Parking & Mobility | November 2025

By Victor Hill, PTMP, MPA

Building Belonging

A COMMUNITY IS ONLY AS STRONG AS its ability to include everyone. In the parking, transportation, and mobility world, that means ensuring access for all. Whether someone moves through our systems with ease or faces barriers, seen or unseen, accessibility and transportation equity go beyond curb cuts and compliance; they’re about empathy, awareness, and thoughtful design.

As good community members and industry leaders, we share a responsibility to look beyond what’s visible and to consider those with hidden disabilities and those who come from disadvantaged or underrepresented communities. When we make space, literal and figurative, for every traveler, we build systems that are not only fair but humane.

This issue of Parking & Mobility explores how our community is redefining equity of access through design, policy, and compassion to create truly inclusive mobility for all. Mobility is freedom; it is the ability to reach opportunity, connection, and belonging. But that freedom isn’t shared equally. Across our communities, barriers, whether physical, economic, or social, still limit access for many.

As professionals shaping the future of parking and transportation, we have the power to change that. True accessibility means seeing the whole person; acknowledging those with hidden disabilities, listening to voices that have too often been left out, and designing systems that serve everyone equitably.

How can you help build a sense of belonging in our community? Whether taking significant steps or small… it is time to begin. Let’s take the journey together.

Melissa Rysak, editor rysak@parking-mobility.org

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Beyond the Blue Sign

True Accessibility in Parking

by Gary A. Means, PTMP

WE’VE COME A LONG WAY in the U.S. since the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. Yet, estimates suggest that 15% to 30% of public parking facilities still fall short of compliance. As parking professionals, we must ensure the facilities we are connected to meet or exceed ADA standards. We should also act as allies for those needing accessible parking and offer guidance to managers or owners of facilities requiring upgrades. Also, as parking professionals, let’s be a leader in helping eliminate the use of the phrase “handicap parking” (see Irma Henderson’s column in the July 2025 issue of Parking & Mobility magazine).

My goal in writing this column is to provide history, guidance, and resources; this information is not intended to be the final word on the subject, but instead, to continue the dialogue. This piece will only scratch the surface of ways we can provide better accessibility to our customers, and you will find many other great concepts and information regarding accessibility and transportation equity throughout this issue.

Having worked in the parking industry for more than 30 years, I remember when facilities were often full during peak times, and empty ADA spaces seemed like lost revenue. It’s eye-opening how spending time with someone who relies on accessible parking, in my case, a close family member (see image of my sweet mom) can change your perspective on the importance of accessibility.

Back to the ADA standards:

Since the initial 1990 enactment, there have been several key milestones.

In 1991, the ADA Standards for Accessible Design were published, specifying requirements such as space width (96”), signage (International Symbol of Accessibility), access aisles (60”), and van-accessible space guidelines.

In 2010, updated standards introduced minimum numbers of accessible spaces based on lot size, required at least one van-accessible space per six accessible spaces, mandated placement near accessible entrances, and introduced “Safe Harbor” (allowing existing 1991-compliant facilities to delay upgrades until altered).

In 2017, the U.S. Access Board issued standards affecting healthcare facilities,

ensuring full access from parking to services. The 2020 30th Anniversary of the ADA brought renewed advocacy for enforcement and modernization. As we mark the 35th Anniversary in 2025, efforts continue to address enforcement gaps and promote equity and inclusion in public spaces. (See helpful websites below for specific guidance.)

Two topics that often arise in discussions

1. Are there ADA on-street parking requirements?

The 2010 ADA Standards do not cover on-street parking, but the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) are commonly referenced, despite not yet being enforceable. Click here for more information

shortest accessible route to an entrance or facility—typically via elevator in garages. Click here for more information I hope I’ve armed you with information, reminders and resources to help you help others. Two other topics you should consider informing yourself on are enforcement of ADA spaces and the guidelines around accessible websites. If you are planning any large projects that would include ADA parking, I strongly recommend using one of the qualified consulting firms that serve our industry. Please feel free to reach out to me at my email listed below if you would like to discuss more on this or any other topic.

Other resources: ADA.gov Parking Guidelines , Access Board Parking Standards , ADA National Network Parking Fact Sheet ◆

Moving from Parking Punishment to Proportionality

Rethinking Parking Fines for Fairness, Impact, and Equity

by Matt Darst

FOR DECADES, parking fines have been treated as static tools: unchanged, unquestioned, and often unfair. But what if cities stopped treating them as taxes and started using them as strategic levers to shape safer, more equitable streets?

The Case for Fine Reform

Parking fines are designed to change behavior, yet the way cities set and enforce them hasn’t kept up with modern transportation challenges. Many fine schedules are outdated artifacts, preserved by tradition rather than purpose and enshrined in legislation like mummies in a tomb.

Meanwhile, the stakes have changed. Illegal parking is no longer just a nuisance. It increasingly threatens public safety by blocking visibility, impeding emergency response, and putting vulnerable road users at risk. Yet cities often rely on misaligned penalties and a onesize-fits-all structure that punishes low-risk infractions harshly while underpricing dangerous ones.

Fines as a Regressive Tax

Fines are often viewed as a regressive tax, an opportunity cost for parking, largely because they feel arbitrary, disconnected from harm, and unevenly applied. When a low-income driver gets a higher fine

for a minor paperwork lapse like an expired plate than a wealthy driver receives for blocking a bike lane, the system loses credibility.

This disconnect erodes public trust. Drivers begin to see fines as revenue tools rather than behavior-shaping policies. And when enforcement disproportionately affects certain communities without addressing the root causes of noncompliance, it reinforces existing inequities.

Why Fines Fail to Influence Behavior

That disconnect also means fines are less likely to deter illegal parking. Behavioral science tells us that deterrence is driven by three factors: certainty, celerity, and severity. That is, how likely you are to get caught, how quickly the penalty follows, and how significant the penalty feels.

Without a clear link between the severity of a violation and the penalty it carries, fines lose their meaning. A smarter approach calibrates penalties to

both the seriousness of the infraction (this behavior is serious, and we don’t want it) and the value of compliance (following the rule has real social value). As highlighted in the table below, blocking a fire hydrant poses a high public safety risk and has very high compliance value, therefore it warrants a high fine. In contrast, parking more than 12 inches from the curb has a low impact and low compliance value, making a low fine more appropriate.

Aligning the seriousness of fines with the seriousness of the infraction is critical to restoring their function as a meaningful behavioral lever. That’s how we shift fines from being perceived as punishment to being understood as purposeful policy.

A Better Approach: Identifying Priorities, Proportionality, and Recognizing Community Impact

Rather than focusing on individual fines in isolation, cities should step back and ask three key questions:

1. What behaviors are we trying to change?

2. What violations are truly harmful?

3. Where are we seeing the greatest compliance or hardship gaps?

Some cities have implemented fine caps or waived penalties and fees for administrative infractions like expired registration once a motorist shows compliance. These efforts acknowledge the acute impact on low-income residents.

Fine forgiveness programs may seem like a compassionate fix, but they come with real tradeoffs. Waivers often require the customer to take multiple steps: understand their eligibility, gather documentation, file appeals, and wait for resolution. On the city’s side, staff must spend time processing reductions rather than focusing on proactive enforcement or public engagement. And for frontline officers, every citation that’s ultimately forgiven represents time spent enforcing a rule the city won’t, and maybe rightfully shouldn’t, stand behind - a demoralizing and inefficient use of limited personnel. This reactive model consumes administrative bandwidth and weakens the system’s integrity, correcting for flawed policy design rather than preventing harm in the first place.

Smarter Enforcement: Aligning Fines to Impact Behaviors

But there are smarter options, like reducing fine amounts for low-harm violations to improve collections and compliance, while shifting enforcement energy toward high-impact behaviors. This means adjusting not only the price of each violation, but the mix of violations being pursued. If blocking fire hydrants is more dangerous than an expired plate, then enforcement deployment strategies and penalty structures should reflect that.

The value of compliance changes by time and place. Cities should consider time-of-day and locationbased fine modifiers, particularly in high-demand corridors. For example, dynamic pricing, used for meter rates, can be adapted to fines to reflect congestion, safety, and accessibility priorities. A meter violation at 5:00 a.m. on an empty block is not the same as a meter infraction at 8:00 p.m. on a busy Friday night when demand is maxed out.

Cities can also borrow from the concept of day fines, which scale penalties based on an individual’s ability to pay. While full income-sensitive models can be difficult to administer, fines could be based on neighborhood income data and observations about deterrence. A $50 street sweeping ticket may deter illegal parking in underserved communities while being viewed as an opportunity cost in wealthier neighborhoods.

Applying Data: How to Do It

Data allows cities to move beyond assumptions, simulating the real-world effect of fine changes. Understanding payment performance, dismissal rates, and demographic information can help guide smarter fine design, more equitable enforcement, and higher collections.

The chart above represents payment rates by violation type in one representative U.S. city. Notice how the likelihood of payment for a $100 fine (represented as a comparison against average payment rates on the Y axis) can vary vastly depending on the type of violation, the income level of the neighborhood, and even the time of day. Factoring these variations is critical to understanding elasticity and the impact of fine modifications on city budgets.

Other insights gathered from cities studying fine changes include:

● Not all infractions are created equal. Public safety and congestion-related violations (e.g., blocking crosswalks or double-parking) tend to have higher social costs and in many cases, better collection rates. Administrative violations (like expired registrations), by contrast, often show comparatively lower payment rates (less than 75% of the average as demonstrated in the graphic), especially in lower-income neighborhoods. Adjusting the violation mix through revised enforcement schedules and deployment to favor high-impact, high-payment violations can improve equity and safety while generating critical revenue.

● Dismissal rates impact collectability. As fine amounts increase collection rates often decline, particularly for administrative and quality-of-life infractions. Meanwhile, dismissal rates tend to rise, especially when fines are perceived as excessive or unjust. This makes enforcement more expensive and less effective.

● Fine performance can vary dramatically by census tract. If most citations, especially administrative infractions, are issued in neighborhoods with lower median household incomes, revenues may underperform as fines increase due to lower payment rates. Conversely, wealthier areas may see higher compliance, even when fines are increased. There

may be opportunities to reduce fines in lowincome neighborhoods to improve payments and reduce hardship and increase fines in wealthier neighborhoods where the deterrent value of an infraction is less.

● Reducing certain fines may increase revenue. Sometimes reducing fines, especially for less egregious infractions, can improve collection rates and resulting revenue.

● Redundant violation codes can create confusion. From time to time, cities codify the same underlying infraction multiple times. For instance, a fine for “blocking” an alley may carry a different fine than “parking in” an alley. The impact is the same; vehicles are denied ingress and egress, but varying fines create confusion. Simplifying the fine schedule by removing redundant codes increases clarity and efficiency.

Where Are We Now? Where Should We Go?

