Uncategorized – Walker Consultants

Sustainability Isn’t Just Environmental, It’s Operational. It’s Human.

Walker Consultants — Thu, 28 May 2026 21:44:32 +0000

Imagine this: you’re circling a parking garage for 10 minutes looking for an open space. You’re late for an important event, irritated, and now you’ve burned more fuel than you meant to before you’ve even turned off the ignition.

You don’t have to imagine it. You’ve lived it.

Moments like this are so common that they barely register anymore. But they should. What feels like a minor inconvenience is often a sign of a system that isn’t working as well as it could.

Some of the most meaningful sustainability gains come from reducing waste before it happens.

When people think about sustainability, they often picture what gets added to a building: solar panels, green roofs, EV charging stations and recycled materials. Those elements do matter. But some of the most meaningful environmental gains come from something less visible: reducing waste before it happens.

Sometimes sustainability looks like better movement. Less idling. Fewer wrong turns. Shorter wait times. Smoother arrivals. Less friction between people and the places they need to go.

Where Thoughtful System Design Makes a Difference

That’s where thoughtful system design comes in.

Tools like parking access and revenue control systems (PARCS), license plate recognition (LPR), and real-time stall detection can help drivers enter quickly, find spaces faster, and exit more efficiently. They improve convenience, but they also reduce circling, congestion, and unnecessary emissions.

Better parking flow is not just a user-experience improvement. It is also an operational and sustainability improvement.

Additionally, Parksmart is a leading certification for sustainable parking, promoting efficient, environmentally responsible parking facilities. And at Walker Consultants, we have 16 Parksmart Advisors who can help guide parking projects through certification by assessing sustainability.

At the VHC Outpatient Pavilion Garage, systems like these support a high-traffic healthcare environment where time matters. Clear wayfinding, streamlined entry, and efficient parking flow help reduce delays for patients, visitors, and staff while improving the overall experience around the facility.

The Bigger Idea Goes Beyond Parking

The bigger idea extends far beyond parking.

Across cities, sustainability is increasingly shaped by how well everyday systems function. The Seattle Zero Emissions Loading Zones initiative rethinks urban deliveries by shifting trips to e-cargo bikes. Our Transportation Equity Study for the City of Peoria focuses on improving access and mobility so communities can reach jobs, services, and opportunities more efficiently. Transit microgrids and multi-modal resiliency hubs connect transportation, energy, and public infrastructure to support cleaner, more reliable movement.

Reduce
Unnecessary movement

Use
Resources more wisely

Design
Systems that work better for people

What Sustainability Also Means

Because sustainability is not only about what we install. It is also about what we eliminate: wasted time, wasted energy, wasted motion, and avoidable frustration.

The most effective sustainability strategies are often the ones people never notice. They simply feel easier, faster, and better.

And over time, those invisible improvements can make a visible difference.

Press Release: Walker Consultants’ Alex Katz Named to ICRI’s 40 Under 40

Walker Consultants — Thu, 28 May 2026 21:13:06 +0000

April 2, 2026

NASHVILLE, TN., April 21, 2026 —

Walker Consultants is pleased to announce that Alex Katz, PE, SE, Director of Restoration in the firm’s Atlanta East and West offices, has been selected as part of ICRI’s 40 Under 40.

Katz has served on the board of directors for ICRI’s Georgia Chapter since 2022, currently serves as the chapter’s treasurer, and is working with the board to implement the Chapter’s first annual project awards program.

“My involvement with ICRI has fostered lasting friendships and been a tremendous source of professional growth,” said Katz. “It is an honor to be recognized by the premier organization in our field. I look forward to continuing to advance the industry by contributing to a supportive culture and responsibly stewarding the built environment for current and future generations.”

As Director of Restoration, Katz is responsible for project management of forensic, restoration, and building envelope projects throughout the region. He brings extensive experience in the analysis, evaluation, and repair of concrete structures, with work spanning a wide range of complex and challenging conditions.

Throughout his career, Katz has consulted on a diverse portfolio of structures, including wharfs, timber trusses, cooling towers, high-rise façades accessed by rope, roofs, and one of the largest parking garage vehicle fires in North America. His experience also includes designing immediate shoring and controlled load testing of damaged structures, roof anchors, asset management and structural monitoring programs, and structural strengthening using advanced repair techniques.

This portfolio also includes the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport North and South Domestic Terminal Parking Decks Renewal, a 2024 ICRI Award of Excellence-winning project. Other notable projects he’s contributed to the Chicago Theater, Aon Center, Old Main Post Office, The Biltmore, and include a cotton mill constructed in 1900 that received the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Chairman’s Award in 2018.

Working on projects across 16 states, Katz has served clients across aviation, commercial, education, entertainment, government, hospitality, medical, and residential sectors. His broad technical background allows him to understand client needs quickly and deliver solutions that are both creative and practical.

Katz holds a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia. He is a Level 1 Rope Access Technician through the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians and a member of the American Concrete Institute.

