Parking & Mobility | February 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

INTERNATIONAL PARKING & MOBILITY INSTITUTE

The Changing Face of

TRANSPORTATION

Exploring the ever-evolving modes of transit and micro-mobility and the future of multi-modal transportation planning.

Leveraging Micro-Mobility in Communities

Drake Hayes

The Rise of the “Dump Cake Bid” By

Adam Kriegel

32 Urbanized Cities at a Turning Point

Crafting a New Model for the Future

By Angel Diaz, Jr.

How Autonomous Vehicles Will Transform Urban Mobility

By Brooke Krieger

Carmen Donnell,

IPMI’S NEW YEAR IS OFF TO A FANTASTIC START, and we couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead. We have hit the ground running with the launch of our brand-new website, designed to enhance your experience and streamline access to the latest industry insights, news, and resources. Our revamped Forum online community is live, offering an enriched platform for members to connect, collaborate, and share ideas like never before. These advancements are just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary year of networking, education, and programming tailored to support and empower our industry professionals.

One of the most exciting things about the upcoming year is the changing face of our industry. As we look ahead, we see a rapid transformation in how people move, park, and interact with our parking and mobility inventories. The rise of micro-mobility solutions is reshaping traditional parking approaches, mobility plans, and urban planning. These emerging modes of transportation require a fresh methodology for curb management, infrastructure development, and regulatory policies to ensure seamless integration into our cities.

Data management is another critical frontier that continues to gain momentum. The ability to leverage real-time data for curbside optimization, demand-based pricing, and traffic flow improvements is revolutionizing how cities approach mobility. The data specifications developed by the Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS) and similar organizations give industry professionals powerful and relevant tools, resources, and platforms to integrate a wide range of data and meaningful benchmarks to streamline operations. Innovative technology and AI-driven analytics are increasingly vital in maximizing efficiency, reducing congestion, and enhancing the overall user experience. As data becomes more sophisticated, the challenge lies in harnessing its power to create equitable, accessible, and sustainable mobility solutions for all.

As we approach 2025 together, we encourage you to stay engaged, share your insights, and participate in the ongoing conversations shaping the future of parking and mobility. Whether you are a long-time industry veteran or a newcomer eager to learn, there is no better time to get involved, connect with peers, and explore new parking, mobility, and transportation opportunities.

Thank you for being a part of the IPMI community. We appreciate you, your work, and your contributions to the profession. We are looking forward to a year like no other!

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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Tina Altman taltman@parking-mobility.org

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Copyright © International Parking & Mobility Institute, 2025. Statements of fact and opinion expressed in articles contained if Parking & Mobility are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent an official expression of policy or opinion on the part of officers or the members of IPMI. Manuscripts, correspondence, articles, product releases, and all contributed materials are welcomed by Parking & Mobility; however, publication is subject to editing, if deemed necessary to conform to standards of publication.

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Understanding Why

What is driving parker decisions?

By Gabe Mendez, CAPP

WHEN I FIRST GOT INTO PARKING a few years (okay, a lot of years) back, Transportation Demand Management (TDM) was what we called the free bus pass and carpool programs. We were more worried about filling our garages any way we could so we could make the business case to build more parking to support economic development downtown or campus growth.

Over the last ten years, I have seen our industry change from the build it and they will park mentality to the parking garages are evil—no one is going to drive anymore. Then, the pandemic hit, and old habits and patterns were broken, and new ones started. A change I have also gone through professionally during this has been my understanding of TDM.

The Mobility Lab says, “TDM focuses on understanding how people make their transportation decisions and influencing people’s behavior to use existing infrastructure in more efficient ways.” When you begin to understand that there is not a single reason why your customers choose to drive or not, then a package of information, policies, strategies, and incentives can be designed to encourage users of the transportation system to reduce the number and length of single occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips and consider alternative, more sustainable, forms of transportation

In this month’s Parking & Mobility magazine, you will see some current trends in alternate modes and what our colleagues have done to provide more sustainable alternative modes of transportation to their campus, city, or employment center. These will give you great ideas on how to implement or improve your curb management, transit, micro-mobility, and other programs. As you take note of these great ideas, I recommend you keep a couple of things in mind:

1. Why are your customers making the decisions

3. How are you going to incentivize or fund these TDM programs?

◆ Does your organization have central funding for TDM programs?

◆ Are permit holders and visitors subsidizing programs?

The IPMI Conference & Expo

June 8-11, 2025

Louisville, Kentucky

The must-attend event that brings together parking, transportation, and mobility professionals for education, knowledge sharing, networking, and exposure to the latest technology and service providers.

Trial, Error, and Success A Journey of Innovations

By Carmen Donnell, CAPP

DURING A WEEKLY SALES MEETING WITH MY TEAM, one of my team members asked, “What cities have recently gone from free parking to paid parking?” They were looking to provide some related case studies and light consultation to a city that had contacted them looking for information. It inspired a healthy discussion amongst the team members, naming various cities as we gathered a handful of examples for that team member to take back to their contact.

As this discussion continued, I wondered what my AI expert system would find. So, I went into my pro-instance of Co-Pilot and formulated the question.

To my surprise, it generated four cities in response: the City of San Francisco, CA; the City of Austin, TX; the City of Atlanta, GA; and the City of Minneapolis, MN. Now, this information is obviously ludicrous and completely inaccurate. I was briefly disappointed by how let down I was by a technology I am starting to incorporate into my daily life.

I quickly reminded myself that technology only improves through trial, error, success, and iteration. Failure doesn’t mean stopping—it means learning and doing better! Let’s discuss a few examples.

First, LPR, a technology introduced in the 1970s, came to parking operations for enforcement purposes

in the mid-2000s. At that time, the average read rate capture was in the mid-80s—which means out of every 100 cars, 15 or so were either entirely missed or read incorrectly. This obviously left a large gap for parking operators to manage and presented a challenge. However, imagine where we would be (or wouldn’t be!) today if no one had been willing to try it, uncover the issues, and work with technology providers to enhance and improve on it. Today, most parking operations rely on LPR in some capacity, and read rates are now in the high 90s, creating a much more reliable method to run an efficient program.

In line with this month’s magazine theme, the Changing Face of Transportation: Transportation Demand Management & Evolving Modes of Transit and Micro-Mobility, I thought of e-scooters and how they have evolved over the years. The year is 2017 or 2018, and I was visiting a large campus in California that was integrated with a thriving urban environment. I was meeting with the parking department, and throughout our meeting, they kept referring to the “bird problem” they had on campus. I thought they were talking about creatures that took flight, and I was left entirely confused about how they were causing traffic issues and pedestrian access challenges. As I left campus, I was driving down a major road and saw these green scooters littered all over the roads and sidewalks, and my light bulb finally came on. Ah, Bird is a brand of scooter! Around the same time, I visited a large city in Texas and counted no less than six different brands of scooters littering street corners and sidewalks with wild abandon. I was able to experience firsthand the challenges of this emerging micro-mobility. Still, as

2025 IPMI Webinar Series

a user of e-scooters, I didn’t want them to disappear (if you haven’t ridden on, they are so fun and a very efficient means of transportation). It wasn’t many years before both campus and city environments were using scooters in a way that did not disrupt the mobility environment to the extent they originally did, spaces were created to safely and effectively store devices, users became more savvy in where to find, start and end their sessions, and parking operators now have more control about who can and can’t play in their space. If we hadn’t tried and determinedly worked through the challenges, this and other forms of mobility wouldn’t have a chance to shape and evolve our environments.

QR code technology has had a drastically different impact through its usage in our industry over the years. Like LPR, QR codes entered our industry in the mid-2000s. You can look at decals around a few major cities to see that some mobile providers at that time were offering to link parkers with payments. It experienced low use and never really took off until the early 2020s, when the pandemic changed consumer behavior in many ways, making this technology appealing almost overnight. However, unlike scooters and LPR, which have seen improvements in technology utilization, QR codes quickly became a vehicle for ill use. Now, fraud is rampant, and it’s creating havoc with parkers and operators alike, causing more drivers to feel frustrated with their parking experience and, therefore, becoming more and more distrustful of parking operations and brands that promote their use. This rising challenge allows us to utilize technology that comes into our space through trial and error more appropriately, or in this case, to potentially not utilize it.