Across the U.S., policymakers are beginning to rethink how fines are structured and enforced. For example, legislatures in New York (Council File: Int 10082023) and Los Angeles (Council File: 23-1189) are, as of the writing of this article, considering the review and revision of fine schedules. The NYC sponsors seek to pilot income-sensitive fines, while the movers in LA suggested the city conduct a detailed fine optimization study. Recently, Chicago implemented fine and penalty caps for certain administrative violations.

These efforts show growing acknowledgment that current systems are both inequitable and inefficient. Further, they’re part of a political and cultural shift recognizing that our roads are becoming more dangerous due to persistent illegal parking in critical areas; fines aren’t meaningfully influencing driver decisions; and low-income drivers are often hit hardest, not because they park worse, but because the current system lacks flexibility.

By revisiting fine schedules and enforcement strategies, cities can better align their efforts with realworld behaviors and policy goals. ◆

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

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Ambassadors of Impact

The Force Multiplier at the Curb

by Captain Nick Nicholas, PECP

How Frontline Parking Professionals Do Far More Than Write Tickets

If your mental picture of a “parking officer” is someone doling out citations from the curb, it’s overdue for an upgrade. In most cities and campuses, the people in these roles are doing something far more consequential than enforcement alone: they are visible guardians of our public realm, concierge-level guides for confused visitors, and the most frequent brand touchpoint the public has with a city, university, or medical campus. On many days, they interact with more people face-to-face than any other public-facing role, including police officers (yes, we sometimes get a little too comfy in the cruiser… and that’s precisely why these onfoot pros matter). Their presence shapes safety, compliance, and the customer experience at the curb.

The Backbone: Routine Activity Theory,

the same time and place: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. Add a capable guardian back into the mix, and opportunities shrink. Frontline parking professionals are capable guardians in exactly the micro-places where frictions occur, including garage stairwells, surface lots, loading zones, crosswalks, meters, and drop-offs. Their watchful presence, predictable patrols, and conversational engagement create “microdeterrence” that reduces opportunistic misconduct and disorder. (Cohen & Felson, 1979).

This isn’t theoretical hand-waving. Decades of U.S. experiments show that targeted presence at micro-places can reduce incidents. Hot-spot patrols in Minneapolis produced measurable crime reductions where officers concentrated time on very small locations (Sherman & Weisburd, 1995). Philadelphia’s foot-patrol experiment found that putting uniformed personnel on their feet in identified hot spots reduced violent crime in those beats (Ratcliffe et al., 2011). Translate that logic to parking: consistent, onfoot coverage around garages, meters, and event blocks isn’t just “customer service.” It’s place management that

Beyond Tickets: The Ambassadorial

The day-to-day reality of the role is broader than enforcement. Ambassadors do wayfinding and hospitality because they’re the only uniformed people most visitors see. Cities and universities now formalize those duties: San Francisco’s ambassador programs explicitly list hospitality and public-space stewardship; Williamsburg (VA) frames its Parking Ambassadors as onthe-street hosts who “enhance your visit” with directions and recommendations; and University of California, Riverside deploys in-person Parking Ambassadors to guide guests during events. These aren’t cosmetic details; they’re

Because they circulate continuously, these staff also function as the eyes-and-ears for the whole enterprise. They report lighting failures and obstructed ADA routes, spot blocked fire lanes, notice suspicious persons in facilities,

and triage issues to the right unit before they mushroom into complaints or safety hazards. The net effect is a steady stream of positive touches that lower friction and build legitimacy, especially when their first move is to coach and educate rather than jump to a citation.

From a policing perspective, frontline parking professionals are a true force multiplier. Officers can’t be everywhere at once, but trained parking staff extend guardianship into the places we miss, like garages, lots, loading zones, and busy curbs. Their on-foot visibility and ambassadorial approach serve as our eyes and ears, defusing many issues through coaching and wayfinding, flagging hazards early, and escalating only when necessary. That combination of predictable presence, radio-connected triage, and clear protocols converts Routine Activity Theory into practice, adding “capable guardians” where they matter most while freeing sworn personnel to focus on high-risk calls and strengthening public trust long before a patrol car arrives.

The Contact Reality (and why it matters)

If you’re skeptical that these roles truly dominate public contact, consider the baseline: in 2020, about 21% of U.S. residents age 16+ reported any contact with police, a figure that declined from 2018 (BJS, 2022). By contrast, many parking and ambassador programs log thousands of casual assists every quarter, with directions given, app questions answered, and stroller-friendly routes pointed out. These are the interactions most visitors remember about a city or campus, which is why it’s fair to say frontline parking personnel are often the only touchpoint a visitor has with a public institution that day. That’s not a burden; it’s a branddefining opportunity.

Let me be clear. I am not arguing for fewer tickets or less enforcement. In fact, consistent, procedurally fair enforcement is essential to keep curb turnover healthy, protect ADA access and fire lanes, maintain pricing integrity, deter chronic violators, and uphold basic safety. Instead, I suggest that we recognize the full scope of the role and invest accordingly: frontline parking professionals are ambassadors and capable guardians whose efforts translate Routine Activity Theory into daily practice. When we train and equip them for service and safety, not just citation issuance, we reduce friction, fix small problems before they become big ones, and strengthen public trust, all while preserving the enforcement backbone that makes the system work.

What Research Says About Presence, Place, and Managed Streets

The broader literature on place management and “ambassadors” strengthens the point. In Los Angeles, researchers found that Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)which invest in cleaning, hospitality, and guardianlike presence were associated with meaningful reductions in robberies and other violent crimes compared with similar non-BID areas, controlling for trends (MacDonald, Golinelli, Stokes, & Bluthenthal, 2010). While BIDs aren’t parking programs, the mechanism is similar: sustained, friendly presence plus problem-solving at known micro-places.

Pair that with the Routine Activity Theory lens and the hot-spot/foot-patrol evidence and you get a clear operational takeaway: when you put trained, approachable people on predictable loops through garages and event blocks, you improve both perceived and actual safety.

Safety First: Protecting the People Who Protect the Curb

All this hinges on one non-negotiable: safety. Publicfacing enforcement roles attract a small but real share of hostility. Cities that rely on parking staff have seen well-publicized assaults; Boston, for example, moved to strengthen protections after recent attacks on parking enforcement workers highlighted the hazard profile of the job. Even in places without headline incidents, it is management’s duty to anticipate and mitigate workplace violence risks under federal and state safety frameworks. Treating safety as a “nice to have” is both ethically and legally inadequate. (NBC Boston, 2024; Boston.com, 2024).

A practical safety baseline for parking programs includes scenario-based de-escalation, approach tactics and positioning, radio/communications discipline, lone-worker safeguards, practiced call-forhelp protocols, and quick environmental fixes using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles (sightlines, lighting, predictable patrol times). Supervisors should require incident reporting, close the loop with workers after events, and follow through with prosecutors when assaults occur. These are table stakes for a profession that spends the entire day in direct contact with the public. As an industry, we need to emphasize frontline safety, and IPMI’s PECP micro-credential is a step in the right direction.

Building (or Upgrading) an Ambassador Model

Titles and training shape behavior. Programs that re-title roles as “Parking Ambassador” or “Mobility Ambassador” are sending a signal, both internally and externally, that hospitality and problem-solving are core duties, not afterthoughts. Cities and campuses that formalize those expectations in duty statements (wayfinding, hazard identification, accessibility etiquette, informed patrol patterns) get better alignment between mission and metrics. Recruitment should prioritize disposition: empathy, curiosity, verbal agility. Then it should train for skill: conflict management, accessibility/ customer-service competencies, personal safety, de-escalation, and the simple discipline of being predictably visible. Metrics must evolve accordingly. If the only dashboard you review is citations issued, you’re flying blind. Add counts of hospitality assists,

hazards fixed, accessibility issues resolved, referrals made, complaints defused, and positive contacts logged. Those are the outcomes that predict voluntary compliance and repeat visitation.

Frontline parking professionals aren’t “meter maids.” They’re ambassadors of impact who simultaneously make places safer, clearer, and kinder. When we give them the training, tools, and coaching to lead with service, and we measure the right things, compliance improves because people feel guided rather than trapped. And when the rest of us, particularly those of us in policing, celebrate the folks who spend their shifts out of the car, on their feet, and face-to-face with the public, we strengthen our shared mission at the curb.

Call to action for leaders: Re-title. Re-train. Remeasure. Put more of your people on foot where the friction is, but ensure they are professionally trained in all things frontline safety before you do so. Invest in safety as a core competency and critical skill. And remember for many visitors, your parking team is the only human contact they’ll have with your institution today. Make it count. ◆

NICK NICHOLAS , PECP is a Captain in the Seal Beach Police Department. He can be reached at nnicholas@sealbeachca.gov

REFERENCES

Boston.com. (2024, February 26). Action urged after parking officer beaten for writing parking ticket; colleagues demand action. https://www.boston.com/ Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2022, November 18). Contacts between police and the public, 2020 (NCJ 303043). U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. https://bjs.ojp.gov/

City and County of San Francisco. (n.d.). San Francisco’s ambassador programs. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.sf.gov/ City of Williamsburg. (n.d.). Parking Ambassador Program. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.williamsburgva.gov/ Cohen, L. E., & Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activity approach. American Sociological Review, 44(4), 588–608. MacDonald, J. M., Golinelli, D., Stokes, R. J., & Bluthenthal, R. (2010). The effect of business improvement districts on the incidence of violent crimes. Injury Prevention, 16(5), 327–332. https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/ NBC Boston. (2024, February 9). Boston worker beaten for writing parking ticket, police say. https://www.nbcboston.com/

Ratcliffe, J. H., Taniguchi, T., Groff, E. R., & Wood, J. D. (2011). The Philadelphia foot patrol experiment: A randomized controlled trial of police patrol effectiveness in violent crime hotspots. Criminology, 49(3), 795–831. Sherman, L. W., & Weisburd, D. (1995). General deterrent effects of police patrol in crime “hot spots”: A randomized, controlled trial. Justice Quarterly, 12(4), 625–648.

University of California Riverside. (n.d.). Guests & events: Parking ambassadors. Transportation Services. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https:// transportation.ucr.edu/

The Green Power of Good Wayfinding

By Victor Hill, PTMP, MPA

THE SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO POINTS is a straight line. So why do we make wayfinding so complicated? Wayfinding done well helps reduce emissions, enhances efficiency, and improves the user experience.

Wayfinding is more than just signs that point drivers left or right or show them to their destinations. It is a comprehensive system of physical, digital, and even behavioral guides. Done right, wayfinding reduces unnecessary circulation, shortens trip lengths, and minimizes stress. And the benefits ripple outward in ways that contribute significantly to sustainability goals.

Cutting Down on Circling

The most obvious sustainability advantage of good wayfinding is the reduction in vehicle idling and circling. Studies consistently show that a substantial portion of urban traffic, sometimes up to 30%, is from drivers searching for parking. On university campuses, medical centers, and event venues, poor signage can create backups, wasted fuel, and frustration. The problem is exacerbated in larger lots or garages where

the last few open spaces may not be easy to find. Clear signage at entry points and intuitive guidance throughout facilities help drivers find the right space quickly. Pair this with digital tools such as real-time occupancy counts displayed at garage entrances or mobile apps that show available spaces, and the result is fewer wasted miles. Every car that doesn’t need to circle a lot three times before parking burns less fuel and emits fewer greenhouse gases.

