Uber’s acquisition of SpotHero could signal major change for the parking industry. This article explores industry fragmentation, the rise of transportation “super apps,” AI, transaction fees, and why collaboration and leadership will matter more than ever moving forward.

TPN’s Parking Professional Spotlight features Jordan Justice, CEO of Automotus, exploring curb management, innovation, leadership, and the role of data-driven technology in reducing congestion, improving safety, and shaping smarter city parking policies.

More than a decade after the death of truck driver Jason Rivenburg inspired Jason’s Law, the shortage of safe truck parking remains a national issue. With drivers losing valuable time searching for legal spaces and facing growing safety risks, the industry continues searching for solutions through technology, federal funding, and expanded capacity. This article explores why truck parking matters and how parking professionals can help address the challenge.

Last month on the Our Parking Industry Podcast, we explored three different perspectives shaping the future of parking. From nationwide installation challenges and data-driven operations to building a trusted valet business, each conversation highlighted the importance of preparation, adaptability, and people. These episodes offer practical insight, real-world experience, and thoughtful discussion for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving parking industry.

EVs, autonomous vehicles, AI, and curb management are often framed as immediate disruptions, but most innovations follow long development cycles. Many parking technologies introduced over the past 15 years remain in mid-curve stages, not full adoption. History shows meaningful change takes decades, not headlines. By understanding where technologies truly sit on the curve, the industry can avoid overreacting, make informed investments, and plan for long-term impacts rather tha

Victoria Park in Western Australia modernized parking with dual payment apps, open data systems, and demand-based pricing. By prioritizing flexibility, staff engagement, and long-term planning, the town created a more efficient, customer-friendly operation. The result is a data-driven approach that reduces friction and supports economic activity.

Raul Galvez’s journey from valet to Regional Director of Operations at ACE Parking highlights leadership built on respect, mentorship, and relationship building. From developing team members to strengthening client partnerships, his approach focuses on people first. By investing in networking, staying current on industry trends, and learning from challenges, Raul demonstrates how proactive leadership and operational excellence can drive long term success in today’s evolving p

Too many choices can overwhelm customers and complicate what should be a simple parking experience. As new payment methods, reservations, and technologies expand options, clarity often suffers. The paradox of choice highlights the need to balance innovation with intentional simplicity. Clear communication, consistent processes, and thoughtfully curated options reduce friction, improve confidence, and create a smoother parking journey that respects customers’ time and enhances

Last month, the Our Parking Industry Podcast explored leadership, people-first operations, and enforcement technology. From Rafael Abanilla’s frontline leadership perspective to a discussion on keeping service at the center of tech, and a look at Plix AI for enforcement teams, each episode highlights a common theme. The future of parking depends on balancing innovation with experience, prioritizing customer service, and supporting the people who deliver daily operations.

In this note, Clyde Wilson reminds us that while technology evolves, the fundamentals of parking remain unchanged. With more than four decades in the industry, he challenges operators to stay grounded in what works: walk your facilities, know your numbers, and keep customers at the center. Innovation matters, but progress without operational understanding comes at a cost. The next great advancement will be built on fundamentals, not flash.

Georgia’s new House Bill 551 is reshaping parking enforcement with stricter booting regulations, capped fees, required transparency, and stronger consumer protections. As accountability and fairness take center stage, operators must rethink enforcement strategies to align with rising public expectations. With reforms like these gaining momentum, now is the time for parking professionals to evaluate policies, communication, and customer experience.

This month’s Spotlight features Leigh Thomas, whose journey from math teacher to TPN Project Manager reflects curiosity, grit, and a deep commitment to growth. From data analysis to publications and industry events, Leigh brings teamwork, creativity, and a relentless learning spirit to everything she does. Her ability to translate numbers into meaningful insight makes a lasting impact on both clients and colleagues.

As AI becomes the new benchmark of advancement, companies are racing to integrate it into everything they offer. But at what cost? Drawing parallels to the Space Race, this reflection explores the hidden tradeoffs of rapid innovation, especially in parking and customer-facing industries. When speed to market overshadows reliability and human connection, customer trust is often the first casualty.

Season 3 of the Our Parking Industry Podcast is officially underway, launching with three powerful episodes that tackle consumer protection, automation, and vendor innovation. From a landmark conversation on transparency and accountability to a candid TPN roundtable and the debut of our new vendor spotlight segment, this season explores where technology, policy, and customer experience collide. If you care about the future of parking, now is the time to tune in.

Innovation doesn’t automatically improve customer experience. While grocery stores carefully test technology to support customers, parking often introduces complex systems with little guidance or support. When equipment fails or processes are unclear, customers pay the price. True progress in parking depends on thoughtful system selection, clear communication, and protecting the customer experience—not just adopting new technology.

Tim Maloney’s career reflects what’s possible in an industry built on opportunity and relationships. Starting as a valet at 17, Tim quickly sought responsibility, rising through operations and executive leadership roles across parking and technology. From Signature Parking and Propark to SpotHero, FLASH, and now Reservations Lab, his journey highlights hands-on learning, mentorship, and a passion for innovation that continues to shape the future of parking.

Season 3 of the Our Parking Industry Podcast is launching this month, bringing candid conversations with industry leaders, operators, and innovators. New this season is Inside The Lane, a short-form segment spotlighting the vendors and solutions supporting parking operations. From big-picture discussions to quick insights, Season 3 is designed to inform, connect, and move the parking industry forward.

This reflective piece revisits Clyde Wilson’s timeless insights on leadership, change, and responsibility in a rapidly evolving parking industry. From defining the difference between leaders and managers to navigating technology, pace, and complexity, Clyde reminds us that true leadership requires courage, discipline, and daily renewal. His perspective challenges us to embrace change, stay grounded in purpose, and lead with accountability as we build the future together.

Near the end of Season Two of the Our Parking Industry Podcast, a conversation with Julie Dixon sparked a deeper reflection on policy and its real-world impact. From data-driven curb management to the challenges of eliminating parking minimums, this piece explores how thoughtful transportation policy can support access, efficiency, and community needs. Policy matters—when done well, it shapes mobility, commerce, and opportunity.

A Parking Professional Spotlight on Stuart Robb, Director of Parking at the University of Idaho, tracing his 33-year journey from student employee to leader. Rooted in service and adaptability, Stuart reflects on navigating campus growth, politics, and limited infrastructure while embracing innovation like LPR technology. His story highlights people-first leadership, teamwork, and building a lasting legacy in university parking.