Failure and or challenge is an opportunity to gain experience. Something that was once successful may also need edits as we evolve, as it may not serve us in its original capacity. I hope that we all stay open to trying new things and understand that technology will not stay stagnant, and through trial, error, and success, we can make it work better for us. Better means using certain technologies in more and new creative ways, or stopping their use altogether, but at the end of the day, we will be running environments that can evolve, change, and hopefully improve.

CARMEN DONNELL, CAPP , is Managing Director, North America for PayByPhone, a member of the IPMI Board of Directors, and Co-Chair of the IPMI Technology Committee. She can be reached at cdonnell@paybyphone.com.

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March 9

Homelessness: Not Just a Housing Problem

April 23

Parking Mitigation Strategies: A Data-Driven Approach to Campus Parking and Transportation

May 14 A Decade of Parking Technology: Predictions, Progress, and Future Needs

July 9

Leadership in Action: Lessons That Matter

September 10

They're Not Here Just to Park: Venue Parking Isn’t the Main Event

November 5

Building Blocks: Understanding the Impacts of Policy on Your Operations Register today and train your team all year long!

EasyPark Group and Flowbird Group have announced they will now come together as one organization. In an Open Letter to the Industry, their newly appointed CEO, Cameron Clayton, shares his insights on what this means for their customers and the future of urban mobility.

If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be this passionate about parking, I would not have believed you. We, and by we I mean the incredibly talented team that makes up EasyPark Group, pioneered the mobile parking industry some 20 years ago and laid the foundation of our vision—making cities more livable. Out of context those four words don’t mean much, I’ll admit. But I invite you to dig deeper into that purpose with me—making cities more livable—and realize the intentions behind it; because once you do it’s hard to argue that it’s anything other than a fantastic ‘north star’ that guides us to better serve you, our customers.

All successful cities have at one stage reevaluated their use of space and their mobility plan, but it takes time and collaboration to transform city movement. Movement is at the heart of every city. Most cities existed before cars, buses, trams and subways, and sometimes you can really feel that in how they use space—how it has been reverse engineered for mobility and people. People go to work, meet friends, go shopping and build lives with their loved ones. But as cities grow they get busier, more polluted and space becomes scarce. Movement and travel becomes slow and inefficient—more of a chore than something that flows seamlessly and ‘just works’ without people having to think about it. Our purpose is simple. We think about it constantly, so people don’t have to and businesses can focus on connecting with customers; we live it and breathe it 365 days a year in an effort to make cities easier to navigate and better for businesses to thrive in.

Every curb, street, garage and station is different. Every city has different infrastructure, different pain points, and different mobility aspirations. Until now, EasyPark Group and Flowbird have shared the same vision of helping cities, but have done it in very different ways. This shared vision is why Flowbird and EasyPark Group complement each other so well. We’re on a journey now to build the world’s leading mobility platform together; where data, insights, technology, payments and more user-choice are behind the experiences of every person who drives, or takes the bus or train in a city. Wherever you go on your journey, we’ll be there.

The combined capabilities of our services means we’ll be able to address the challenges growing cities face, but on a global scale; simplifying digital payments, supporting policy changes, using data to move traffic from streets to garages, and enabling reinvestment in public transportation and urban greenspaces— all of these are vital for a livable city, but none of them are achievable in isolation. We work with cities to solve these challenges and improve the lives of their citizens in the process. This letter is my personal invitation to cities, transportation authorities, and organizations across the mobility industry, to join us on this journey; it won’t happen overnight, but we’re starting, today.

We don’t want to just be a bigger company, but a better company. This is a continuous journey. We’re now laying the new foundations of a leading global mobility platform and coming together as one organization. I’m excited about the next few months and what the future holds. Together, EasyPark Group, Flowbird and our city partners will keep growing to make an even bigger difference. Together, we’ll make cities more livable.

Cameron Clayton CEO, EasyPark Group

Sustainability at the Curb

By: Paul Dillon, CAPP

OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, urban curb space has emerged as one of the cities’ most valuable and contested resources. The surge in e-commerce deliveries, coupled with ride-sharing services, outdoor dining, and growing micro-mobility options, has placed an unprecedented demand on this limited space. The competition has created significant challenges, including congestion, safety risks, and inefficiencies. This shift in activity has forced a transformation at the curb, pushing cities to rethink how this key asset is managed.

By rethinking how curb space is allocated and utilized, city leaders aim to alleviate logistical bottlenecks and achieve broader goals like enhancing public safety, fostering economic activity, and advancing environmental sustainability. Modern curb management approaches, such as sensor-driven technology, infrastructure for electric vehicles, and micro-mobility hubs, are leading the way. These strategies promise to streamline operations while reducing traffic emissions and improving overall urban livability. As the curb becomes a focal point of city planning, it represents a unique opportunity to build smarter, greener, and more efficient urban environments.

Making a program shift can be challenging at times, mainly due to the various stakeholders. From getting the city council aligned to getting an agreement to modify dated by-laws to managing all the various stakeholders’ needs, it’s vital to be equipped with all

the benefits, including the sustainability outcomes. While creating efficiencies is typically a key focus for introducing a curb management approach, we often don’t spend enough time on the value of the new program’s sustainability outcomes.

Recently, the National League of Cities noted that the increased delivery demand is projected to drive up emissions by 32%. Luckily, one of the most prominent benefits of a curb management program is the reduction of emissions. Cities can greatly reduce air pollution by reducing stop-and-go, circling, and idling traffic.

New programs like the use of sensor technology provide many benefits, like real-time curb parking availability. Many parking apps and smart electronic wayfinding signage now utilize this real-time curb data. Sensor technology can also serve as a dynamic pricing tool, which can greatly induce turnover, lessening congestion. In addition, curb data can be utilized to drive future changes to enhance curbside activities. The availability of curb data is now more accurate, faster, and relatively cheaper to attain than ever before, leading to data-driven decisions.

Cities like Nashville and Pittsburgh are adopting smart loading zones to help delivery traffic find the curb quicker. These new programs use sensor technology to optimize loading zones. Through parking guidance applications, city drivers can now find, reserve, or be automatically guided to the nearest loading zone. These programs can also use pay-by-plate technology and auto-enforcement, which improves the overall viability of the program. Another sustainable curb management approach is the placement of EV-only delivery areas. This approach helps promote EV adoption by providing the

necessary infrastructure. By getting delivery drivers to the curb more efficiently, we find improvements in traffic flow, public safety outcomes, and reduction in emissions.

Other strategies, like bus and bike lane enforcement cameras, aim to make alternate modes of transportation more attractive through improvements in on-time reliability and rider safety. Micro-hubs also play a vital role in reducing congestion at the curb. Micro-hubs can be described as small, localized hubs centered in the central business district (CBD) where transportation services (such as public transit, bike-sharing, or ridesharing) can converge, making it easier for people to switch between different modes of transport for their last mile, which proves to lessen congestion. We reduce emissions and improve efficiency by keeping delivery trucks from entering congested areas. The last mile is now becoming greener.

We also see cities like Las Vegas implement transportation network companies (TNC) corrals. By queuing TNC drivers in designated spaces, we see a reduction in traffic and unnecessary idling. Lastly, changes like pay-by-plate technology reduce paper waste and drive more efficient enforcement operations. NYC recently adopted this approach, noting they will reduce city receipt paper that would stretch coast to coast.