Encouraging Mode Shift

Sustainable wayfinding is not just for drivers. Welldesigned pedestrian and transit signage can make walking, biking, and shuttle use more attractive and intuitive. If people can’t find a bus stop or are unsure how long a shuttle will take, they are more likely to choose their car.

Consider the difference between a campus with sparse, inconsistent signage and one where transit stops are clearly marked, pedestrian routes are mapped, and bike facilities are highlighted. In the latter, alternative modes become the “easy choice.”

Sustainable wayfinding lowers the friction of choosing a greener option, whether that means hopping on a shuttle or biking across campus instead of driving.

Integrating Digital Tools

Mobile apps, QR codes, and integrated maps now give users dynamic, context-aware guidance. When paired with license plate recognition, smart sensors, or connected parking access and revenue control systems, these tools can provide real-time updates on availability and direct drivers to the nearest open spot. Such integration takes the guesswork out of mobility. A commuter who knows exactly where parking is available is less likely to idle or search for it. A visitor who can easily access a walking route or shuttle option on their phone is more likely to leave the car behind. Digital wayfinding helps align daily mobility decisions with sustainability goals.

Supporting Universal Access

Wayfinding intersects with equity and accessibility. Sustainable systems can be both environmentally sound and socially responsible. Signs that are readable, multilingual, or icon-based help more users navigate, regardless of language ability or familiarity with the location. Clear directional signage with easyto-understand visuals reduces the cognitive burden for people with disabilities or mobility challenges.

When wayfinding supports universal access, it enhances the user experience and encourages more people to engage with sustainable travel options. Equity and inclusion are critical pillars of sustainability, and good wayfinding advances both.

The Hidden Return on Investment

Sustainable wayfinding is about environmental stewardship and it’s also good business. Reduced congestion improves safety, increases compliance, and minimizes the wear-and-tear on facilities. Shorter queues reduce the need for staff intervention and improve revenue capture.

More importantly, the perception of ease matters. A well-marked, intuitive parking system makes a campus or downtown more welcoming. Visitors who encounter a seamless arrival are more likely to return. Employees

who can easily find sustainable travel routes may adopt them long-term.

Best Practices for Sustainable Wayfinding

Consider these steps to help ensure wayfinding contributes to sustainability goals:

● Start with the journey, not the sign. Map the entire customer experience, from trip planning to destination, to identify decision points where guidance matters most.

● Use a multimodal lens. Ensure signs and digital tools highlight walking routes, bike racks, shuttles, and transit stops, not just parking options.

● Invest in real-time information such as dynamic signs and mobile apps, to reduce circulation and frustration.

● Design for inclusivity by using large fonts, universal symbols, and multilingual content where appropriate.

● Audit and refresh signs regularly to identify inconsistent signage or routes that may no longer be relevant due to changes caused by construction.

The Bigger Picture

Sustainability in parking and transportation is about systems that make better choices easier. Investments in infrastructure and technology are easy to brag about, but the emphasis should always be on helping people find their way efficiently and cost-effectively. Wayfinding done right can help reduce emissions, support multimodal travel, advance equity, and improve the bottom line. It’s reminder that the greenest solutions don’t need to be flashy; they just need to help make things easier in more sustainable ways.

Every trip starts with a question: How do I get there? Helping people answer that question well is one of the best ways to build a greener future. ◆

VICTOR HILL, PTMP, MPA , is a consultant at Walker Consultants and serves on IPMI’s Certification Board. He can be reached at vhill@ walkerconsultants.com

Transportation Equity in Motion

Why Parking Matters

By Lin Bo

AS TRANSPORTATION PROFESSIONALS, we’re tasked with making decisions that influence how people move through their communities. The location of an accessible parking space, the design of a payment kiosk system, or the pricing of a lot or garage can mean the difference between inclusion and exclusion for many residents. That’s why equity and accessibility must be the foundation for how we design and operate our parking systems in the U.S.

Why Parking Should Be Part of the Equity Conversation

A thoughtful and equitable parking management strategy is essential to ensure that public and private spaces are accessible and fair for everyone, not just those who can afford and use private vehicles. For millions of Americans, the ability to obtain an education, employment, health care, and other services depend directly on their access to transportation. Some populations face even greater challenges than others:

● Economic Burden: In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that households earning under $25,000 annually spent about 30% of their after-tax income on transportation. This figure climbed to 38% for vehicle owners. In contrast, the highest-income households spent only about 12% on transportation. Inequitable parking policies, fines, permits, and meter fees make it even disproportionate.

● People With Disabilities: Mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA parking guidelines require specific features in parking lots and garages for people with disabilities. This includes location, minimum number of accessible spaces, and access aisles. But, according to the Accessible Parking Coalition, 69% of people with disabilities report difficulties finding accessible parking, with 96% emphasizing the importance of parking availability for leading independent lives. Additionally, 52% have opted not to undertake trips due to concerns about parking availability.

● Financial Restraints: Parking systems don’t always offer several payment options or exclude cash. Many cities are upgrading meters to accept contactless payments, but some residents can’t participate. A cashless-only system may seem efficient, but it can exclude certain generational and demographic populations. A survey from the Federal Reserve Financial Services revealed that households earning less than $25,000 annually and adults 55+ rely more heavily on cash compared to other groups.

Access For All at UW-Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison has one of the U.S.’s most comprehensive campus transportation accessibility programs, integrating technology with a commitment to equity. Their Accessible Circulator Shuttle provides free, on-demand rides for students, faculty, and staff with mobility challenges. Operating weekdays with lift-equipped vehicles and appbased tracking, it complements existing campus bus and paratransit services.

Accessibility extends to parking, where UWMadison offers both annual and temporary special needs parking permits at the same price as standard permits, ensuring cost is never a barrier. A flexible pay-per-use option is available for shortterm permits, and university policy guarantees accessible permits are valid in all campus lots and ADA stalls.

Houston’s Road to Fair Mobility

Microtransit is a key piece of Houston’s transportation accessibility strategy. The city’s works with Evolve Houston to operate the electric shuttles that directly link to bus and rail lines.

Designed to close first- and last-mile gaps, the shuttles connect lower-median income areas with other neighborhoods and downtown. This initiative expands access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services, demonstrating how enhanced mobility can be a powerful driver for equity, as well as convenience, as we ride into the future with micromobility.

Design with Inclusion in Mind

By changing how parking lots and garages are designed, inclusive systems can be built from the outset by first considering who is excluded. Key design elements include universal payment access , requiring facilities to accept coins, cards, and mobile apps; datadriven allocation of ADA spaces , with regular audits of supply and usage; safety in design , featuring accessible routes and clear signage; and affordable pricing strategies , such as sliding-scale permits, off-peak discounts, or subsidies.

Digital Accessibility

Public entities, including city and state governments, must ensure their websites, mobile apps, and related digital content meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA technical standards to be accessible to people with disabilities. Verify that your parking vendors and partners are invested in helping support the WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and its deadlines.

Multi-use Mobility

Cities are increasingly investing in multimodal services to support their sustainable transit choices. For example, New York City is spending millions to install outdoor e-bike charging hubs, and Seattle is piloting programs that reward riders for using hubs at transit stations.

New innovative transportation hubs offer services like subsidized EV charging, multi-lingual kiosks with accessibility features, micro transit shuttles with easy connections to buses and trains, micromobility e-bikes

These modes of transportation, especially with tailored pricing models, make it easier for residents to connect to employment, education, parks, shopping, and other destinations.

What Can Parking Leaders Do Now?

As mobility professionals, it’s up to all of us to help create more equitable transportation and parking services for everyone in our communities. Here are ways parking leaders can meet compliance requirements and build community trust today:

● Audit ADA spaces annually and adjust supply based on usage data.

● Offer multiple payment channels, including cash.

● Create subsidized programs for permits, parking, and transit.

● Engage with community groups to understand needs.

The future of transportation equity relies on how well the various modes (cars, buses, rail, micromobility, etc.) work together in the mobility ecosystem. Parking plays an important role in this. Done well, it connects personal vehicles, emerging mobility services, and transit into a cohesive network. Done poorly, it excludes people based on ability, income, or technology access. ◆

LIN BO is the President of T2 Systems. She can be reached at lin.bo@t2systems.com

Digital Allyship

Reclaiming Mobility for Transportation Equity

By Joseph R. Madison II

TRANSPORTATION EQUITY STARTS WITH A SIMPLE AND POWERFUL TRUTH: every person matters. Each series of decisions, from where we locate the bus stop to whether or not there is a concrete pad, expands or constrains someone’s access to opportunity. And in today’s tech-driven world, digital allyship is the bridge between intention and impact.

When someone says, “I’m not good at technology” or “I’m technologically challenged,” it’s often not a personal failing; it’s a reflection of systemic oversight. The digital divide has long mirrored the mobility divide. Communities demonstrating the highest need for transit now navigate apps, e-fare systems, and real-time trip planners that were not designed to account for gaps in connectivity. This presents an opportunity for developers and app makers to rethink accessibility.

Digital allyship means a firm reassessment of systems that begin with accessibility in mind. It means ensuring that transit apps offer voice navigation for the visually impaired, language options for nonEnglish speakers, and offline functionality for those without data access. For over a year, I lived with no cable, no home phone, no internet, and zero wireless service from my couch. It means recognizing that not everyone has a smartphone, and that even

among those who do, not everyone has consistent connectivity.

Public transportation agencies in cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Baltimore are piloting equity dashboards, mapping transit deserts, and investing in community-led planning. But equity isn’t just about where the bus goes, it’s about who gets to shape the route. Representation matters. Riders, especially from marginalized communities, must be at the table, not just as survey respondents, but as co-designers.

Mobility justice also means rethinking the curb. The rise of micromobility, paratransit, and on-demand shuttles has transformed how we use public space. But without intentional design, these innovations can reinforce inequity. For example, if a scootershare program launches without adaptive vehicles or accessible payment options, it excludes the very riders who could benefit most. If a transit app doesn’t integrate with paratransit scheduling, it creates silos where there should be seamlessness.

Digital allyship dissolves these constraints, one app, one policy, and one interface at a time. It’s about using technology not as a gatekeeper, but as a gateway. And it’s about aligning every digital tool with a deeper purpose: connecting people to opportunity, community, and care.

Transit agencies are also grappling with digital fatigue. Riders become overwhelmed when everything is pushed to a series of fragmented platforms with inconsistent alerts and confusing fare structures. How agile are agencies when they need to simplify, unify, and humanize the digital experience for the transitdependent rider? A well-designed, consumer-centric app isn’t just functional; it’s welcoming and says, “You belong here.”