Understanding Revenue Loss in Gateless Parking: Why Enforcement Still Requires a Human Touch

Walker Consultants — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:46:44 +0000

Gateless parking systems using License Plate Recognition (LPR) provide speed, convenience, and reduced operational costs. As a result, they are becoming increasingly popular among private and public operators seeking to modernize their facilities. However, relying solely on technology for enforcement can lead to the loss of a critical element: compliance. Without effective follow-up mechanisms, LPR-based systems become vulnerable to revenue leakage – the loss of expected income due to incomplete or failed payment collection.

In private settings, where legal authority is limited to civil enforcement, this risk is even more pronounced. Private operators often lack direct access to Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records. When LPR systems flag a vehicle without a valid payment or permit, enforcement relies on third-party skip tracing to locate and contact the vehicle owner. Industry experience shows that match rates in private operations are often below 60%, and only a portion of those contacted respond. This dynamic can result in revenue losses of 10-15%, particularly in facilities with inadequate signage or unclear follow-up procedures.

Even when a plate is captured, real-world conditions complicate enforcement. Out-of-state registrations, leased vehicles, temporary tags, and data mismatches often make follow-up impossible. Some advanced systems, particularly in international markets, report session accuracy rates of 99% or higher. However, these figures typically reflect internal tracking performance, not the ability to identify the driver or recover payment. That distinction matters. A system may perfectly log that a vehicle was present, but that doesn’t mean it can secure payment afterward.

California operators face additional complexity. Privacy laws and consumer protection regulations shape how and when parkers can be contacted. Public agencies are increasingly using indigent or hardship payment plans, striking a balance between equitable access and practical enforcement. These frameworks make it even more important to emphasize voluntary compliance rather than relying solely on post-visit collections.

Many failed transactions are not intentional. Parkers forget, make simple errors, or experience friction at the point of payment. Small mistakes, like entering an “O” instead of a zero, can prevent the system from recognizing a valid transaction. Fuzzy logic and deferred payment programs
enable operators to identify these near-misses, providing customers with a brief window to self-correct before escalation.

Clarity in design plays a major role. Poor signage, confusing kiosks, and unintuitive apps reduce compliance. Well-placed, regulation-compliant signage and simple digital workflows significantly improve outcomes before enforcement is ever required.

Still, technology has limits. LPR cannot interpret broken equipment, construction closures, valid placards, or special events. It cannot exercise discretion. This is where trained enforcement staff remain essential. Their presence improves accuracy, resolves edge cases, and acts as a deterrent.

This isn’t about reverting to older models. It’s about enhancing automation with human judgment. A hybrid approach is not just practical-it’s necessary.

Some operators are closing the gap by combining gateless entry with controlled exits or pay-before-exit systems. These models preserve customer convenience while tightening revenue control. When paired with LPR data and human oversight, operators can analyze patterns, adjust staffing levels and ultimately reduce revenue loss over time.

Layered approach

LPR for automation
Deferred payment for resolution
Human enforcement for judgment

Technology is the engine. People provide the brakes and the steering. Together, they make the system smarter.

About the Author

Shakesha Holmes is a Mobility and Parking Planner with Walker Consultants in Atlanta, where she supports public and private clients in improving curbside management, enforcement, and paid parking operations. She brings over a decade of industry experience across municipal programs, hospitality, healthcare, and higher education. Shakesha holds a BA in Professional Studies from Purdue University and serves as a site reviewer for IPMI’s Accredited Parking Organization (APO) program. She is also active in the Women’s Advisory Forum, IPMI, and the National Parking Association.

2024 IIEC Updates

Walker Consultants — Wed, 27 May 2026 23:00:34 +0000

Walker Consultants Building Envelope Services

2024 IECC Updates

The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) raises expectations for verified enclosure performance. Early engagement, proactive testing, and independent oversight are essential to minimizing risk and achieving predictable outcomes. Walker Consultants helps project teams meet these requirements with clarity and confidence.

What Changed

The code now expects proof.

The 2024 IECC significantly changes how building enclosure performance is demonstrated. For owners and project teams, that can affect cost, schedule, documentation, and occupancy when issues are found late.

Whole-building testing becomes mandatory

Air leakage testing is no longer just an optional alternative pathway for many commercial projects.

Lower leakage limits raise the bar

Tighter allowable limits require greater precision across enclosure design, construction, and field execution.

Failures trigger diagnostics

When initial results exceed allowable thresholds, diagnostic testing is required to identify performance gaps.

Corrections mean retesting

Corrective work can require mandatory retesting, adding pressure to schedule, closeout, and occupancy planning.

Documentation matters more

Expanded documentation and third-party verification make early coordination and clean records more important.

2024 IECC

Air leakage performance requirements

Compare how current and recent standards set maximum air leakage limits. Lower numbers mean tighter performance expectations.

IECC-C 2024 0.35

cfm/ft² @75 Pa

Lowest shown 0.08

Washington State shows the most aggressive value in this comparison.

