When it comes to parking, there’s no better place to get a pulse on the industry than at events like TPTA—and this year’s conference in Galveston was a clear snapshot of where things are headed. From cities to universities, the conversations were lively, the taco trucks were plentiful, and the focus was on making parking more accessible, manageable, and sustainable for every community.
Here’s what stood out from the week:
Public Sector Leading the Charge
TPTA brought together an impressive mix of cities, towns, and campuses, all focused on solving real-world parking challenges. It was clear that the public sector isn’t just keeping pace—they’re leading many of the conversations around modernization, customer experience, and technology adoption. Collaboration between municipalities and schools is stronger than ever, and it’s shaping the future of parking across Texas and beyond.
The Heavy Cost of Meters
A common theme across panels and side conversations: meters are taking a toll. From maintenance headaches to costly hardware replacements, the traditional meter model is straining budgets and resources. Operators are feeling the pressure to find alternatives that are easier to manage and more cost-effective in the long term. Hardware-light solutions are no longer a nice-to-have—they’re quickly becoming a must.
Ease of Use: Non-Negotiable
There was a lot of honest conversation about app-based resistance—especially when it comes to ensuring parking systems are usable for every demographic. The takeaway? While technology is critical, it has to be simple. Solutions need to meet people where they are, whether that’s a QR code, a tap-to-pay option, or a straightforward text-to-park flow. If it’s not easy for everyone to use, it’s not a solution.
And Yes… the Taco Trucks Delivered
No recap of TPTA would be complete without mentioning the taco trucks. Between sessions and networking, they kept everyone well-fed—and kept the energy high. It was a reminder that some of the best conversations happen over a plate of tacos under the Texas sun.
The Value of Being There
More than anything, TPTA reinforced how important face-to-face connection still is. From swapping stories about meter maintenance woes to brainstorming future-ready parking systems, the real value came from being in the room, building relationships, and sharing ideas.
Couldn’t Make It to TPTA? Let’s Catch Up.
Whether you were on-site in Galveston or couldn’t make it this year, we’d love to connect. Let’s talk about where parking is headed—and how we can help you stay ahead of the curve.