Curb management is not just about reducing congestion; it’s about creating sustainable cities where efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility come together. We now see many cities evolving towards innovative curb technology, which meets the new demand while reducing the environmental impact. By leveraging smart technologies and sustainable practices, cities can reduce congestion, cut emissions, and improve public safety while meeting the needs of diverse stakeholders. These strategies, from sensor-driven loading zones to EV-only loading areas and micro-hubs, pave the way for a greener, more efficient urban environment. The curb isn’t just where vehicles stop—its where sustainable progress begins. ◆

PAUL DILLON, CAPP , is a Key Account Manager with Flowbird and a member of IPMI’s Sustainable Mobility Task Force and Technology Committee . He can be reached at paul.dillon@flowbird.group

February 12

Park Your Nerves: Drive Your Interview Success!

April 9

Understanding and Supporting Mental Health on the Frontline

June 4

Managing Expanding Events: Mastering ICS (Incident Command System)

August 14

Turning Moments of Failure into a Lifetime of Success

October 8

Introversion & Extroversion: What’s Your Personality Superpower?

Register today and train for free!

Leading with Innovation and Adaptability

By Kevin Smith, RA

ACOMPANY’S LONG-TERM SUCCESS depends on many factors. While the road to success isn’t always clear, having a great product or service, strong partnerships, and excellent leadership propel a business forward.

In the parking industry, we’ve found that partnerships with designers, consultants, and other industry leaders inspire creativity and benefit everyone involved. What starts as an idea becomes a design, which is engineered and fabricated into a tangible result. Aligning project goals early is the first step to ensure the project moves in the right direction and is crucial to its success.

Collaboration and Partnerships

In the early stages of design and product development, many factors must be considered to create a system that meets the project’s aesthetic, performance, budget, and schedule goals. Each system must also suit its unique environment. One recent example involved a client who wanted our kinetic facade to extend to grade, which presented potential vandalism challenges. Through collaboration with the design team, we developed a unique “anticlimb rung” and made other modifications to deter climbing and vandalism while maintaining the desired aesthetic.

In another project, vertical aluminum extrusions were designed and finished to mimic terracotta. Because these extrusions spanned between floor

plates with differential deflections, we created a hidden sliding connection that allowed for both deflections and thermal movements. The valueengineered project was also panelized off-site, cutting installation time by nearly half and saving thousands of dollars.

The ability to question, listen, and leverage our extensive design, fabrication, and installation experience helps us develop the best solutions. Early collaboration, open dialogue, experience, and creativity are essential for a successful parking envelope. This process involves setting clearly defined, realistic goals, developing a plan, and measuring each decision to ensure it aligns with the project’s objectives.

Adaptability and Resilience

Adaptability is necessary in all aspects of an organization. As technology advances, we must embrace new ideas, materials, and fabrication techniques. In recent years, many challenges, including those related to safety, security, and environmental and zoning compliance, have arisen. We’ve responded by incorporating new solutions, such as safety features like LED lighting, enhanced protective barriers, and systems that control light pollution while reducing material, installation, and maintenance costs.

We’ve also adapted to changes brought on by the pandemic, which limited in-person interactions. By embracing virtual meetings and education, we’ve remained connected and productive without losing creativity. Effective leadership empowers staff to use these tools without slowing progress.

Sustainable Planning for the Future

Sustainability has become a driving force in our operations. We’ve found ways to operate more efficiently by using recyclable materials, reducing waste in production and in the field, and partnering

with sustainable sources. These efforts help us manufacture products that are both economical and environmentally friendly.

As the world of electric vehicles, recycling, electronic ticketing, and other green initiatives evolves, we must continue to lessen our environmental impact in creative ways. Organizational changes that promote sustainability from within will play a critical role in driving these efforts.

The Good and the Bad Leadership should inspire change and innovation while providing staff opportunities to learn and grow. Collaboration is at the heart of our success as a company. Over nearly 50 years, we’ve learned valuable lessons from our partners in the parking industry.

We’ve welcomed both positive and negative feedback, as listening to critiques—though not always easy—is essential for continuous improvement. An open dialogue with all stakeholders is key to strong leadership.

The future of the parking industry is full of exciting opportunities and innovation. Inspiring leaders and thoughtful decision-making will drive these advancements. Through ongoing improvement and education, we can be confident that we’re on the path to success.

KEVIN SMITH, RA , is President of EXTECH/ Exterior Technologies, Inc. He can be reached at ksmith@extechinc.com

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Right-Sized Parking Fines

Managing Demand and Promoting Fairness

By Matt Darst

PARKING FINES ARE A CRITICAL TOOL for managing urban mobility, but they can also impose significant burdens on drivers - especially those from lower-income or marginalized communities. Historically, legislatures often set parking fines without the benefit of sophisticated data analysis or a deep understanding of their social impact. But as cities around the world begin to reassess their parking enforcement strategies, there’s growing recognition that existing fine structures may be flawed. Consequently, many cities are exploring ways to redesign parking fines to both promote fairness and help manage curbside demand more effectively.

This shift is not just about making fines more equitable; it’s also about ensuring that parking enforcement aligns with the broader social goals of managing curbside demand, access, and public safety. A fair and responsive parking fine structure can improve compliance, optimize the use of limited curb space, and help create a more inclusive and just system for all residents.

Understanding Societal Harm and the Need for Equitable Fines

At their core, parking fines are designed to both deter illegal parking and provide societal recompense for the harm caused. It’s important, then, to understand the specific harms caused by different infractions and tailor the fines’ severity to address those impacts. For example:

Infraction Impact

Overstaying a Parking Meter

Primarily affects local businesses and restaurant owners by reducing turnover and available parking spaces but can also lead to double parking during peak demand.

Double Parking Increases congestion and delays, particularly for commuters or delivery services.

Disabled Placard Abuse Denies access to parking spaces designated for people with disabilities, potentially causing physical and emotional distress for those affected.

Blocked Fire Hydrant Can severely impede emergency response, putting lives and property at risk.

Improper Use of Loading Zones

Hinders the flow of goods and services, which impacts delivery companies and residents.

Expired Plates There is little to no harm caused to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Any social harm that exists is cured once the tags are renewed.

By considering the specific social harm caused by each type of violation, cities can better align their fine structures with the real-world consequences of illegal parking behaviors. Violations that create dangerous conditions should carry the highest fines, while relatively minor infractions merit lower penalties. Illegal parking conditions that create congestion sit in the middle of this spectrum.

Demographic Considerations: How Parking Fines Impact Disadvantaged Communities

Parking fines don’t impact everyone equally. Frequently, low-income and predominantly BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) areas are disproportionately burdened by parking citations. Financial constraints often mean that disadvantaged drivers face mounting penalties and consequences, like vehicle seizures and registration suspensions.

Cities may address this inequity by evaluating the seriousness of various infractions and their impact on different neighborhoods. By integrating census tract data and the need for deterrence into their fine structure analysis, municipalities can adjust fines to better align with the needs of disadvantaged communities while still curbing illegal parking. This data-driven approach can help identify trends and disparities in citation issuance, allowing cities to offer more equitable enforcement.

Dynamic Fines: Adjusting for Time of Day and Neighborhood Needs

A genuinely equitable parking fine structure would also consider the time of day and location of parking violations. An expired meter violation at 7:00 a.m. on a Monday, when street parking is plentiful, is far less harmful than the same violation at 7:00

p.m. on a Friday when parking spaces are in high demand. To address these differences, cities can implement dynamic fines that change based on demand, severity, and the time of day.

For example:

● Reduce fines during off-peak hours. Penalties could be reduced when parking demand is low, such as in the early morning or late evening.

● Increase fines during peak hours. During periods of high demand—such as lunchtime or evening rush hour—fines could be increased to discourage parking behaviors that endanger the public or create traffic.

In a recent client study, data scientists recommended:

● Location-based fines. In neighborhoods where curbside parking is especially scarce, fines could be adjusted to reflect the scarcity of available spaces. Similarly, fines could be adjusted based on their likelihood of deterring illegal parking. Take street cleaning fines, for example. A recent study found that street cleaning infractions, while providing a deterrent in marginalized communities, failed to change behavior in wealthier neighborhoods.

This idea of location-based fines is supported by the concept of “day fines.” Day fines are fines based on a percentage of a motorist’s daily income and could ensure that fines are proportionate to an individual’s ability to pay. This concept can help reduce the financial burden on lowincome individuals while still discouraging violations.