The heart of transportation equity is the difference between a rider feeling like a burden and feeling like a stakeholder. It’s the difference between a transit system that moves people and one that uplifts them.

As we move forward, we must ask:

● Are our mobility systems designed for everyone, or just for the digitally fluent?

● Are our transit investments reaching those who need them most, or reinforcing patterns of exclusion?

● Are we building tools that empower, or ones that overwhelm?

Digital allyship offers a path forward. It invites technologists, planners, advocates, and riders to co-create a mobility future rooted in equity. It challenges us to see every app, every fare card, every transit map as a reflection of our values.

Because when we arrive at our last stop, transportation equity isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about intention. And when we align our digital tools with our equity goals, we don’t just move people. We move YOU

A.L.L.I.E.S. Framework for Mobility Equity

● Accessibility First: Design tools and systems that work for every user, digital or analog.

● Listen Deeply: Engage diverse communities as partners and decision-makers.

● Lead with Inclusion: Reflect the people served at every level.

● Innovate Thoughtfully: Develop solutions that reduce digital fatigue with clear intention.

● Empower Users: Simplify technology and provide equitable access to transit and mobility services.

● Strengthen Connections: Use technology as a catalyst to dissolve barriers and build mobility justice. ◆

JOSEPH R. MADISON II is an Assistant Program Delivery Manager for the Georgia Department of Transportation and Chair of the IPMI Allyship &Equity Committee. He can be reached at jmadison@dot.ga.gov

STATE & REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Florida Parking & Transportation Association

Florida Forward

How Connected Mobility is Shaping Smarter Communities

By Bill Geraghty, PTMP

FLORIDA IS MOVING— smarter, cleaner, and more connected than ever before. Across the state, universities, municipalities, and parking operators are reimagining transportation through the lens of technology, sustainability, and integration. The result is a bold shift toward Connected Mobility, where the seamless integration of technology, infrastructure, and data is helping to move people smarter, not just faster.

From bustling downtown districts to sprawling college campuses, Florida’s transportation leaders are using real-time data to manage parking more efficiently, reduce congestion, and improve access. Dynamic curb management tools help balance the competing demands of deliveries, rideshares, and personal vehicles. Sustainability is also front and center. With the rapid expansion of EV charging networks, cities and campuses are investing in cleaner transportation alternatives. Smart sensors and real-time analytics help reduce vehicle idling and guide drivers to available parking, cutting emissions and improving the overall travel experience.

This vision—Florida Forward—reflects our collective commitment to innovation, collaboration, leadership, and impact. By breaking down silos and embracing integrated systems, Florida is not only improving transportation; it’s reshaping how we live, learn, and connect throughout the State.

Connected Mobility also means making transportation options more accessible, yet simultaneously diverse. When cities and campuses integrate their mobility strategies—from transit and parking to bike shares and pedestrian pathways—they create Smarter Communities that are more responsive to the real, individual needs of residents, students, and visitors.

Consider the benefits of a connected system: a driver can find real-time parking availability before leaving home, use a transit pass that integrates with their parking permit, and receive push notifications about traffic or shuttle delays. Behind the scenes, city staff can analyze this data to improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and support more sustainable planning.

Now more than ever, the intersection of technology and transportation is a place of opportunity—and Florida is leading the way.

Join the Movement at the FPTA Annual Conference

Join the movement. Be part of the conversation. The Florida Parking and Transportation Association (FPTA) Annual Conference, taking place November 17–20, 2025 in Miami , will bring together thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators to explore what’s next in parking and mobility. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the people and ideas driving Florida forward. This premier event brings together professionals from across the state and beyond to share insights, showcase solutions, and collaborate on the future of parking and mobility. From expert panels to hands-on demonstrations, the FPTA Conference is where ideas take shape—and where connections turn into action.

Be part of the progress. Be part of Florida Forward. Register today at flapta.org

And after registering for the annual conference, find further ways to get involved with the Florida Parking & Transportation community by becoming a member of FPTA. Membership is your ticket to accessing a thriving community of industry leaders, experts, and innovators through our numerous events throughout the year including our Mid-Year Educational Seminar, and our social “pop-up” events that take place in multiple cities around the Sunshine State. In addition, our association website and social media platforms are great places to share your agency’s success stories

and find out what other communities and companies throughout the State are up to.

Whether you’re looking to supercharge your career, expand your knowledge, or connect with like-minded professionals, FPTA has something extraordinary to offer you. Join FPTA today and unlock the full potential of your professional journey! ◆

BILL

GERAGHTY, PTMP is CEO of Premier Technology Integrators and the current President of the Florida Parking & Transportation Association. He can be reached at bgeraghty@premierti.com

EXPERTS ASK THE

How do we ensure equity for all users when making parking and mobility decisions?

For November’s Accessibility & Transportation Equity themed issue, we asked members of IPMI’s Allyship & Equity Committee for their thoughts on the following question: How do we ensure that parking and mobility decisions reflect the needs of every person, not just the majority of users?

Gina L. Hurny, PhD, PTMP Director, Parking Services University of

Maryland Baltimore County

No matter the scale, every parking and mobility decision at UMBC is grounded in six principles: representation, equity in data, accessibility and safety, inclusive engagement, transparency, and flexibility and innovation. We embrace these principles as they ensure that the needs of the entire campus community are reflected in every choice we make.”

Nancy Kobielski Associate Director, Business Services & Communications, Parking & Transportation Services University at Buffalo

At the university, we regularly gather feedback through polls and surveys and by meeting people where they are to understand their needs firsthand. We carefully review suggestions and start with quick, achievable changes, the ‘low-hanging fruit’, to build momentum and make sure our parking and mobility decisions reflect the whole community.”

Maggie Vercoe Chief Operations Officer TEZ Technology

It is absolutely critical that you have a group of constituents who are representative of the people whom you serve.  If you cannot have as broad a group for whatever reason, you need to consider having community advocates in various areas, such as a representative of individuals with various challenges, to ensure that you are thoughtful in your approach to new development, new policies, and changes in procedures,”

Sarah Becherer VP Marketing  Ocra

Our industry is embracing automation and AI, which is tremendously exciting—but this new wave of innovation comes with the risk of deprioritizing equity in solution development. By taking measures like creating clear employee onboarding and training plans for new tech adoption, providing upskilling opportunities to staff whose jobs are being transformed by AI, and ensuring equitability on the customer end (i.e., providing multiple payment options, accessible signage, and human-powered error resolution), we can ensure that the impact of innovation is measured not just by efficiency gains and revenue growth, but by how well it serves every person who builds, delivers, and relies on our systems.”

A QUESTION? Send it to editor@parking-mobility.

and watch this space for answers from the experts.

Faye Morrison

Parking Manager

City of Manchester, New

Hampshire Parking Division

Community meetings, more than one depending on the size of your community, are crucial to hearing from all aspects of the community. Even if two people show up, you have allowed them to be heard, and that is the best we can do. There is no shortcut to success. Sometimes, you must walk a longer path to get to the place you want to be.”

Brandon O. Patocka, PTMP

Engineering Technician II

City of Omaha Parking & Mobility

Traditionally, most users have had the largest say in decisions based on information gathering, such as in-person polls. Underrepresented individuals should be considered as well, from both equity and opportunity lenses. Greater outreach through Social Media platforms by way of posts and online polls can reach a larger population segment, which will benefit all parties now and into the future.”

Joseph R. Madison II

Assistant Program Delivery Manager

Georgia Department of Transportation

In our mobility discussions, let us look at the evolution of transit access. We must continue to evaluate the simplicity of how we deliver information to our riders. We also must ensure that we make space for all voices to be considered.”

Armaan Dhillon, PECP, Parksmart Advisor

Account Manager—Calgary Region

Reimagined Parking

To ensure parking and mobility decisions reflect everyone’s needs, we must combine data-driven insights with authentic community engagement. Inclusive design starts by listening to underrepresented users, analyzing usage patterns, and translating those insights into equitable policies and infrastructure that prioritize accessibility, safety, and dignity for all.”

Julia Scholl

Marketing & Proposal Manager

Park Loyalty

I think technology partners have a real role to play in making equity in parking practical. Technology moves fast, but not everyone keeps pace, and sometimes it makes more sense to work alongside tried-and-true older technologies rather than replace them. When part of the discussion early as partners, technology providers bring broad collective experience (shaped by working with many different agencies and challenges) that can help identify what might otherwise be missed and strike the right balance between technological progress and total inclusion.”

Madison Huemmer

Head of Market Transformation  ParkMobile, by Arrive

Use data whenever possible. Data is a nonbiased way to validate who is and who is not utilizing that technology or service. Implement small changes with clearly defined success metrics to see if you are creating real impact.”

Matt Darst

Head of Professional Services  Trellint

Across the parking and mobility industry, ensuring decisions reflect everyone’s needs starts with better data—data that represents all users, not just the most visible. By applying data science, agencies can uncover disparities in access, enforcement, and payment behavior, and then design policies that balance efficiency with fairness. When cities combine insight with intent, the curb becomes a place that serves people, not just vehicles.”

Melissa Morgan, PTMP

Director of Customer Experience TEZ Technology

To ensure parking and mobility decisions reflect everyone’s needs, we must bring people without cars, senior citizens, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities to our planning sessions and ask for their feedback. By including their thoughts in our planning meetings, we will have equity-driven data points to use, ensuring we serve all community members, not just the majority.”

S. Maria Tamayo-Soto, PTMP MBA

Parking Services Manager

City of Las Vegas, NV

Ensuring parking and mobility decisions reflect the needs of every person, not just the majority, requires a shift toward inclusive, equitable, and participatory planning and is important to evaluate how proposed changes will affect different populations prior to implementation. Examples of this would be community engagement: perhaps through town halls or surveys, equitable parking practices & policies: through improving handicapped accessible parking options, multi-modal mobility support: by combining parking policies with support for those who walk, cycle or use public transit, and lastly, offering flexible, tech-enabled options which can cater to various users such as those without access to smartphones or banking.”

Chisa Nagai Associate Dixon Resources Unlimited

Making sure parking and mobility decisions reflect everyone’s needs starts with open and inclusive communication. It’s about reaching people in different ways, whether through social media, physical flyers, or neighborhood meetings, to ensure that no one is left out of the conversation. Because parking decisions affect everyone, it’s critical for municipal decision makers to engage in meaningful community outreach strategies that don’t just check the box.”

Position Yourself as a Thought Leader

We are building our Parking & Mobility magazine “Ask the Experts” resource list for 2026, and we invite you to join and share your expertise. Our experts will be emailed six times in 2026 to answer a question related to the theme of the monthly magazine edition. Throw your hat in the ring and become a trusted resource for the parking, transportation, and mobility community.

Click here to email a request to be added to the Ask the Experts list.

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Sunflower Program

Recognizing Hidden Disabilities Across Parking Operations

BY ERIK HAMILTON

AIRPORTS ARE BUILT FOR MOVEMENT. According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), nearly three million people pass through airports across the country every day. Yet airport travel is far more complicated than just the flight itself or passing through TSA.

