Whether it's improving an existing facility or service or managing the systems in place, parking management goes hand in hand with transportation issues that any city, business, college or other large organization faces. And transportation problems can lead to economic development and quality of life issues for residents as well.

Parking management information can include policies, programs and infrastructure that make best use of resources. From parking garage equipment, to hiring a parking manager or consultant, all strategies can help you in your parking management goals.

Encouraging the use of alternative transportation such as mass transit, bus, walking or cycling, where possible, can be used in conjunction with parking management strategies to reduce the amount of motorists needing parking altogether. Consider this other parking management information:

1. A parking management list of objectives should include how you will address overflow situations.

2. Although it often isn't seen as inherently important, parking management can impact cities significantly by decreasing traffic and associated pollution to padding local revenue sources from enforcement.

3. When it comes to parking management, don't get stuck in the rut of thinking only of quantity. Quality parking counts just as much, some say.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find parking management products

Just to maintain existing parking facilities, you'll want to be prepared with the products that you'll need. You'll also want to keep up to date on new technologies so that parking garages and street parking can be more efficiently handled.

I recommend: POM Inc. supplies parking meters, accessories and handheld parking devices. Parking garage equipment such as barrier gates, ticket machines, card readers and other items can be secured through Parking Products.

Hire a parking management provider

Many third-party companies exist to provide services in the parking management area. Individual businesses may find these services helpful to avoid congestion and make their business more accessible to patrons.

I recommend: Park Incorporated provides parking facilities managers and utilizes technology for revenue control, among other services. Parking Management Company supplies parking management services for restaurants, hotels and also for special events.

Work with parking management consultants for long term planning

For larger organizations, such as towns and cities or universities, hiring a consultant may be the best choice. Whether you want to design a new parking facility or find new solutions to old parking problems, a parking consultant firm can point you in the right direction.

I recommend: Parking supply and demand, conceptual planning and needs assessments are provided by Desman Associates. Browse the services offered by Parking Consultants of Denver, CO, as they provide design studies, master planning and site analysis, among others.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A parking management strategy should include a user marketing campaign. Motorists need easy access to information about parking options near certain destinations, the number of spaces available there, parking prices and other nearby parking choices.