The Municipal Parking Tightrope: Prioritizing fairness in the management of limited municipal parking assets, including both curb and off-street spaces, to ensure equitable public access.

Wednesday, September 16, 10:15 AM, Room: Columbia 4

This session addresses frequent public concerns regarding paid and managed parking systems. Participants will learn how to effectively navigate public meetings when facing demands for free parking or unregulated curb space, and how to challenge the misconception that parking management is merely a revenue-generating "cash grab". Municipalities, counties, and small towns must manage these limited assets to ensure they remain accessible to the entire community rather than a select few.

Without management, free spaces quickly become occupied with no mechanism to encourage the turnover necessary for other users. This scenario is comparable to allowing private enclosures within a public park on a first-come, first-served basis, which would ultimately degrade the resource into an unorganized settlement rather than a functional public space. By utilizing analogies to other managed public resources, officials can better educate the public on the necessity of parking management and the commitment to providing equitable access for all.

Along with management and communication, this session aims to provide the knowledge and means to articulate the necessity of proper enforcement of parking in a way that is firm, fair, and courteous. Finally, this session will highlight the importance of understanding municipal code as it relates to parking, enforcement of parking, and the challenges encountered when drafting and changing the code.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the significance of maintaining equitable and fair access to shared public assets, such as municipal parking.

  • Demonstrate effective strategies for communicating the necessity of parking management and proper enforcement during public meetings.

  • Utilize analogies to other managed public resources to educate stakeholders on the importance of asset turnover and community-wide accessibility.

  • Highlight the challenges and provide tips for navigating municipal code nuances, as well as making updates and changes to the code.

 

Daryl Myers (Metropolis Technologies, Inc.)

Daryl Myers - Operations Manager, Municipal & Airport Services - Carolinas.

Mr. Myers provides "boots-on-the-ground" oversight for airport and municipal contracts, including the City of Beaufort, South Carolina, and curbside operations at CLT and RDU Airports. A U.S. Navy veteran, he utilizes statistical analysis to optimize staffing and ensure strict compliance with performance targets.

-15 years of government service experience.
-Deeply familiar with public safety, airport logistics, and security protocols.
-Expert in operational compliance and performance monitoring.
-Member of the Carolinas Parking & Mobility Association

Kevin Warntz (Metropolis Technologies, Inc.)

Kevin Warntz - Senior Operations Manager, Municipal Contracts & Services - Carolinas

Mr. Warntz manages municipal markets in the Carolinas. With 15+ years in parking management and a deep background in IT recruiting, he specializes in municipal operations, site openings, and technical upgrades across the broader Mid-South.

-9+ years focused on municipal parking operations.
-Expert in client relations and increasing revenue streams.
-Member of the Carolinas Parking & Mobility Association.

Alexander Ruth (Metropolis Technologies Inc.)

Alexander Ruth - Market Leader, Carolinas

Mr. Ruth is a distinguished operational leader with over 15 years of experience, including a decade at Metropolis. Currently serving as the operational lead for North and South Carolina for the past five years, he manages a diverse portfolio including airport, municipal, and healthcare operations while focusing on market stabilization and strategic growth.

-15+ years of total leadership experience; 10 years with Metropolis
-Oversees operations across the Carolinas
-Full Sail University and Columbus State Community College
-Member of the Carolinas Parking & Mobility Association