For travelers with disabilities, navigating parking facilities, shuttles, terminals, and gates adds additional challenges. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people, about one in six of us, live with some form of disability. Only 17% of people with disabilities were diagnosed at birth, meaning the vast majority acquire their condition at some point in life. While disabilities take many forms, roughly 80% are non-visible. These may include neurological, cognitive, mental health conditions, chronic pain, or sensory processing disorders, challenges that aren’t immediately obvious to others but profoundly impact individuals.

Through both personal experience and supporting loved ones, I’ve seen how travel can become overwhelming for people living with hidden disabilities. For some, navigating crowded airport terminals, constant noise, and the pressure to move quickly can trigger a level of stress that’s difficult to put into words. What most people experience as background noise can easily become a flood of stimulation that’s nearly impossible to filter. Mental exhaustion and physical tension can make even fundamental interactions difficult, and at times, it can take every ounce of focus to keep moving forward. Hidden disabilities are not just internal struggles; they also affect how travelers interact with others, navigate spaces, and perceive the world around them.

Enter the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program offers a simple yet powerful way to bridge understanding between travelers and staff. Participants wear a green lanyard adorned with bright yellow sunflowers—a discreet, universally recognized signal that they may need extra time, support, or patience as they travel. Hidden disabilities can be situational, temporary, or permanent, and they are experienced differently by everyone. There are no eligibility requirements; anyone who feels they may benefit can request and wear a Sunflower lanyard. The beauty of the program lies in its mutual visibility.

Just as travelers wear the Sunflower lanyard, employees who have completed Sunflower training wear a pin. This provides a clear visual cue to travelers that the employee understands the meaning of the Sunflower and is ready to offer informed assistance. The Sunflower symbol represents connection and gives people a way to communicate needs that might otherwise stay unspoken.

The program is built on three core values: Empowerment, Respect, and Inclusion.

● Empowerment: The Sunflower enables individuals to navigate environments confidently, choosing what they share and what they don’t about their invisible disabilities. For staff and colleagues in Sunflower-friendly locations, the training equips them with the knowledge and confidence to offer respectful, non-intrusive support.

● Respect: Every interaction is grounded in respect, honoring how individuals with non-visible disabilities navigate the world, acknowledging their experiences, and protecting their privacy. It’s a call to create environments that are not only accessible but welcoming. Inclusion: Inclusion is the cornerstone.

The Sunflower celebrates diversity and ensures that everyone, regardless of visible or non-visible disabilities, feels valued and supported. Inclusion goes beyond accessibility and ensures meaningful participation in all aspects of life.

What makes the program so powerful is its simplicity. The Sunflower symbol doesn’t rely on technology, documentation, or special permissions; it depends on awareness and empathy. Simple visual language builds trust —a shared understanding that, within a busy, often overwhelming environment, there is someone nearby who sees you, respects you, and is willing to help.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program began in 2016 at London’s Gatwick Airport. Today, the Sunflower spans hundreds of airports, hospitals, universities, retail environments, and transportation systems worldwide.

The Boise Airport officially joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network in 2025, reinforcing the City of Boise’s vision of creating “a city for everyone.”

According to Shawna Samuelson, Air Service and Marketing Manager for the Boise Airport, the inspiration for bringing the program to Boise began several years earlier.

“I first learned about the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Program in 2022 during a conference session where another airport shared its launch experience,” Samuelson explained. “At that time, the Sunflower Program was already well established across Europe but was just beginning to gain traction in the United States. The City of Boise’s commitment to being a ‘city for everyone’ includes ensuring that all public facilities are accessible and welcoming to every individual.”

Samuelson added that implementing the program required collaboration across multiple airport partners. “The majority of customer-facing roles belong to airline employees, TSA officers, and mobility providers. To ensure the Sunflower program’s success, it was essential to create a unified approach across all airport partners so that everyone operating at the Boise Airport could recognize the lanyard and provide the discreet, understanding assistance it represents.”

To support that unified approach, the Boise Airport developed an online training module for all airport tenants and business partners. “That same approach has helped us distribute the Sunflower lanyards to the public efficiently,” Samuelson said. “Since launching earlier this spring, the program has been a tremendous success. Boise Airport has distributed nearly 1,000 lanyards within the community, reinforcing our shared commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all travelers.”

That commitment has already made a meaningful difference for travelers. One passenger recently shared their experience after using the Sunflower lanyard while traveling through the Boise Airport:

“I had the opportunity to use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard during my recent travels through the Boise Airport, and I was genuinely impressed with the experience. The process was seamless, and the staff I interacted with were consistently aware, attentive, and supportive. What stood out most was the ease of communication. I didn’t have to repeatedly explain that I’m deaf. The lanyard quietly conveyed that information, and the understanding I received made my travel experience significantly more comfortable.”

When the Sunflower program was introduced, it was a natural fit to expand that awareness into the parking operation, which is often the very first and last point of contact for travelers.

By learning to recognize the Sunflower symbol and understanding its meaning, our team of valet attendants, cashiers, shuttle drivers, and parking ambassadors can approach interactions with extra patience, calm, and care. When we began training and implementing the program with our staff, we talked about what it means to truly see people, not just the transaction in front of us, but the person experiencing it. We discussed how hidden disabilities can make tasks like finding a parking space or waiting for a shuttle feel impossible. The Sunflower lanyard reminds us that a little extra compassion can completely change someone’s travel day.

Bringing the program into a 24/7 parking operation has been both rewarding and educational. Our biggest challenge was maintaining awareness across multiple shifts and diverse job roles. We found success by incorporating the program into our regular training cycle and discussing it in team meetings, keeping it visible. Since implementation, our staff have become more confident when assisting guests who appear disoriented or overwhelmed. Not everyone who needs help will wear a Sunflower lanyard, and not everyone wearing one will ask for assistance. But by cultivating an environment of compassion, we are better equipped to serve everyone. For those who have never experienced anxiety during travel, it can be hard to grasp how quickly things spiral. There’s the pressure of time, making sure you’re early enough but not too early, the confusion of large, unfamiliar spaces, and the sensory overload. In those moments, it’s easy to feel alone and on edge. Even

asking for help can feel intimidating, because invisible disabilities often carry a stigma or misunderstanding. That’s what makes the Sunflower Program so unique: it bridges that gap without making the person experiencing disabilities feel vulnerable. It allows travelers to move through the airport and parking facilities with a bit more peace of mind and gives staff a way to respond with understanding rather than assumptions.

For parking and mobility professionals, implementing the Sunflower Program is a simple but powerful step toward inclusion. Start by registering your facility as a Sunflower location through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization. Training materials, signage, and lanyards are provided that can be tailored for your operation. From there, success comes down to teams. Show your team the Sunflower Program isn’t just a customer service initiative; it’s about empathy. Incorporate the Sunflower message into regular meetings, discussions, and training. Visual cues are essential: display the Sunflower signage near entrances, cashier booths, and shuttle stops, and use the Sunflower pins on uniforms. The visuals show travelers that your facility is a Sunflower-friendly location. The presence of that symbol alone can provide reassurance to someone who may be struggling.

As professionals in parking and mobility, our work goes far beyond logistics, flow, and revenue. We manage spaces that connect people, and people bring their own challenges, stories, and unseen burdens. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program reminds us that accessibility isn’t only about physical structures or policies, it’s about creating emotional space and awareness. By taking the time to understand every traveler’s story, we make travel and parking truly accessible for all. ◆

ERIK HAMILTON is the General Manager for The Car Park’s Boise Airport Parking Operations and a member of IPMI’s Allyship & Equity Committee. He can be reached at ehamilton@thecarpark.com

SOURCES

World Health Organization, Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities (2022)

U.S. Department of Labor, Disability Statistics Compendium (2023) Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, The Value of Inclusion Study (2023) Boise Airport Press Release (April 18, 2025)

Shi Gears in

Meeting Accessibility Needs with Innovation

by Marc Boher Genis

Smart Parking as a Gateway to Equitable Mobility

ACROSS THE GLOBE, cities are undergoing a profound transformation. In the name of sustainability and climate action, urban spaces are being redesigned: traffic is restricted, driving lanes are removed, and surface parking is significantly reduced. In their place, bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and green spaces are flourishing. This evolution, while necessary and welcome, carries a lesser-known consequence: the impact on people with reduced mobility and other vulnerable groups who still depend on vehicular access to exercise their rights within the city.

When parking spots are eliminated, what remains —and must remain —are reserved spaces: loading zones, taxi stands, EV-only spots, and, most crucially, accessible parking for people with disabilities. But without effective enforcement, these spaces are often misused or fraudulently occupied. As a result, a city that sets out to be greener can inadvertently become less fair.

So how can the new mobility model be not only cleaner and more orderly but also more inclusive and equitable? The answer lies in digitalization and the strategic application of smart technologies.

Urban evolution must be strategic and data-driven. The critical questions are clear: How can cities ensure reserved spaces are used properly? How can we guarantee that those who truly need these spaces can access them without obstacles or unfair competition? Digital solutions are enabling cities to address these questions while advancing a more inclusive vision of mobility.

Europe is leading the way. The European Union has placed accessibility at the center of its mobility policies, encouraging cities not only to reduce emissions and promote multimodal transport, but also to do so while ensuring no citizen is left behind. Through initiatives such as the Urban Mobility Framework and Horizon Europe, local governments receive both technical and financial support to deploy inclusive technologies. This policy context explains why cities like Valencia and even Monaco have emerged as frontrunners in the deployment of smart parking and curbside management solutions. While Monaco is not part of the European Union, it maintains close ties, and the Principality’s mobility and infrastructure policies align with broader European trends.

In Monaco, IoT sensors have been installed in accessible and loading zones to monitor occupancy and trigger real-time alerts when unauthorized vehicles occupy the spaces. This system is part of Handipact Monaco, a government initiative led by the Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Christophe Robino, that unites public and private stakeholders around nine strategic pillars, including mobility and accessibility. The goal is to make Monaco a global benchmark for the inclusion of people with disabilities. Beyond technology, what stands out in Monaco is its holistic, collaborative approach. Handipact Monaco does not treat smart parking as a stand-alone project but rather as part of a broader vision for disability inclusion that encompasses education, employment, public space, and digital transformation. The smart parking program is also aligned with Extended Monaco, the principality’s broader digital transformation strategy, which leverages technological innovation to improve public services and daily life. In this ecosystem, smart parking is not an isolated solution. It’s an integral component of a connected, inclusive, and forward-looking urban vision. The result is a tightly integrated urban model in which technology supports policy and policy ensures equity.