Using Data Science to Inform Parking Fine Adjustments

Optimizing fines to make them more effective and equitable requires a significant amount of data and data science. Data science is an interdisciplinary field that combines statistics, computer science, and domain expertise to process, analyze, and interpret complex data and derive actionable insights to inform policies. By leveraging data science, cities can model different fine structures and predict how changes will impact revenues, compliance rates, and social equity.

Adjusting fines can significantly impact compliance and revenue. By reducing fines for minor infractions like expired vehicle registration and increasing penalties for more serious offenses like meter violations or blocking fire hydrants, municipalities can reduce the financial strain on vulnerable populations while still deterring harmful behaviors. This approach also offers a potential revenue boost, as it can encourage more widespread compliance with parking regulations.

1. Lowering fines by as much as $150 for various licensing infractions.

2. Increasing fines by up to $15 for meter infractions, residential permits, and congestion-related infractions.

The modeled result was increased revenue (nearly $500,000) and improved equity despite maintaining or reducing the penalties for nearly two-thirds of citations issued.

Moving Toward an Equitable Parking Fine Structure

Reevaluating parking fines is not just an issue of fairness— it’s a matter of creating a more effective and just urban mobility strategy. Cities that use data to assess the true social impact of parking violations while considering different neighborhoods’ income and demographic makeup can create a more equitable system that promotes increased compliance, parking availability, and revenue.

When was the last time your city reviewed its parking fines and fees? With the availability of data science and advanced analytical tools, there’s never been a better time to reexamine how parking fines are structured. By aligning fines with the social harm they cause and adjusting those based on neighborhood needs and time of day, cities can reduce unnecessary financial burdens on low-income residents, optimize parking availability, and ensure that parking enforcement serves the public good.

Ultimately, data-driven, goal-oriented fines not only better manage demand and promote fairness by ensuring proportionality, but they also enhance the legitimacy of parking enforcement and curbside management. ◆

MATT DARST is the Head of Professional Services for Trellint and a member of IPMI’s Allyship & Equity Committee. He can be reached at matt. darst@trellint.com

Applying Winter-Optimized Materials for Wayfinding Graphics in Parking Areas

Contributed by: Tech Painting Company

WHILE VISIBILITY IS ALWAYS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR in parking garage safety, several factors brought on by cold weather make Winter a vital season for attention to wayfinding graphics.

Poor visibility caused by Winter conditions can lead to accidents and confusion for drivers and pedestrians alike. Snow, ice, and low-light conditions can obscure signage, making effective wayfinding graphics essential.

Recommended Winter-Optimized Materials

Utilizing materials engineered for low temperatures is essential for longevity and performance. Here are some top options:

● Low-Temperature Curing Urethane. It can be applied at temperatures as low as 35°F (1.7°C). It offers excellent flexibility and durability and is resistant to chemicals and UV degradation.

● Polyaspartic Systems. Fast curing times allow for quick application and minimal downtime. High resistance to abrasion ensures graphics remain intact despite heavy foot traffic. Exceptional adhesion to both concrete and asphalt surfaces enhances durability.

Benefits of Using Specialized Materials

● Enhanced Adhesion. These materials bond well to surfaces, reducing the likelihood of peeling or fading.

● Durability Against Harsh Conditions. Engineered to withstand

de-icing salts that can deteriorate non-specialized materials, frequent wear from vehicles and foot traffic, and the stresses caused by freeze-thaw cycles, preventing cracking and disintegration.

● Long-Lasting Performance. The longevity of these materials means less frequent replacements and repairs.

Application Techniques

● Surface Preparation. Proper cleaning and priming of the surface to ensure optimal adhesion.

● Temperature Monitoring. Keeping a close eye on ambient temperatures to ensure effective application.

● Layering for Visibility. Using multiple layers of winteroptimized materials can enhance the visibility of graphics, providing a vibrant contrast against winter backdrops.

By investing in winter-optimized materials for wayfinding graphics, businesses can significantly improve safety and navigation in parking areas during colder months. These materials promise durability and visibility and ensure that essential signage withstands the rigors of winter conditions. Implementing the right solutions will lead to a safer and more efficient user experience. ◆

Parking and Transportation Association of Pennsylvania

Parking and Transportation Association of Pennsylvania

By John Morgan

THE PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA (PTAP) has come a long way since its first meeting as the Pennsylvania Parking Association on December 11, 1985. From a small beginning to hosting its first conference in Harrisburg in 1989, PTAP has grown into one of the industry’s most dynamic and active state associations. Every year, members gather at conferences across Pennsylvania in cities like Allentown, State College, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Scranton, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia to connect, innovate, and shape the future of parking and transportation. With over 100 active members today, PTAP is proud to host annual events like conferences, golf outings, the Parking Innovations Awards, and meetings at each IPMI conference.

But PTAP is more than just an association—it’s a force for change in the parking and transportation world. Guided by principles of excellence and environmental responsibility, PTAP is on a mission to create smarter, greener, and more accessible mobility solutions. Here’s how we’re making an impact:

Optimizing Mobility: We’re revolutionizing how people move by promoting smart parking solutions, efficient traffic management, and the latest technologies to create seamless transportation experiences.

Championing Accessibility: PTAP is committed to making parking and transportation accessible for everyone. Through universal design and inclusive solutions, we work to ensure no one is left behind.

Leading the Way in Sustainability: We recognize the environmental challenges of parking and transportation and are working tirelessly to reduce carbon footprints. From supporting alternative transport options to encouraging eco-friendly innovations, we’re driving sustainable change.

Fueling Innovation Through Collaboration: PTAP thrives on partnerships. By connecting industry leaders, government agencies, and tech experts, we stay ahead of the curve and embrace cutting-edge ideas shaping the future of our field.

2025–2026 Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Mark Vergenes

VICE PRESIDENT

John Morgan

Matt Lohenitz

TREASURER

Steve Fernstrom

SECRETARY

Brett Johnson

DIRECTORS

Jon Haney, CAPP

Melissa Morgan, CAPP

Jamie Groff

AJ Jordan

Advocating for Best Practices:

We’re raising the bar in parking and transportation. Through education, research, and policy recommendations, PTAP drives meaningful, lasting improvements.

Engaging Communities: Listening to the people we serve is at the heart of what we do. By collaborating with municipalities, residents, and visitors, we’re building parking and transportation systems that enhance quality of life.

At PTAP, we’re not just keeping up with change but leading it. By championing sustainability, accessibility, and innovation, we’re shaping a future where parking and transportation systems are smarter, greener, and more efficient. Join us as we continue to optimize mobility and make a difference, one step at a time. ◆

JOHN MORGAN is a parking and mobility consultant with Parking, Mobility, and Transportation Consulting LLC, and Vice President of PTAP. He can be reached morganlfo75@gmail.com

Steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA

Front row (L-R): Mark Vergenes, Larry Cohen, CAPP, John Morgan Back row (L-R): Dave Onorato, CAPP, Matt Lohenitz, Shawn Conrad, CAE, Jon Haney, CAPP

Join PTAP for their 2025 Spring Conference and Trade Show, April 1-3, 2025, at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square. There are many ways to participate:

• Attend the full conference.

• Attend just for the day.

• Enjoy the fun networking opportunities in the exhibit hall.

• Participate in the Fender Bender Golf Outing on April 1, 2025. Visit parkingandtransportationpa.org and Register Today!

How is your organization integrating micromobility into your plans?

EXPERTS ASK THE

Micromobility continues to become a more vital part of our communities—yet trends seem to come and go. What micromobility modes do you see making it in the long view? How is your organization integrating micromobility into your current and future plans?

Katherine Beaty

Executive Vice President of Customer Experience TEZ Technology

Long-term, I see e-bikes, e-scooters, and cargo bikes thriving due to their sustainability and versatility, especially in urban environments. The key to their success will be integrating micro-mobility into infrastructure with secure storage, charging stations, and real-time data systems to ensure they remain practical and efficient.”

