Time is free, but it’s priceless. The same amount can be used well or poorly and there is seemingly never enough of it…I’m starting off my first MSTPA blog about time because I’m late!

The world around us continues to change. The parking industry is no exception, notably with the recent merge between MSTPA and the Georgia Parking Association. This year has been one of change for me, as well. I became a grandfather, moved from the suburbs to an old farm and doubled the animal population of our family, all within a few months!

It was so nice to get back into the routine of attending the annual IPMI conference a few weeks ago. The conference was in New Orleans this year and was widely attended by parking professionals from around the world. 

The Mid-South Transportation & Parking Association (MSTPA) and the Parking & Transportation Association of Georgia (PTAG) are proud to announce the merger of these two amazing organizations. The two parties have agreed to maintain the Mid-South Transportation & Parking Association name and branding.

Does your local parking system operate and function on its own or does your system have a sprawling university campus that adjoins its local municipal boundaries? If you are one of the many communities that has this wonderful dynamic then you know how important it is to have a positive, working relationship with the university’s parking and transportation department. Having a great relationship with the University can really help to evolve your own system as well as strengthen the bond between the town and the University! 

I have now been in the parking industry for five short, but seemingly long, years. During those five years, one thing that I’ve realized, more than anything, is that parking really is a thankless job.

It is hard to accept, but recently I celebrated my 20-year anniversary of being in the parking industry. Throughout my career I have always enjoyed moments of reflection that either helped me make career altering decisions or to appreciate my mentors, friends (and foes), and certainly my clients that helped me along the way.

What parking changes did you make for COVID that are here to stay? What new parking challenges are you experiencing now that the world is emerging from the pandemic?

So, how does an association like the Mid-South Transportation and Parking Association (MSTPA) create that perfect event for members to enjoy, learn, fellowship and find real value in? To answer this, we have a few questions for our long time MSTPA advocate, association and event manager Dawn Marti

One of the major challenges many communities and universities face is determining how much time and energy to focus on sustainable transportation. This type of transportation can range from transit, to bicycling, scooters, walking, and more so now, telecommuting.