Valencia, too, has embraced technology as part of a robust and long-term urban transformation strategy. With over 4,000 parking spaces currently monitored, the city has taken a qualitative leap in managing regulated parking. Loading zones and accessible parking spaces are now monitored year-round, with taxi zones integrated into the system as well. Although the taxi areas don’t generate real-time alerts, they help provide a more comprehensive picture of how curbside space is actually being used. Valencia’s infrastructure is managed through an intelligent platform that integrates sensors and AIpowered cameras, enabling real-time supervision, alerts, and transforming each parking space into a vital source of data for strategic planning.

speak for themselves: more order, greater accessibility, and a fairer distribution of space, all within a city that backs its sustainability goals with real action.

What’s more, these changes are reshaping public behavior. With effective digital monitoring in place, compliance improves not just because of penalties, but also because people begin to understand the importance of fairness in public space. This represents a cultural shift: parking behavior evolves when citizens know that rules are enforced and that those rules serve a greater social purpose.

Eliminating parking is not inherently a problem. The real issue arises when, faced with limited availability, drivers occupy any open space, even those that are reserved. Without a visible or immediate consequence, non-compliance becomes normalized. Technology reverses this dynamic by deploying automated systems that detect violations in real time and generate alerts. This deters misuse and supports enforcement efforts.

Traditional enforcement methods, especially for accessible parking, rely heavily on municipal patrols, which are both expensive and ineffective. Gaps in supervision allow misuse to flourish. People with disabilities often spend excessive time searching for an available spot or give up on traveling altogether. This leads to systemic inequality that is both frustrating and exclusionary.

Eliminating parking is not inherently a problem. The real issue arises when, faced with limited availability, drivers occupy any open space, even those that are reserved.

Without a visible or immediate consequence, non-compliance becomes normalized.

Valencia’s approach goes beyond enforcement. It aims to encourage compliance, increase turnover where it’s needed most, and ensure that public space operates efficiently, accessibly, and equitably. This model is reshaping how the city and its citizens understand parking and, more broadly, urban mobility. The results

The same applies to other curbside zones, including loading areas, service zones, and emergency access lanes, which, without monitoring, quickly lose their intended public function and become first-come-first-served spaces. Without proper oversight, cities surrender the curb to disorder.

Technology, however, offers a different path. Systems built on IoT sensors, AI-enabled cameras, and centralized platforms can automate and streamline curbside management.

When an unauthorized vehicle occupies a reserved spot, the system immediately identifies the infraction, issues an alert, and can even feed the data directly into municipal enforcement systems. This closed-loop control model ensures that curbside rules aren’t just theoretical; they’re actually enforced.

Beyond enforcement, digital systems also enable realtime guidance. Through mobile apps linked to smart parking infrastructure, eligible users can see which accessible spaces

A truly smart city is not one that installs more sensors; it uses technology intelligently to improve daily life. For people with reduced mobility, relying on the goodwill of others or mere luck should never be a prerequisite for accessing public space.

are available nearby and receive directions to reach them. This functionality significantly enhances the user experience, saving time, reducing stress, and promoting independence among those who need it most.

The combined power of monitoring and guidance transforms technology into a tool of inclusion. It’s not about surveillance for its own sake; it’s about ensuring that public resources serve their intended purpose and that every citizen has a fair opportunity to access the city.

Another key advantage of digitalization is the generation of data. Every sensor, camera, and mobile app becomes a data source. When aggregated and analyzed, this information reveals usage patterns, helps identify pressure points, and allows cities to anticipate future needs. Questions like: Are accessible spaces being used effectively? At what times is illegal occupancy most common? Are more spaces needed in specific neighborhoods? These are no longer matters of guesswork; they become measurable facts.

With data in hand, municipalities can design more targeted and cost-effective policies. Rather than blindly adding new parking spaces, cities can redistribute existing ones based on real demand. They can launch awareness campaigns in areas with high misuse rates or adjust enforcement schedules accordingly. Smart datadriven planning ensures that curbside infrastructure adapts to actual behavior, not outdated assumptions.

A truly smart city is not one that installs more sensors; it uses technology intelligently to improve daily life. For people with reduced mobility, relying on the goodwill of others or mere luck should never be a prerequisite for accessing public space. What

they need is a reliable, automated system that guarantees their rights are respected.

Digitalization, when used as a governance tool rather than a display device, can deliver that guarantee. It turns accessibility into a measurable and enforceable reality. It elevates the quality of life, strengthens social cohesion, and upholds democratic values by reducing barriers and expanding opportunities.

At its core, this is a conversation about urban functionality. Cities must be not only sustainable but also humane. That means ensuring that public services, such as accessible parking, work exceptionally well for those who need them most.

Investing in technology to support this mission is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Cities that embrace strategic digitalization not only cut costs and emissions, but they also foster inclusion, improve livability, and build public trust.

The urban future cannot be built by leaving people behind, not even in something as seemingly mundane as a parking space. Because access to that space often means access to the city itself. Urban evolution is inevitable. But whether that evolution is fair depends on how we use technology. Ensuring compliance and empowering vulnerable users is not just about efficiency; it’s about dignity. ◆

MARC BOHER GENIS is the Chief Operating Officer for Urbiotica. He can be reached at marc.boher@urbiotica. com.

Your Office is Back But Your Parking Spot is Missing

How Parking Guidance Tech is Saving Sanity in the Return-to-Work

By Michael Banesse

REMEMBER 2020? When we all got really good at Zoom filters, wore sweatpants to “work,” and couldn’t remember where our office keys were? Well, fast-forward five years, and surprise! Your boss wants you back in the office. Not just sometimes. Full-time. And guess what? Everyone else got that memo, too. Which means…you guessed it: parking nightmares.

After five years of commuting downstairs to your home office, the last thing you want is a long, slow commute followed by a frustrating search for a parking space. Right?

The Great Office Return (And the Parking Crisis No One Prepared For)

Currently, about one-third of American companies are saying “get in here, people,” while the rest are doing a hybrid shuffle. The idea is to restore some “normalcy” to the workplace.

As a telecom behemoth in Atlanta discovered, getting everyone back into their cubicles was easy compared to getting them parked. With thousands of employees returning to their corporate offices, the increased demand for parking threatened to overwhelm their existing parking infrastructure. Apparently, jam-packed garages and endless loops around the lot aren’t good for employee morale. Their solution? Parking Guidance Technology (PGT). We’re all used to seeing PGT by now, particularly when we travel and park at the airport. The variegated palette of colors that greets us in busy parking garages has the same effect as an oasis would

on someone lost in the desert. The immediate feeling of certainty that you won’t miss your flight because you can’t find a parking space is a sweet thing.

But parking guidance technology isn’t just for airports. And some corporate leaders are showing the way in using parking technology to facilitate employees’ return to the office.

Here’s how it works in the corporate environment:

1. Detection and Monitoring: Corporate parking guidance systems can employ a combination of inground sensors, single space sensors, and/or “eye in the sky” cameras to monitor parking spaces. These technologies detect when a vehicle occupies or vacates a space. Single space sensors often have a series of highly visible lights on them with different colors to indicate the status of each space, which green signifying that the space is available, red meaning it’s occupied, and blue meaning it’s an HP or ADA space. Parking facilities can also create their own lighting schemes for other uses, such as valet or EV.

2. Data Processing: Information from the sensors and cameras is processed in real-time by an intelligent parking management system, which

continuously updates parking availability data.

3. User Guidance: This data is relayed to parkers via digital signage strategically located at parking entrances and the entrances of individual floors in garages and individual parking lanes in both garages and parking lots. Often, the systems also transmit this information to drivers via smartphone applications and web-based platforms so drivers can determine how much parking is available in a given parking facility before they leave the house and as they are driving. When smartphone or desktop apps are offered, employees can see how quickly parking areas are filling up while they are getting ready for work so they can make informed decisions about when they should leave for the office. They can also see which areas have open spaces and go straight towards those areas when they arrive.

4. Optimization: Parking guidance systems also help ensure that every available space is utilized, increasing efficiency and reducing frustration among employees.

By deploying parking guidance technology, companies can significantly enhance the parking experience, leading to improved employee satisfaction and increased workplace productivity.

The Parking Challenge: Phoenix’s Financial Services Firm

That’s what Phoenix’s financial services leader was trying to accomplish by implementing PGT. With two garages offering 3,000 parking spaces and six surface lots with more than 1,500 spaces, the concern was that the influx of workers could result in severe congestion, leading to delays and frustration.

To address these concerns, the firm is implementing a comprehensive parking guidance suite featuring:

● The garages: The project saw the installation of single-space ultrasonic sensors installed over each space in both garages. Each sensor monitors whether the space over which it is installed is occupied and a highly visible light located on the sensor indicates its status by shining green or red. That data is analyzed in real time to determine total occupancy in each garage and each floor, and that information is transmitted to strategically located signage and to the mobile app.

● Intelligent Parking Guidance System: Integrated with mobile apps and digital signage, this system

will direct employees to the nearest available parking spaces.

With this system, employees will spend less time searching for parking, potentially saving 20-30 minutes per day. The increased efficiency will not only reduce frustration but also boost workplace productivity by enabling employees to get to their desks on time.

By deploying this technology, the company aims to alleviate parking bottlenecks, ensuring employees can park quickly and start their workday without unnecessary stress.

Maximizing Parking Efficiency: The 85% Utilization Barrier

A key benefit of parking guidance technology is its ability to optimize parking capacity. Traditionally, parking facilities are considered “full” when they reach 85% occupancy. This is because beyond this threshold the remaining spaces become difficult to locate, leading to congestion and wasted time.

With parking guidance technology, companies can break past this 85% barrier and fill the final 15% of parking spaces. The real-time data provided by the system enables employees to find and use these last few spots, maximizing the efficiency of the parking facility. For large employers, this represents a significant improvement—more available spaces mean fewer parking-related complaints and a better overall experience for employees.

The Impact of PGT on Workplace Productivity

The benefits of implementing parking guidance technology extend beyond mere convenience. By reducing the time employees spend searching for parking, businesses can improve productivity in several ways:

● Time Savings: Employees who previously spent 2030 minutes hunting for a parking space can now park in a fraction of that time, ensuring that they arrive at their desks promptly.

● Reduced Stress: A smoother parking experience leads to lower stress levels, which can contribute to increased job satisfaction and morale. It also leads to safer parking lots and garages because when drivers are directly straight to available parking, there’s less chance they’ll be involved in an accident as they search for a space.

● Environmental Benefits: Less time spent idling and circling for parking means reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions, aligning with corporate sustainability goals.

● Optimized Space Utilization: By ensuring that every available parking space is used efficiently, companies can delay or even eliminate the need for costly parking expansions. Given the cost of developing new parking facilities, this is an important additional benefit of parking guidance technology that’s often overlooked.

The adoption of parking guidance technology by these two major employers serves as a model for other organizations grappling with similar back-to-work challenges. As businesses across the country transition back to in-office work, smart parking solutions will become an increasingly important tool for managing employee parking demand.