Nancy Kobielski

Business Services & Communications Manager, Parking & Transportation Services University at Buffalo

Traditional and electric bicycles will remain key modes of micromobility—they’re familiar, widely used, and promote health! With the growing demand on campus, our university has added more bike racks and is expanding its rideshare fleet with additional traditional bikes and e-bikes.”

Sean Keane

Parking & Mobility Services Manager Village of Oak Park, IL

In the long view, bike share systems, specifically e-bikes, are leading the way in micro-mobility due to their efficiency and the growing demand for last-mile solutions. My organization is actively exploring the feasibility of a docked bike share system through an update to the community’s Bike Plan.”

Justin Goodwin, AICP

Mobility & Parking Services Administrator

City of Columbus, OH

The City of Columbus has partnered with The Ohio State University and a delegation of suburban municipalities in Central Ohio to re-imagine our disjointed and inefficient shared micromobility programs. This resulted in the decision to pursue a regional, single-vendor system with the selection, which will expand access to a broader set of users by offering a full suite of device types: traditional pedal bikes, class I and II e-bikes, cargo e-bikes, stand-up e-scooters, and seated e-scooters—over half of the fleet will be seated devices. Columbus is emphasizing economies of scale and administrative collaboration with this approach, which aims to improve financial sustainability through a revenue share model, resolve device parking pain points with innovative technologies and infrastructure investments, and integrate micromobility with our regional growth strategies following a successful transit ballot initiative and major zoning reforms in 2024.”

Lynn Wiggs, CAPP  Director, Transportation Services

Texas A&M University

I see electric scooters making the cut for the micromobility option. Between pricing and options, the campus community still leans this way. We have incorporated a Micromobility Master Plan and use this as a guide when discussing future plans or changes to our campus.”

Scott C. Bauman, CAPP

Manager of Parking & Mobility Services

City of Aurora, CO

In the long view of micro-mobility trends, the tried-andtrue bicycle reigns supreme. Whether acoustic or power-assisted, bicycles have proven time and again to be the most trusted and affordable asset and the “go-to” micro transportation device for short distances throughout the world. Bikes are here to stay, and municipalities and organizations are strategically working hard to make bicycle commuting safe and readily accessible to riders.”

Wady Burgos, CAPP

Parking & TDM Coordinator

City of Westminster, CO

As our communities evolve, so do the transportation needs of our residents and visitors. Among emerging modes of travel, electric bicycles have consistently demonstrated their durability and adaptability. Their popularity can be attributed to their unique combination of comfort and the active, engaging transportation experience. We are developing a micromobility hub in our downtown area in response to these trends. This initiative will enhance accessibility by providing electric bicycles and establishing seamless connections to other parts of the city, including a nearby transit hub, further supporting integrated, sustainable mobility.”

John Nolan, CAPP

Independent Advisor

Electric bikes and scooters will continue to be utilized for many years to come, as will city bike programs. Car sharing is here to stay at least in busy urban areas that can sustain profitability through utilization. Uber is strong financially; the question of Lyft’s viability will be creating more market share. Dedicated and protected bike lanes will continue to be expanded, and universities will continue to partner with cities and dedicate more physical space for these modes to continue into the future.”

Cameron Lang Sales Manager US HotSpot Parking, a Product of Arcadis

The micro-mobility solution I see sticking around is rental bikes—both manual and electric. This mode of transportation provides an efficient way to move around, and adding the electric aspect only has increased the use of bikes in our society.”

Robert Ferrin, CAPP Mobility & Parking Senior Project Manager

Kimley-Horn

Shared and micro-mobility is here to stay, despite market volatility, and it’s important for agencies to determine the optimal way to leverage these services to meet mobility and sustainability goals. Options include a market-based approach, leasing or contracting with multiple vendors, or sole source contracting due to a competitive procurement process. For any option, agencies should be mindful of developing and enforcing service level agreements to mitigate safety and operational challenges.”

The First/Last Mile CHALLENGE

Leveraging Micro-Mobility in Communities

By Drake Hayes

As car ownership costs, carbon emissions, and congestion rise , people are exploring micro-mobility devices. The Federal Highway Administration defines micro-mobility as “any small, low-speed, human—or electric-powered transportation device.” These devices include privately owned and shared bikes and scooters that are part of a docked or dockless system.

The traditional alternative to driving is typically fixed-route transit. In densely populated cities such as New York and San Francisco, where 56% and 31% of households, respectively, lack car access, transit can effectively serve a large share of the population.1

However, in much of the country, where there is a much lower population density, a transit system may not be a competitive alternative to the car. Transit providers struggle to efficiently connect people directly to the places they need to go while maintaining a financially sustainable operation. This is the crux of the first/last mile problem: a planning term to describe the journey to and from the transit station to your destination. Planners and micro-mobility fleet providers address this issue by positioning bikes and scooters near transit hubs, offering them as complements or alternatives to transit and driving for shorter trips.

First Mile/Last Mile is a planning term for the journey to and from the transit station to your destination. While bus and rail services might cover the core of these trips, people often need to complete the first and last portion by other means. They must first walk, drive, or use another method to get to and from the nearest station or stop. This is referred to as the “first mile/last mile” of the user’s trip.

Micro-mobility: The Federal Highway Administration broadly defines micro-mobility as any small, low-speed, human- or electric-powered transportation device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances.

How can parking professionals leverage micro-mobility in their communities?

First, monitor local regulations. If your jurisdiction is looking to implement a docked bike share system, establish design standards for on-street bike corrals, just as you would for a parklet or on-street dining. If you are a developer and your project needs to reduce vehicle trips, consider installing secure, covered bike parking in a bike room with bathroom and shower facilities.

Second, evaluate your financial priorities. Building and operating parking is expensive. If your parking facility is supporting other attractions such as a shopping mall, university, or transit station, consider converting a few parking spots into bike lockers, bike corrals, or a docked micro-mobility station to enhance accessibility and attract more customers, all while using far less space than vehicle parking.

Third, anticipate future mode shifts and mobility trends. As e-bikes continue to enter the market and gain popularity, prioritizing ground-floor facilities for customers to charge their e-bikes, e-scooters, and cargo bikes will be critical in accommodating these emerging modes.

DRAKE HAYES is a Transportation Planner with Fehr & Peers and a member of IPMI’s Planning Design & Construction Committee. He can be reached at d.hayes@fehrandpeers.com

REFERENCES

1. American Community Survey, 2023 ACS 1-Year Estimates, Table B08201.

BY ADAM KRIEGEL

Delicious

THE RISE OF THE

“ Dump Cake Bid ”

It’s summertime, and we’re relaxing at a BBQ with friends and family while dessert is being served. The kids are eyeing the cookies, but I have my sights set on something described as a “dump cake.” I’m taking my first bite of the lemon blueberry cake (delicious), and like any normal person, this makes me think about municipal procurement.

A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice and would’ve just loaded on the homemade whipped cream. However, a recent string of multifaceted Requests for Proposals (RFPs) made me think differently. Why are cities combining multiple separate procurements into one?

Traditional procurement was simple. A specific need existed, and an RFP would determine how each prospective team would present a solution.

But is this really our only need? Will this be the only technology solution we implement? Of course not. So, the mindset has started to shift. Rather than always solving curb challenges individually, some cities have asked themselves, “Which team of partners will collaborate best to solve these various problems?”

Only three months into my new role, I’d already seen ten such RFPs land on my desk. Of these ten multivendor procurements, half could easily be labeled “dump cake bids,” requiring more than two vendor partners to fulfill the scope.

What has moved us so abruptly into this new approach to procurement? Was it the frustration of working across multiple teams with separate project goals? Is it years of trying to figure out our integration paths after contracts have already been awarded? Maybe new programs like USDOT SMART Grants have sparked the concept of tech stacks of vendors working together or organizations like the Open Mobility Foundation driving technologies to use a Curb Data Specification (CDS) to unify our approach and streamline the way we collaborate.

