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.

Nothing frustrates customers faster than unexpected changes—especially when those changes involve money. That lesson is playing out at San Antonio’s La Cantera shopping center, where paid “preferred” parking was introduced without clear communication. While the operational logic may make sense, the lack of advance notice left shoppers and even employees feeling blindsided. The backlash highlights a familiar truth in parking: it’s not just what changes, but how—and when—you co

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.

Many Teslas lack a front license plate, a small detail that hints at a larger shift in vehicle identification. As digital license plates emerge, they promise convenience but raise questions around cost, privacy, security, and enforcement in a changing transportation landscape.

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.

Mentorship is essential in an industry without formal pathways. In parking, learning happens through experience, observation, and guidance from those who’ve lived it. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to value menteeship—the willingness to listen, ask questions, and learn from real-world stories. As our industry evolves, mentorship bridges the past and the future, shaping not just better professionals, but stronger leaders.

As Season Two of the Our Parking Industry Podcast comes to a close, Episodes 21–23 reflect on where the industry has been and where it’s headed. From thoughtful conversations on enforcement, policy, and predictability to reflections on collaboration, communication, and standardization, these episodes underscore a central truth: modern parking is as much about people, purpose, and policy as it is about operations and technology.

The parking industry is buzzing with futuristic ideas, but most facilities still rely on fundamentals that matter today. While LPR, EVs, and micromobility will shape tomorrow, managers must stay focused on identifying every car, collecting every dollar, and running efficient operations now. Preparing for the future starts with mastering the basics in the present.

As smart cities blur the lines between public, private, and government data control, Dubai’s new MoU between Dubai Police and Parkin PJSC highlights the growing integration of mobility, technology, and privacy. With IoT adoption accelerating globally, the parking industry sits at the center of a major transformation — one that raises urgent questions about efficiency, accountability, and the future of connected urban infrastructure.

Richard Easley’s journey—from college dropout to national ITS leader—reveals the power of grit, awareness, and humility. His career shows how transportation, parking, and technology are deeply interconnected, and why diversity and listening to others matter. Richard’s message is simple: stay curious, know what you don’t know, and design systems that work for everyone.

A simple design mistake showed why “knowing your numbers” matters—especially in Texas, where big trucks require bigger drive-thru lanes. From vehicle dimensions to performance metrics, getting the details right prevents costly errors and leads to smarter decisions. At TPN, it’s why Clyde Wilson’s Rule #3 remains essential: success isn’t about guessing, it’s about knowing.

Dive into Episodes 19 and 20 of the Our Parking Industry Podcast as Fed Revolte and the TPN hosts explore how municipalities are navigating frictionless parking, curb management, EV policies, and the power of clear communication. Hear how Tampa’s approach to innovation, community engagement, and customer service is shaping the future of modern municipal parking.

When a developer reverse-engineered San Francisco’s parking ticket system, it exposed sensitive enforcement data and sparked cybersecurity concerns. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the parking industry to strengthen data protection, review protocols, and prepare for future digital threats.