And the technology doesn’t only make sense for companies that own and manage their own parking assets. Any parking facility that serves the employees of

area businesses can derive similar optimization benefits while at the same time gaining a competitive edge over garages without parking guidance. Drivers-particularly those who are in a rush to get to the office-are more likely to choose a garage or lot with parking guidance technology if that choice is available. So, for stand-alone parking facilities, adding parking guidance is good for the bottom line.

By embracing parking guidance technology, companies can not only mitigate parking-related issues but also enhance employee satisfaction, increase productivity, and maximize the efficiency of their parking assets. It’s a powerful tool for saving the sanity of both employees and employers in the backto-work era.

MICHAEL BANESSE is a Vice President of ParkHelp. He can be reached at mbanesse@ parkhelp.com

Rethinking Compliance for Curb Access Rethinking

Rethinking Compliance for Curb Access

Considering Invoicing vs. Citing for Unpaid Curb Use

By Hernani Goncalves & Jordan Justus

Considering Invoicing vs. Citing for Unpaid Curb Use

By Hernani Goncalves & Jordan Justus

CITIES EVERYWHERE grapple with congested curbsides and rampant loading zone violations. Delivery vehicles often double-park or ignore curb fees, leading to traffic jams and safety hazards. Traditional enforcement relies on unpopular tickets, frequently limited by law to manual enforcement. In Fort Lee, New Jersey, a new approach proves that invoicing curb access, or billing drivers for curb use, can outperform citations for curb management. By implementing a smart loading zone program, Fort Lee demonstrated how technology and policy innovations improve fairness, compliance, and curb efficiency.

Why Invoicing Curb Access Can Beat Issuing Citations

Shifting from on-the-spot fines to after-the-fact invoices makes curb management fairer and more effective. First, charging for time used is inherently more equitable and behavior-driven. Instead of a hefty flat fine, invoicing charges by the minute, a driver occupying a loading zone for five minutes pays less than one who overstays 30 minutes. This proportional cost encourages compliance, turning curb use into a manageable business expense rather than a punitive ordeal. Many commercial drivers are willing to pay a reasonable fee for guaranteed curb access, viewing citations as arbitrary or unfair. Correlating cost with usage incentivizes quicker turnover and discourages abuse.

Second, invoices are tax-deductible for businesses, unlike tickets. IRS rules state fines and penalties cannot be deducted. In contrast, parking fees or curb invoices are normal business expenses. A delivery company paying a $5 invoice for 20 minutes effectively lowers its taxable income, whereas a $50 citation is lost money. This tax advantage makes companies more inclined to pay curb time tickets in compliance rather than avoid or contest them.

Third, legal and practical limits to automated ticketing exist that invoices overcome. Many jurisdictions require a human officer for citations or prohibit camera-based ticketing. Public resistance to automated fines is common. Invoicing for curb use, however, can be framed as a user fee, making it more legally viable and publicly palatable. Cities like Pittsburgh worked for years to allow camera enforcement. An invoicing model sidesteps these hurdles: cameras observe usage, and the city sends a bill. This approach focuses on managing access rather than punishing misconduct, often permissible under existing fee authority. Invoicing provides a practical enforcement mechanism that traditional citation law falls short of.

Finally, invoicing fosters a more cooperative relationship with curb users. The system notifies and bills for service, like toll roads. Drivers are more likely to respect rules when charged fairly for time, rather than risking unpredictable fines. Over time, this builds a culture of compliance: paying for curb space becomes routine rather than a cat-and-mouse game.

Implementing the Invoicing Model in Fort Lee

Fort Lee’s Parking Authority piloted Smart Loading Zones, beginning implementation with outfitting high-demand curb areas with small pole-mounted cameras and sensors. These devices automatically monitor vehicle dwell time and record license plate numbers. Fort Lee deployed technology at its busiest commercial curbs to automate payments and identify unregistered cars for invoicing. Delivery vehicles could pull into a smart loading zone. If registered, the system auto-charges the company’s account. If not, an invoice was mailed after a grace period.

This approach was crucial because most drivers were not proactively paying curb fees. Industry data showed app-based parking payment compliance among commercial drivers is under 5%. Camera automation changed that. Virtually every vehicle is accounted for, and invoicing enables scalable enforcement— officers no longer need to be physically present.

To smooth the transition, Fort Lee introduced a smart incentive: unregistered drivers’ first invoices carry an administrative fee that is waived if they promptly register. The first mailed bill shows the time-based charge and an extra $10 admin surcharge. The invoice clarifies that signing up for a free account avoids future admin fees. This carrot-and-stick approach nudges businesses to register. Once registered, they enjoy a seamless experience: no apps or kiosks, no risk of $50 tickets, just a small per-minute charge.

Fort Lee also communicated the new system. After working with the Mayor and Council on a local ordinance, clear signage marked zones. Outreach informed local businesses, delivery companies, and drivers. Educating users on why—to improve turnover, reduce congestion, and enhance safety— gained broad support. Messaging highlighted compliance, not punishment: the city preferred that drivers use zones correctly and pay a few dollars rather than issue expensive tickets. This countered skepticism and got frequent users on board.

Results: Safer, More Efficient Curbs— and Greater Compliance Too

The switch to invoicing yielded impressive results in Fort Lee. Data showed significant improvements. Curb usage became more efficient: commercial vehicle utilization jumped by 44%, leading to more deliveries in designated zones. This is likely because drivers can reliably find an open, well-regulated spot. With more trucks using curb space as intended, turnover increased by 53%, enabling the handling of more vehicles per day. Higher turnover translates to faster drop-offs and pickups, and average dwell times fell by 22%.

Crucially, double-parking—a major safety and congestion hazard—dropped by 43% in smart loading zones. This validates a core goal: making legal curb space available reduces the need to block travel lanes. The reduction improves sightlines and traffic flow, enhancing safety. It also reduces chaos and road rage. These

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While Boosting Enforcement Productivity

improvements aligned with findings in other cities; Pittsburgh’s initiative saw double-parking plummet by 95%. Fort Lee’s 43% reduction shows the same trend.

Beyond operational wins, Fort Lee’s approach is financially sustainable. Compliance has risen dramatically (nearly 100% billed), unlocking a new revenue stream. The program achieved a 74% payment rate on invoices and is on track to generate about $16,000 in annual revenue per smart loading zone. This monetizes the curb while ensuring proper use. This revenue can be reinvested.

The most telling statistic is behavior change. Compliance is becoming the norm. After experiencing the system, delivery drivers adjusted their operations, heading straight to smart zones and staying within the limits. Many embraced predictability: one business owner noted that converting parking spots into a monitored loading zone “has been a significant advantage.” This positive feedback loop underscores community benefits beyond numbers. Still, the numbers make a compelling case.

Key Contributors to Success: Policy and Outreach

a significant issue, but legal backing was essential. Other cities should review their laws.

Conclusion: A New Paradigm for Curb Access

Fort Lee’s move from citations to invoicing showcases a promising paradigm shift. By charging for time used, the city created a fairer system that businesses can work with. Success metrics—higher turnover, reduced double-parking, shorter dwell times, and strong payment compliance—speak to its effectiveness. Intangible benefits are felt on the street: less chaos, happier local businesses, and a sense of control.

The most telling statistic is behavior change. Compliance is becoming the norm. After experiencing the system, delivery drivers adjusted their operations, heading straight to smart zones and staying within the limits.

Several strategic choices underpinned Fort Lee’s successful rollout. One was the escalation of administrative fees for repeat non-compliance. The program increased pressure on chronic offenders. If a van kept using zones without registering, subsequent invoices carried a higher admin surcharge. This growing nudge prevented companies from ignoring the first invoice. By the second or third, most enrolled. This policy of graduated fees was key in driving compliance.

Another critical factor was proactive outreach and education to drivers and fleets. The Parking Authority invested time in communicating with businesses and in distributing flyers and emails that explained the system. Outreach emphasized that registering would save drivers from future fees or tickets. It was positioned as a win-win. This messaging helped convert initial skepticism into buy-in.

Lastly, Fort Lee’s experience highlights the importance of supportive policy and legislative groundwork. The Parking Authority worked with the local government to ensure that ordinances permitted camera enforcement and invoicing. Invoices had teeth, and non-payment could be followed up. With the high voluntary payment rate, scofflaws haven’t been

For parking and mobility professionals, Fort Lee offers lessons. Technology is an enabler—automated cameras and license plate recognition enable realtime invoicing. But technology must be paired with smart policy and stakeholder engagement. When done right, an invoicing model can turn a curb into a dynamic asset, ensuring users pay fairly and follow the rules while generating data and revenue. It’s a virtuous cycle of compliance and benefit.

Invoicing curb access is still new, but Fort Lee’s pioneering example—alongside Miami, Bethlehem, and Pittsburgh— suggests it may define the future. By treating delivery curb space as something managed through pricing, cities can better accommodate e-commerce growth while reducing congestion and safety risks.

Fort Lee’s story demonstrates that a simple change—from citation to invoice—unlocks outsized gains. Everyone wins: cities get compliance and smoother traffic, businesses get reliable loading access, and drivers avoid costly tickets by paying a fair fee. The curb may always be a hot commodity, but with innovative solutions, it no longer has to be the Wild West. In the battle for the curb, the invoice might be the tool of choice for driving better outcomes. ◆

HERNANI GONCALVES is the Executive Director for the Fort Lee Parking Authority. He can be reached at hernanig@fortleepa.org.

JORDAN JUSTUS is the Chief Executive Officer of Automotus. He can be reached at jordan@automotus.co

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IPMI emailed 2026 dues invoices to billing contacts on October 2. You can view, download, and securely pay invoices* in the Member Portal, and we also accept ACH payments and paper checks. Not all members received an invoice on October 2. To see if you owe dues for 2026, log into the portal and click on “Pay Balance.” Unpaid invoices, including dues invoices, will be shown here.

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Stay in the Know!

IPMI’s membership term is now a calendar year.

IPMI’s memberships have historically started the day a member joins and ended one year later. This was often hard for our members to track. To simplify, we have converted our memberships to calendar-year terms.

Questions? We’re always here to help. Email us at membership@parking-mobility.org.

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Equity Beyond Capital

Equity Beyond Capital

How Parking & Mobility Leaders Can Help Startups Thrive

By Susan Cole

How Parking & Mobility Leaders Can Help Startups

Thrive

By Susan Cole

A Broader Definition of Equity

When we hear the word equity in the parking and mobility industry, most of us think about financial capital funding, investment, ownership, and revenue. And while financial access is undeniably critical for any business to survive, it’s not the only kind of equity that determines success.

Equity can also take the shape of relationships, knowledge, and community support. It can be the hand that reaches out when a founder is overwhelmed, the introduction that leads to a gamechanging opportunity, or the mentor who shares hard-earned wisdom at just the right moment.

For me, this truth came to life in an unexpected way. One sleepless night, I stumbled upon Parker Technology’s Harder Than It Looks podcast, hosted by Brian Wolff, in an episode featuring

Sue Malone. Her candid words about the challenges small businesses face struck a chord because they mirrored my own reality. Thanks to an introduction from Sarah Becherer from Ocra, I connected with Sue, and thanks to her guidance and support, we crossed the finish line with our SBA funding five months later. That moment showed me firsthand how equity can take the form of relationships, mentorship, and community, and how powerful that can be for small businesses.