1. Start with climate zone

2BNo air barrier required.

Climate zones other than 2BContinue to occupancy.

2. If occupancy is Group R or I

3C and 5CComply using materials or assemblies provisions + verification.

0, 1, 2A, 2C, 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 6, 7, 8Building / building portion testing by Section 402.5.2.

3. If occupancy is other than Group R or I

3B, 3C and 5CComply using materials or assemblies provisions + verification.

0B, 1, 2A, 4B and 4C> 5000 sf: materials / assemblies + verification.

0A, 3A and 5B> 50,000 sf: Section 402.5.3 testing. >5000 but <50,000 sf: materials / assemblies + verification.

0C, 2C, 4A, 5A, 6, 7, 8Building / building portion testing by Section 402.5.3.

Walker in the News: December 2020

Walker Consultants — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 20:41:55 +0000

Recent promotions for Brad Navarro and Dave Ryan were showcased under “Movers and Shakers” in Parking Magazine’s December 2020 issue. Congratulations Brad and Dave!

Justin Chang‘s article featuring his work on Cal State LA’s Parking Structure E was published in the December issue of Parking Magazine’s “Facility Spotlight”. Justin led the Walker team as the Structural Engineer of Record on this very complex and technically advanced project. Great work, Justin! A link to the article is provided here.

Parking Today magazine featured an all-Walker panel of Sue Thompson, An Nguyen, and Kevin White discussing “What Does a Consultant Bring to Parking Planning” in their December online issue. Our team describes the parking consultant’s critical contributions and value to the planning process. Please read Sue, An, and Kevin’s article here.

A big thank you and congratulations to each of our authors for your contributions to our industry!

California Public Parking Association features Walker’s Curb Management team

Walker Consultants — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 18:01:57 +0000

Walker’s own Chrissy Mancini Nichols and Sue Thompson presented a webinar “Five Curb Management and Off Street Parking Strategies” as part of the annual California Public Parking Association‘s virtual conference, “California on the Move”, on November 17.

The webinar was attended by 50+ CPPA members and was well received. In the webinar, Mancini Nichols and Thompson shared the latest strategies around the high value of the curb, and best practices for implementation.

Thanks to CPPA for including Walker and we are hopeful we can all meet in person in 2021. Mancini Nichols leads up Walker’s curb management strategy and Thompson is an operations, technology and TDM consultant. Becky Eldridge served as facilitator of the webinar.

Thank you all for your participation and supporting Walker’s reputation as the nation’s leader in parking and curb management.

You can watch the video here.

Walker’s Jonathan Wicks presented at PMX Live 2020

Walker Consultants — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 16:45:58 +0000

Jonathan Wicks presented “University Campus Parking Master Planning: Getting to Yes” at PMX Live 2020. Wicks co-presented with Casey Jones (of Desman Parking) and conducted a role play for “Parking University”, featuring a lively cast of characters at a fictional (but very realistic) university. Wicks and Jones play the role of parking consultants, with two Walker colleagues playing the roles of concerned faculty (Kevin White) and Chief of Campus Police (David Lieb). Also participating were colleagues from Chip Chism of University of West Florida, Michael Kasitz of Austin Peay State University and Michael Sokoff at Missouri.

The session is available on demand here to all PMX live 2020 attendees. Here

Jonathan is currently working on the design and implementation of several mobility systems and technology improvements for public and private entities across the West Coast. Staying ahead of transportation shifts, Jonathan is successfully navigating the balance of parking demand with curb management and access issues.

Meet our 2016 40 Under 40 Stars!

Walker Consultants — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 19:12:14 +0000

WALKER EMPLOYEES HONORED AMONG PARKING INDUSTRY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

The National Parking Association Announces its 2016 class of the 40 Under 40

The National Parking Association (NPA) has honored two representatives from Walker as part of its 2016 40 Under 40 class of young professionals and up-and-coming leaders in the parking industry. The 40 Under 40 recognizes individuals representing multiple sectors of the parking industry, and honorees will be inducted into the awards program at the NPA 2016 Convention & Expo on September 20th in Atlanta, GA.

Walker’s honorees include:

Bradley Navarro, PE Director of Operations in Walker’s Elgin office, has over 16 years of experience in the parking design and consulting industry. Brad was recognized for his ability to exceed clients expectations through creative parking solutions and advancing the parking industry by educating the public.

An Nguyen Director of Business Development in Walker’s Los Angeles office, has over 12 years of experience in the parking industry. An was recognized for his ability to get people thinking about the entire parking experience and for being an excellent ambassador for the parking industry.

“NPA is extremely proud to recognize the impact of the parking industry’s best and brightest young professionals, and to also foster leadership development that will continue the industry’s innovation and growth,” said NPA President Christine Banning, MA, CAE. “The parking industry is undergoing dramatic change, especially in the area of technology, and young professionals are the forefront of this revolution. The 40 individuals selected represent major facets of the parking industry, and we are pleased to give them a platform to stand up and be counted.”