Author: Elliott Holt, Dixon Resources Unlimited
As summer winds down and schools come back in session, many parking managers shift their attention toward budgeting and planning. This is the perfect moment to step back, take stock of your programs, and prepare for the months ahead.
One way to stay organized is by following a simple four-step cycle each fiscal year:
This cycle helps municipal parking managers focus not just on cutting costs, but on asking the bigger question: How is each program performing?
Assess & Evaluate: Laying the Groundwork
At this stage, data is your most valuable tool. Start by reviewing first-quarter results, both program by program and across your entire system. If you don’t already have performance indicators in place, now is the time to define them. Use a combination of historical data, established goals (i.e., Council-adopted Strategic Goals or General Plans), and internal benchmarks to set meaningful targets.
When assessing programs, think beyond finances. Ask whether each service still meets the needs of its stakeholders (e.g., business owners, employees, residents, and visitors). Shifts in commuting patterns, especially with the rise of hybrid and remote work, continue to affect long-term permit demand and garage utilization. Those realities have left some Bay Area agencies facing severe budget shortfalls. See the following articles for more information: The SFMTA’s Financial Crisis and BART is Facing a Fiscal Cliff.
Stakeholder engagement is critical here. Regular surveys and feedback sessions keep communication open and help you identify pain points early, allowing you to adjust before problems escalate.
Using Technology to Understand Utilization
Modern parking systems, including smart meters, mobile payments, digital permits, and license plate recognition (LPR) technology, generate a wealth of data. When paired with parking studies that track parking occupancy, turnover, and length-of-stay, this information provides a clear picture of how programs perform over time.
The key is to use this data to guide decisions. Real-time monitoring and integrated systems allow for proactive management instead of reactive course corrections. By basing your strategies on hard numbers rather than speculation, you can strengthen both operations and public trust.
Planning with Performance in Mind
Armed with data and feedback, you can enter the planning phase with confidence. Consider establishing special or enterprise funds to keep parking revenues and expenses transparent. This makes it easier to monitor costs, measure ROI on contracted services, and prevent structural deficits. As you refine your budget, remember to:
These steps keep your programs sustainable and prepare you for mid-year budget adjustments.
Implementation: Turning Plans into Action
A strong plan only works if it’s communicated effectively. The rollout phase is often the hardest, but also the most important. Success depends on outreach and education.
Use every available channel, including social media, newsletters, email, and even short videos or guides, to explain changes and answer questions. The goal is to keep the community informed before new policies take effect. Open, proactive communication not only improves compliance but also builds trust and enhances the public’s overall experience.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on this past summer, I’m reminded of the phrase: “You either fish or cut bait.” In today’s environment, waiting for things to improve on their own isn’t enough. By committing to a cycle of assessment, evaluation, planning, and implementation, you can make incremental improvements that add up to long-term success.
Contact us today to explore how DIXON can help you achieve your goals with innovative, customized solutions.
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