“Integrating ticket distribution into our operations has provided a structured and efficient solution. The ability to access tickets on demand, without relying on traditional shipping methods, has enhanced our ability to serve clients and meet operational goals”.
—Cindy Hefner, RVP, LAZ Parking Northern California
Conclusion
This initiative highlights the power of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in reshaping urban infrastructure. By repurposing unused municipal space and introducing an automated distribution model, the partnership between SFMTA, LAZ Parking, and an innovative revenue control provider has set a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in parking management. The success of this project demonstrates how strategic partnerships and creative problem-solving can drive meaningful improvements in urban mobility and infrastructure management. ◆
SUSAN COLE is the Founder of Cole Ticket Solutions and a member of the IPMI Allyship & Equity Committee. She can be reached at susan@coletickets. com
CARMEN MIRANDA is the Marketing & Web Manager for Cole ticket Solutions. She can be reached at carmen@coletickets.com
When you see PTMP behind someone’s name, you know that they have an expansive knowledge of the industry and desire to be part of a world-class organization that is ready to support you.”
Andrew Stewart, PTMP
Associate Director, Transportation and Parking Services
University of California, Riverside
IPMI Events Calendar
APRIL
APRIL 8
Free IPMI Higher Education Member Roundtable Virtual Roundtable is limited to higher education members.
APRIL 9
Free Virtual Frontline Training
Understanding and Supporting Mental Health on the Frontline
APRIL 23
IPMI Webinar
Parking in the Digital Lane: A DataDriven Tech Journey
APRIL 24
Free Member Chat New Members
*Topic to be announced.
MAY
MAY 14
IPMI Webinar
A Decade of Parking Technology: Predictions, Progress, and Future Needs, presented by the IPMI Technology Committee
