FAQ: Miami's Evolving Parking Landscape with Thad Caraway

What is driving the increased demand for parking in Miami?

The demand for parking in Miami is driven by the city’s rapid population growth, with a 5.1% increase since April 2020, and its status as the second most visited city in the US, attracting over 28 million visitors in 2024.

Who is Thad Caraway and what is his role in Miami’s parking landscape?

Thad Caraway is the Vice President of Operations at Universal Parking South Florida, known for his expertise in strategic planning, infrastructure development, and revenue optimization in parking operations and management.

What is Parkitecture and how is it being implemented in Miami?

Parkitecture is a trend that combines parking, architecture, and public art, transforming parking structures into design landmarks. Miami, especially in areas like the Miami Design District, is leading in embracing this trend at scale.

How is Miami utilizing technology for smart curb management?

Miami is using solar-powered cameras, AI, and license-plate recognition (LPR) to enforce SMART Loading Zones, initially piloting 26 zones across downtown and Brickell with automated per-minute billing.

What are the implications of Miami’s car-centric culture on parking?

Miami’s car-centric culture, with over 80% of residents relying on cars for commuting, has led to heavy investment in parking infrastructure and a high demand for downtown commuter garages, especially in densely developed areas like Brickell and Downtown Miami.

How does tourism impact parking demand in Miami?

Tourism significantly impacts parking demand in Miami, with the city attracting over 28 million visitors in 2024 and PortMiami handling more than 7.3 million cruise passengers in 2023, creating intense demand for cruise and short-term parking.

What makes Miami’s approach to parking infrastructure unique?

Miami’s approach is unique due to its adoption of Parkitecture and smart curb management technologies, making parking structures not only functional but also cultural landmarks and utilizing advanced technologies for efficient parking management.