Whatever it was, these ten cities weren’t just “dumping” their projects into one procurement document.

While this could be mistaken for laziness, it is far more nuanced. Looking for a winning team of vendors

will require more time and attention in the near term but will be critical to setting up their mobility initiatives for long-term and scalable success.

The RFP: Setting the Stage for Collaboration

Before we get to the oven, let’s first look at the “recipe.”

A dump cake recipe outlines the steps needed for success. The “ingredients” are listed, the timing is specified, and the desired outcome (a delicious, gooey dessert) is clearly defined. Each ingredient plays a distinct role—cake mix, fruit, butter, and sometimes nuts or spices—all coming together exactly as planned to create the desired outcome.

Similarly, parking and mobility projects often involve various vendors, each contributing a different “ingredient” to the overall solution. If the vendors aren’t coordinating their work or one part of the process is delayed, it can affect the entire project.

Teams must work together to ensure a successful outcome. Whether baking or executing a project at the curb, timing is crucial. If any vendors fall behind schedule or don’t deliver on time, the whole project can be delayed. This coordination can feel like a delicate dance in more complex projects—each vendor must time their contributions perfectly.

Cities have started asking themselves a new question. Rather than simply asking, “Which solution will solve our problem?” we now see, “Which team of partners will collaborate best to solve our set of problems?”

It’s more than just completing one’s individual project piece; it’s about how each vendor’s work integrates with the others. Communication between vendors becomes key. Each vendor must coordinate with others to ensure that their efforts are well-aligned. Frequent communication, planning meetings, and status updates are essential to ensure that all parties know where the project stands and when they need to act.

Factors to Consider When Prepping a Dump Cake Bid

1. Timeline: What do almost all these ten (10) bids have in common? There was not enough time. Extensions needed to be issued. More time was required to collaborate between vendors. More time was needed to prep questions for the city, more time to determine an integration path (if needed), more time to weave our responses into a unified reply, and more time for the municipality to review the nuanced responses.

2. Prime Respondents: Is there a preference on which vendor will be the “prime” respondent?

The bid is titled “Curb Management” but includes payment, occupancy, permit, enforcement, and data management elements. Who should serve as prime? Is there a requirement or preference here?

3. Communication: Should all correspondence go through one point of contact? Should sub-contractors only submit questions through their bidding partners or send them directly to the city? If there is a mandatory pre-bid meeting, will all respondents need to be present?

4. Separation of Services: As partners entrust each other with project strategy and confidential pricing, it is crucial to know whether bidding partners will be exclusively and inextricably linked or if services will potentially be separated and sourced individually within this procurement. This could have a significant impact on pricing and timelines as solution providers are asked to integrate with new partners and build new solutions. Defining the exclusivity of these bidding partners can help guide the responses accordingly.

5. Integration Requirements: Defining the integration path could also be extremely helpful in limiting pricing changes and/or scope creep. Proposed vendors must understand the connection point with new and existing systems. If the project involves multiple solutions, we should know that an existing integration will be used or that all vendors should be CDS compliant. Ideally, these preferred APIs and/or webhooks should be identified during planning and clearly defined within technical requirements.

6. Cost of Innovation: Have these services ever been previously paired? Are we attempting to do something nobody has ever done before? This level of innovation will come at some cost. As technology

When everyone involved works well together, the final product is like a perfectly baked dump cake— cohesive and satisfying.

partners combine our solutions, we will unlock great capabilities, but we will always be learning. The more ground-breaking your approach, the longer the planning and testing cycles to ensure a successful rollout across all teams involved.

Final Result: A Cohesive Outcome

On the surface, municipal procurement and baking a dump cake seem completely unrelated—one is about navigating a bureaucratic maze, and the other is about tossing ingredients together in a pan. But as we dig a little deeper, we can see how both processes involve multiple parties working together toward a common goal, blending resources, skills, and timing to achieve a successful, dare we say, delicious outcome. When everyone involved works well together, the final product is like a perfectly baked dump cake—cohesive and satisfying.

It is important to remember that each vendor brings a specialized skill or resource to the table. All the pieces are individually significant, but the success of the final project depends on how well these elements are coordinated, communicated, and timed.

So, will this trend continue? What other factors will we need to consider? Whether in a bakery or city hall, the principle remains the same: with proper planning and collaboration, even the most complex projects can come together beautifully.

ADAM KRIEGEL is Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships for Passport Inc. and a member of IPMI’s Policy & Legislative Cohort. He can be reached at adam. kriegel@passportinc.com

Urbanized Cities at a

Crafting a New Model for the Future

By Angel Diaz, Jr.

E“The heart and soul of the company is creativity and innovation.”

—Bob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company

VEN THE MOST VISIONARY THINKING AND URBAN PLANS

cannot

fully predict future outcomes. This is the story of Doral, Florida’s urban transformation, a journey where the collaborative efforts of entities like the Miami Parking Authority have been instrumental. Their role in this visionary experience is inspiring and underscores the potential for change.

In the late 1950s, real estate pioneers Doris and Alfred Kaskel, hailing from New York, embarked on a remarkable journey. Their unwavering determination and innovative spirit led them to transform several thousands of acres of South Florida swampland into a vibrant area, a legacy that continues to inspire us today. Their vision is genuinely heartening, as unbeknownst to them at the time, they traced a new path for that area’s future. The Kaskels left a priceless legacy by building the first golf courses, hotel, and country club in a remote area of the county. Their contribution truly deserves our respect and appreciation. (Source: City of Doral website).

Today, that vision lives on in Doral, one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in South Florida. It is a gem nestled at the county’s western end and bordering the Florida Everglades.

Back then, there was no traffic congestion, inadequate mobility, or pedestrian or vehicular safety concerns, only the threat of cows and horses roaming around the area, as this community was essentially farmland.

Looking back, the dramatic change in Doral’s landscape, from farmland to a thriving city, is evident. This transformation, driven by innovation and creativity, has significantly impacted on the area. It serves as a testament to the importance

of strategic planning and foresight in shaping the future of urban areas.

Destined to change radically, in the mid-1980s, the county imposed a building referendum to protect the area’s wellfields. The minute the moratorium was canceled, the area faced a significant migration. A population explosion unraveled without proper growth management measures, resulting from a lack of jurisdictional structure and leadership. This posed urgent and significant challenges to the area, underscoring the critical need for strategic planning and foresight.

By then, an incorporation movement was simmering and eventually came to fruition in 2003, when the City of Doral was founded. This event marked a significant turning point in the City’s history. The Doral blueprint encapsulated an urban-planning vision partially shattered by rapid urbanization.

Envisioned as a walkable community with sparse parking, Main Street Doral was intended for people to walk to schools, medical facilities, places of worship, and entertainment venues. The rapid population growth in Doral is testing that vision and placing significant pressure on the city’s urban planning strategies. Main Street Doral has grown beyond capacity.

Doral’s population today stands at 81,000, with about 150,000 people working within the City’s 15-square-mile area. The housing supply mix, which has trended toward multi-family structures, comprising over a third of Doral’s total housing inventory (Source: FIU’s Jorge M. Perez Metropolitan Center), has significantly altered the city’s landscape.

This population density led to an unforeseen parking problem. Employees parking on-street for extended periods, businesses using the right of way as overnight storage for their commercial vehicles, traffic congestion, inefficient mobility, and safety concerns all posed significant risks to Doral’s livability. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Doral called upon the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) to propose a solution.

The MPA Blueprint

MPA’s blueprint is a pioneering solution unique in its approach and leadership. To our knowledge, this innovative approach, made possible by MPA’s statutory authority and focused leadership, has not been implemented elsewhere in the United States. This unique statutory authority allows MPA the flexibility to expand its services, not for profit but for the public’s benefit, instilling confidence in its purpose. The program has addressed Doral’s parking challenges eyeto-eye to significantly improve conditions and craft a

blueprint for success in urban management.

The people-centric operational approach helps Doral alleviate parking and traffic issues.