For small businesses, especially women-owned, minorityowned, and disadvantaged enterprises, these forms of nonfinancial equity often make the difference between progress and collapse. And today, as the parking and mobility sector faces historic shifts in technology, policy, and funding, expanding how we think about equity is no longer optional; it’s essential.

Why This Conversation Matters Now

As this article is being written, the United States is in the middle of a government shutdown. New Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications have been paused, halting a key source of financial lifeline for entrepreneurs. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has implemented a sudden change to its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs, effectively suspending new certifications and contract goals until all firms re-certify with every agency with which they have a DBE/ ACDBE certification.

For small and diverse suppliers, especially those serving public infrastructure sectors like municipalities, airports, and other mobility sectors, these simultaneous disruptions create enormous uncertainty.

Layer on the continuing ripple effects of tariffs and increased import and freight costs, which have inflated the prices of raw materials and consumables (from ticket stock and RFID labels to electronic components), and you get a perfect storm: rising costs, fewer capital pathways, and shrinking opportunities.

Yet amid this turbulence, the parking and mobility community has a chance to demonstrate what true equity beyond capital looks like. When traditional funding and policy levers falter, the relationships, introductions, and collaborations within our industry can help sustain innovation and resilience.

The Power of Relational and Community Equity

The podcast wasn’t just a moment of inspiration; it was the beginning of a real turning point. After hearing Sue speak that night, I reached out, and a few days later, I had the privilege of connecting with her directly. Sue Malone is a longtime SBA advocate known for helping entrepreneurs navigate the often-daunting world of small business lending, and that conversation changed everything for my company’s growth.

Before getting funded, my company was still a small but determined supplier serving airports, municipalities, and parking operators with specialized consumables and “Tickets-as-a-Service” programs. Like many small firms, we had the capacity and innovation but lacked the capital to scale efficiently. Sue didn’t hand me money. She offered something far more valuable: guidance, encouragement, and access to knowledge. She explained what lenders look for, how to interpret confusing SBA terms, and how to advocate for my business as a woman-owned company. She walked me through the entire process, step by step.

That support ultimately helped me secure SBA funding after multiple failed attempts with other financial institutions. More importantly, it showed me that equity can be relational. One connection, one mentor, or one door opened can change the trajectory of a business.

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Innovation

In industries driven by contracts, compliance, and capital projects, mentorship may not sound revolutionary, but it is.

Experienced professionals can offer invaluable context that can’t be found in textbooks or spreadsheets. A quick phone call to demystify procurement processes, a coffee chat about pricing strategies, or a simple referral to a trusted contact can accelerate a startup’s progress more than months of trial and error.

When senior leaders invest time in mentorship, they’re not just helping one entrepreneur: they’re strengthening the entire supply chain. Diverse suppliers bring agility, innovation, and niche problem-solving capacity. They often spot inefficiencies that larger firms overlook. By guiding and mentoring them, established companies enhance their own resilience and adaptability.

Knowledge Equity: Sharing the Playbook

Equity in knowledge is about transparency, sharing the “how” and “why” of business operations so new entrants can navigate complex systems more effectively.

In parking and mobility, that might mean demystifying specifications for revenue control systems, explaining the nuances of airport procurement, or offering insight into sustainability reporting.

Many small firms spend disproportionate time and money learning how to comply with RFP structures, insurance requirements, and cybersecurity standards. By sharing templates, best practices, and lessons learned, established players can remove invisible barriers that often keep small businesses from competing.

Industry associations like IPMI, SWPTA, CMPA, and other State & Regional Associations already foster this kind of knowledge sharing through panels,

podcasts, and peer-learning sessions. The next step is for individual organizations to adopt the same spirit, internally mentoring diverse vendors, inviting them into project planning early, and giving them feedback that builds capacity rather than just compliance.

In my world, it is all about helping people succeed and thrive. One business at a time. Now it is your turn to make a difference for someone. As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘What good shall I do today?’

Sue Malone, Owner, Strategies for Small Business

Community Equity:

Building Bridges that Last

At its core, community equity is about belonging. It’s the sense that even if you’re a small supplier or a new entrant, you have a seat at the table.

For small businesses, especially those owned by women or minorities, that inclusion is transformative. When large operators and integrators intentionally make space for smaller partners —whether through subcontracting, innovation pilots, or joint marketing —it builds a stronger, more resilient ecosystem.

Community equity also reinforces trust across the value chain. When large organizations demonstrate that they are willing to mentor, refer, and uplift smaller ones, they model the kind of collaborative culture that defines sustainable industries.

The Ripple Effect Across the Industry

In the past five years, parking and mobility have evolved rapidly. The integration of smart sensors, digital permits, contactless payments, and automated enforcement tools has redefined how cities and airports manage access and revenue. These shifts have created immense opportunities, but also new layers of complexity that require both scale and agility.

Small, nimble companies often drive the most innovative ideas in these areas, yet they struggle to secure large contracts due to financial or certification barriers. Often, the smaller, minorityowned businesses bring flexible, practical solutions to large-scale challenges, proving that innovation doesn’t always come from the most significant player, but often from the most adaptable. But oftentimes, these organizations cannot get to the table. If we as an industry want to accelerate technology adoption and sustainability, we must ensure that these creative, diverse firms can participate meaningfully. Encouraging equity beyond capital isn’t charity; it’s a competitive advantage. When more suppliers can contribute, the industry benefits from broader problem-solving, faster adaptation, and greater resilience in the face of change.

The Impact of Policy Shifts

The current pause in SBA lending and the temporary suspension of the DBE/ACDBE programs expose a fundamental truth: small businesses are the most vulnerable to policy swings.

When funding freezes, procurement rules shift, or tariffs increase, large corporations have the resources to wait it out, but small firms don’t. Many operate on tight margins and lean inventory models. A few delayed payments or missed opportunities can mean the difference between survival and closure.

That’s why industry-driven equity

I was delighted to hear of Susan’s success with Sue and the SBA loan! This was one of the reasons we started our podcast, Harder Than It Looks, in the first place: to share stories and inspire parking professionals to collaborate and move the industry forward. We already know parking is a relationship-driven industry, and I was honored to play a small part in leveraging my relationships to help Susan and her company continue to grow and thrive!

Let’s keep going!!

Brian Wolff, CEO, Parker Technology, and host of the Harder Than It Looks podcast.

matters. It’s not dependent on policy cycles or government funding; it’s built on human relationships. When large integrators choose to mentor, when procurement officers advocate for inclusive RFP structures, and when associations highlight smallbusiness success stories, the effects ripple far beyond individual companies.

So, what can industry leaders do in practical terms? Here are a few approaches I’ve seen work firsthand:

1. Mentor Intentionally. Identify small or diverse businesses in your supply chain and offer guidance on navigating procurement, insurance, or certification requirements. Even one conversation can save a company weeks of frustration.

2. Make Introductions. Leverage your professional network to connect startups with decision-makers, potential customers, or technology partners. Introductions cost nothing but can be worth everything.

3. Share Knowledge. Provide templates, documentation standards, or compliance checklists to smaller firms. These tools demystify expectations and raise overall industry quality.

4. Promote Inclusivity in Procurement. Encourage RFP structures that balance experience requirements with innovation potential, allowing smaller companies to compete meaningfully.

5. Highlight Diverse Voices. Use conferences, publications, and association platforms to elevate underrepresented entrepreneurs. Representation matters. It signals possibilities for the next generation.

A Case Study in Collective Impact

Consider the example of an airport system transitioning to new PARCs equipment and software platform. A large integrator handles the infrastructure but relies on smaller partners for specialized consumables, data synchronization, and enforcement support.

When the prime contractor mentors and trains its small partners rather than treating them as transactional vendors, the project benefits. Timelines improve, innovation flourishes, and

local economies gain traction.

This dynamic collaboration is a model for community equity in action: everyone wins when expertise and opportunity are shared.

Resilience Through Relationships

Economic cycles will continue to rise and fall. Policies will change. But what sustains industries and the people who power them are relationships.

When the SBA loan system restarts, when DBE/ACDBE programs stabilize, and when tariffs finally adjust, many small businesses will still be recovering. The difference between those who make it and those who don’t will often come down to who reached out, who offered mentorship, and who believed in them.

The parking and mobility sector, perhaps more than most, understands systems thinking. Every gate, every lane, every sensor, every data feed is connected. When one link weakens, the system suffers. The same is true of our professional ecosystem.

Equity beyond capital ensures that the system remains strong even when external conditions aren’t.

A Call to Action

As leaders, we have the power to redefine equity not just as access to capital, but as access to people, knowledge, and opportunity.

Let’s make mentorship a norm, not an exception. Let’s ensure that the next wave of founders—women, minorities, veterans, and dreamers—have the relational and community scaffolding they need to build lasting success.

I’ve seen firsthand how one introduction or one mentor can change everything. If each of us did that for even one company this year, imagine the impact. Equity isn’t just policy; it’s personal.

Because when we extend equity beyond capital, we don’t just strengthen small businesses. We strengthen our entire industry.

SUSAN COLE is the Founder and CEO of Cole Ticket Solutions (CTS) and a member of IPMI’s Allyship & Equity Committee. She can be reached at susan@coletickets.com.

IPMI Events Calendar

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 9

Free IPMI Member Roundtable Hosted by the IPMI Planning, Design, & Construction Committee: a discussion on Municipal Event Parking and Curb Operations.

DECEMBER 10

Free IPMI & Partner Webinar IPMI, OMF, and NACTO present Curb Control: Building Modern Programs for Dynamic Streets

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What’s Your Next Step?

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Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Click here to find out why Vinnie earned his PTMP and how it impacted his career.

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STATE & REGIONAL CALENDAR

Industry Events and State & Regional Calendar 2025

NOVEMBER 3–6

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

APRIL 27–29

Texas Parking & Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference & Trade Show San Antonio. TX

MAY 26–29

Parking & Transportation Association of Pennsylvania (PTAP) Annual Conference & Trade Show Bethlehem, PA

NOVEMBER 17-20, 2025

Florida Parking & Transportation Association (FPTA) Annual Conference and Tradeshow Miami, FL

SEPTEMBER 15–18

Carolinas Parking & Mobility Association (CPMA) Greenville, SC

OCTOBER 13–16

Mid-Atlantic Parking & Transportation Association (MAPTA) Fall Conference & Trade Show Williamsburg, VA

OCTOBER 20–22

Pacific Intermountain Parking & Transportation Association (PIPTA) Conference & Expo Spokane, WA

NOVEMBER 30–DECEMBER 4

Mid-South Transportation & Parking Association (MSTPA) and Florida Parking & Transportation Association (FPTA) Joint Conference & Tradeshow Miramar Beach, FL

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