Before the program’s launch, the MPA team canvassed the proposed parking program area, speaking with merchants, owners, employees, and stakeholders. On the day of the soft launch and for the next four months, comprising the grace period, MPA deployed a top-notch team of “parking ambassadors” to engage with the public. Moreover, parking ambassadors in uniform also provide another service by improving safety as they are viewed as a symbol of protection.

Despite the initial public outcry, the MPA team remained committed to a sustained stakeholder engagement. Their actions earned the community’s trust, whose involvement has been crucial to the program’s success. The credibility that ensued landed MPA an engagement to manage the private lots owned by the development company that primarily built Doral.

Operationally, the program has exceeded expectations by:

● Improving turnover.

● Increasing the parking inventory.

● Managing mobility.

● Implementing technology to increase efficiencies in parking payment purchases

● Creating e-permit transactions for residential areas.

● Enhancing safety since residents now call for MPA to enforce illegally parked vehicles in neighborhoods outside of the designated parking program through our Command Center that operates 24 hours a day.

The latter has resulted in residents’ requests to expand the parking program into their communities, demonstrating its positive impact on the public.

The program’s adaptability to the community’s needs is key to its success. This ensures it remains relevant and reassures the public of its long-term benefits. This vision is critical to the program’s viability in addressing today’s issues with a focused eye on the future.

Statutorily, MPA’s authority to cross jurisdictional boundaries outside Miami is unprecedented. This blueprint is being watched across municipalities, and MPA has been asked to develop similar proposals for three municipalities, confirming the program’s impact.

Program Matrixes

Several unscientific evaluation methods were used to measure the program’s effectiveness and confirm what the MPA staff inferred.

In August 2024, MPA surveyed 17 businesses impacted by the program. Of 17 instruments distributed, 14 were completed. On a scale of one to five, with five stars being the most satisfied, 13 gave the program five stars, one gave four stars, and three did not complete the survey. The high satisfaction ratings from businesses result from space turnover, available parking inventory, and MPA’s sterling enforcement protocols.

Revenue projections were $1,007,000 based on 639 spaces, or $1,576/space, from September 1, 2023, through August 2024, following the four-month grace period. Essentially, Doral launched the program with 248 spaces. With 391 fewer spaces, the program’s success is extraordinary, generating $1,048,744 in revenues, $4,229 per space, higher than initially projected for 639 spaces.

The enforcement figures run from September 2023 through August 2024. The initial projections stipulated approximately 500 citations per month. The actual number of citations

averages 1,807 monthly, higher than projected. There are two attenuating factors:

1. Currently, citations include violations inside and outside the program area, a goodwill gesture to support the community.

2. The public enjoyed free parking for 15 years. Modifying the behavior took months. Overall, the good news is that citations are trending downward, meaning people comply with the program.

Social media assets were posted across Meta and X, and sentiment changed from frustration at launch to satisfaction as time passed. Social media helped gauge the pulse of public opinion, respond in real-time, receive feedback, and build trust.

Putting People First

However, the program did not come by without complexities and challenges. For example, MPA is a horizontal, lean organization where policy and administrative decisions are made thoroughly, systematically, and swiftly. Under its structure as a municipality, the City of Doral has a robust elected and administrative hierarchy where decisions must flow through multiple layers.

At first, business patrons were confused about the validation program, which only applies to private lots and garages, not PayByPhone. Today, with public information, that misunderstanding is no longer an issue.

It wasn’t easy to brand a project with an outside organization whose name starts with “Miami” in a city named Doral. Logos on the officers’ uniforms, vehicles, other materials, and communication co-branded the initiative.

The overarching goal was to provide a tangible benefit to the community. The team collaboratively and synergistically launched the program with the City of Doral leadership, presenting a united front that boded well for its outcome. MPA immersed itself in Doral by engaging with stakeholders and supporting the municipality with personnel, skills, technology, financial know-how, and the marketing assets necessary to implement a successful initiative.

When Doral announced that parking would be regulated and people would have to pay, the public outcry reduced the project’s boundaries, carving out the residential areas. Stakeholder engagement fostered a synergistic culture of collaboration, trustworthiness, and credibility. Furthermore, the ambassadors were perceived as symbols of protection and safety. This credibility has paved the way for the program’s progression into the residential areas.

Unleashing the Power of Innovation and Creativity

The authority’s unique legislative structure and broader mission position MPA as an industry leader and trailblazer.

As aforementioned, MPA was created by a Special Act of the Florida Legislature, which gives it the statutory authority to cross jurisdictional boundaries and provide parking management services outside Miami and throughout the state. This legal structure strengthens MPA’s capabilities and positions it as a bestin-class parking organization.

The Doral success story has led three other municipalities to call upon MPA to present a proposal to manage their parking operations. The insights and knowledge acquired can serve as a blueprint for other parking organizations to adopt.

MPA does not retain revenues after operations; the excess revenues are remitted to the City of Miami for community initiatives. Therefore, no economic motivation exists to continue to expand other than fostering mobility and serving a public purpose.

While revenues continue to climb in Doral, the citations are trending downward, a sign that the public is complying, thus validating the initiative’s purpose.

The high level of satisfaction of the business community, as seen in the survey results, and the residents requesting that MPA unearth the plan to regulate parking in neighborhoods are testaments to the fact that when organizations put people’s interests first, respond swiftly and deliver on promises; they build trust and respect.

Seizing the opportunity to serve the public is at the heart of MPA’s mission. We trust that we are creating a new blueprint and pathway for collaboration, innovation, and leadership for todays and future generations. ◆

ANGEL DIAZ, JR. is the Director of Operations for the Miami Parking Authority and a member of IPMI’s Planning, Design, & Construction Committee. He can be reached at adiaz@miamiparking.com

How Autonomous Vehicles Will Transform Urban Mobility

BY BROOKE KRIEGER

THE PARKING INDUSTRY STANDS AT THE EDGE OF A REVOLUTION. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are not just a new mode of transportation; they are a catalyst for rethinking urban design, mobility systems, and how cities allocate their most precious resource—space. My new book, Parking the Future: How Autonomous Vehicles Will Transform Urban Mobility, delves into this transformative shift, exploring what the rise of AVs means for the parking and mobility industry, as well as the cities that will shape this new reality.

The Autonomous Era: Challenges and Opportunities

As AV technology advances, it presents both challenges and opportunities for the parking sector. Traditional parking models rely on vehicles occupying prime urban real estate and are poised for disruption. Instead of parking near destinations, AVs may drop passengers and relocate to less expensive, remote locations—or never park at all, continuously serving passengers or engaging in shared mobility services.

This shift has profound implications. Cities could reclaim vast amounts of land currently devoted to parking lots and garages. In the U.S. alone, parking covers an estimated 6,000 square miles of land - an area larger than Connecticut. Imagine repurposing just a fraction of that into parks, affordable housing, or public plazas. Such transformations could make urban environments more vibrant, sustainable, and livable. However, these opportunities with challenges. Municipalities rely on parking revenue must reconsider their economic models.

Parking operators will need to adapt their business strategies to stay relevant in a world where the need for traditional parking decreases. The transition will demand creative thinking, collaboration, and bold planning.

Integrating AVs into Parking Systems

Preparing for this seismic shift means reimagining parking systems and infrastructure. The book emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and innovation, highlighting several key areas:

● Curb Management: As curbside drop-offs and pickups replace traditional parking, managing curb space will become critical. Cities must implement dynamic pricing models and real-time allocation systems to balance demand, reduce congestion, and ensure accessibility.

● Infrastructure Evolution: Parking facilities must

evolve to accommodate AVs. Innovations such as automated parking systems and multi-use facilities serving human-driven and autonomous vehicles will be vital during the transition period. These facilities could also integrate vehicle charging stations, maintenance areas, and drone ports to support broader mobility ecosystems.

● Policy and Regulation: Municipalities must rethink zoning laws, parking minimums, and revenue models. Dynamic policies that support a shift toward shared mobility and mixed-use urban development will be essential.

By focusing on these areas, the parking industry can position itself to not only survive but thrive in an AVdriven future.

Insights from Thought Leaders

The book draws on the groundbreaking work of thought leaders like Donald Shoup, whose seminal book, The High Cost of Free Parking, laid the foundation for modern parking policies. Shoup’s vision of market-based pricing and efficient land use resonates strongly in the context of AVs. His call to treat parking as a valuable urban resource rather than an entitlement is more relevant than ever.

Building on Shoup’s ideas, Parking the Future explores how performance-based pricing and smart parking technologies can be adapted to an autonomous future. For example, dynamic curb pricing could regulate high-demand drop-off zones, ensuring equitable access and reducing congestion in busy urban centers.

The book also highlights case studies from forwardthinking cities like San Francisco, where programs like SFpark have demonstrated the potential of dynamic pricing and real-time data to improve parking efficiency. Global leaders such as Singapore and Amsterdam are also examined, offering insights into how AV-ready infrastructure and policy frameworks can drive progress.

The Global Perspective

Autonomous vehicles are not just an American phenomenon but part of a global mobility revolution. Countries worldwide are investing in AV technology and infrastructure, each approaching the challenges and opportunities uniquely.

In Singapore, AV testing is seamlessly integrated into the city’s smart infrastructure, creating a model for other nations. In Europe, cities like Paris and Helsinki are piloting autonomous systems while rethinking urban design to prioritize people over cars. These global case studies underscore the potential of AVs to transform urban mobility while highlighting the importance of local context in shaping solutions.

The Role of Data and Technology

Countries worldwide are investing in AV technology and infrastructure, each approaching the challenges and opportunities uniquely.

Central to the rise of AVs is the role of data and artificial intelligence. As discussed in the book, parking systems of the future will rely heavily on real-time data to optimize operations. From traffic management to curb allocation, data-driven insights will be key to managing the complexities of AV integration.

Additionally, technologies such as license plate recognition, geofencing, and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication will enable seamless interactions between AVs and urban environments. The book examines how parking operators and city planners can leverage these tools to create efficient, scalable, and adaptable systems.

A Call to Action

The rise of AVs is not a distant future—it’s happening now. Pilot programs in cities like Phoenix and Pittsburgh are already testing the limits of AV technology, while companies like Waymo and Tesla push the boundaries of what’s possible.

As an industry, we must embrace this change by fostering collaboration among cities, parking operators, and technology developers. Together, we can transform the parking sector from a passive participant in urban design to an active driver of livability and sustainability. But adaptation isn’t just about technology—it’s also about mindset. Industry professionals must be willing to challenge traditional models and embrace new ways of thinking. For policymakers, this means creating flexible

regulatory frameworks that support innovation without compromising safety. It means diversifying services and finding new revenue streams for parking operators, such as partnerships with AV fleets for charging and maintenance.

Shaping the Future

Parking the Future: How Autonomous Vehicles Will Transform Urban Mobility is a roadmap for navigating the challenges ahead. It offers actionable insights and strategies for parking and mobility professionals, policymakers, urban planners, and technology developers.

The book is a call to innovate, adapt, and lead as we enter a new era of transportation. With the right tools and a forward-thinking approach, the parking industry can play a pivotal role in shaping more efficient, equitable, and sustainable cities.

Join the conversation about the future of urban mobility. Together, we can turn the challenges of AV integration into opportunities for growth and progress.

BROOKE KRIEGER is a Regional Sales Director for ParkMobile, LLC, and the author of Parking the Future: How Autonomous Vehicles Will Transform Urban Mobility. She can be reached at brooke.krieger@easypark.net

The Leading Credential in Parking & Mobility

The CAPP credential has opened many doors for me professionally and has helped our organization make more informed business decisions related to our operation based on industry best practices.”

Kevin Guilbault, CAPP

Deputy Director, Transportation and Parking Services

Princeton University

Click to find out why Kevin earned his CAPP and how it impacted his career.

IPMI Events Calendar

2025

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 6

Free Member Chat New Members

FEBRUARY 11

Free IPMI Higher Education Member Roundtable

Virtual Roundtable is limited to higher education members.

FEBRUARY 12

Free Virtual Frontline Training Park Your Nerves: Drive Your Interview Success!

FEBRUARY 13

Call for Nominations for the IPMI Board of Directors Closes

FEBRUARY 19-20

2025 IPMI Leadership Summit Atlantic Beach, FL

FEBRUARY 26

Free Learning Lab

Leap Into the Future with Innovative Parking Solutions Presented by Frogparking

MARCH

MARCH 4, 6, 11, & 13

Online, Instructor-Led Learning Parksmart Advisor Training

MARCH 11

Free IPMI Municipal Member Roundtable

Virtual Roundtable is limited to municipal/city members.

MARCH 12

IPMI Webinar Homelessness: Not Just a Housing Problem

MARCH 27

Free Member Chat CAPP

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

MAY 15

Free Member Chat APO

MAY 28*

Free Learning Lab Presented by gtechna

JUNE

JUNE 3

Free Member Chat

Conference & Expo First Timers Orientation Chat

JUNE 4

Free Virtual Frontline Training Managing Expanding Events: Mastering ICS (Incident Command System)

JUNE 8–11

IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo Louisville, KY

(continued)

JULY

JULY 9*

IPMI Webinar

Subject: Funding & Financing

JULY 17

Free Member Chat New Members

JULY 22, 24, 29, & 31

Online, Instructor-Led Learning Parksmart Advisor Training

AUGUST

AUGUST 13

Free Virtual Frontline Training Turning Moments of Failure into a Lifetime of Success

AUGUST 21

Free Member Chat Awards

AUGUST 28

Free Live Meeting

Building Brand & ROI with IPMI

*Topic to be announced.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 9

Online, Instructor-Led Learning APO Site Reviewer Training—Renewal

SEPTEMBER 10

IPMI Webinar

There’s Not Here for the Parking: Venue Parking That is Not the Main Event

SEPTEMBER 16

Free IPMI Municipal Member Roundtable

Virtual Roundtable is limited to municipal/city members.

SEPTEMBER 18

Free Member Chat CAPP

SEPTEMBER 25*

Free Learning Lab Presented by gtechna

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 8

Free Virtual Frontline Training Introversion & Extroversion: What’s Your Personality Superpower?

OCTOBER 14

Free IPMI Higher Education Member Roundtable

Virtual Roundtable is limited to higher education members.

OCTOBER 16

Free Member Chat New Members

OCTOBER 21, 23, 28, & 30

Online, Instructor-Led Learning Parksmart Advisor Training

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 5

IPMI Webinar

Building Blocks: Understanding the Impacts of Policy on Your Operations, Presented by the IPMI Policy & Legislative Cohort

NOVEMBER 12

Free IPMI Municipal Member Roundtable

Virtual Roundtable is limited to municipal/city members.

NOVEMBER 20

Free Member Chat APO

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 11

Free Member Chat New Members

DECEMBER 17*

Free Virtual Frontline Training

Stay up to date on industry events and activities! Visit parking-mobility.org/calendar for the latest updates.

STATE & REGIONAL CALENDAR

2025 State & Regional Events Calendar

APRIL 1–3

Parking & Transportation Association of Pennsylvania (PTAP) Annual Conference & Expo Pittsburgh. PA

APRIL 22–25

Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference & Trade Show Galveston. TX

MAY 5–8

Mid–South Parking and Transportation Association (MSTPA) Conference & Trade Show Atlanta, GA

JUNE 24–26, 2025

New England Parking & Transportation Council (NEPTC) Conference & Trade Show Mashantucket, CT

SEPTEMBER 22–26

Carolinas Parking & Mobility Association (CPMA) Ashville, NC

OCTOBER 21–23

Pacific Intermountain Parking & Transportation Association (PIPTA) Conference & Expo Eugene, OR

OCTOBER 27–29

Southwest Parking & Transportation Association (SWPTA) Annual Conference Las Vegas, NV

NOVEMBER 3–6, 2025

California Mobility and Parking Association (CMPA) Annual Conference & Tradeshow Lake Tahoe, CA