MAYOR WHITE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO PARKING COMMISSION
Citizen-Led Group In Control of Parking Issues

March 22, 2006 -- Houston Mayor Bill White today announced the formation of a citizen-led Public Parking Commission, the first of its kind in Texas. The Commission consists of nine mayor-appointed regular members and six ex-officio members, all serving without compensation and confirmed today by City Council for one- or two-year terms.

In addition to serving as a public forum, the Commission's main goal will be to direct Parking Management in resolving parking issues. The Commission will also recommend parking-related ordinances and capital improvement projects to City Council, gather and review data relating to the City's present and future parking needs, maintain a comprehensive inventory of the on-street parking supply and recommend to City Council all matters for the management, development and advancement of the City's parking needs or facilities.

"We are committed to making traffic on our streets run smoothly and making City Hall more efficient and responsive," said Mayor White, who approved the creation of a citizen-led Parking Commission in August 2005. “The Commission will help us do that by managing one of our most important assets, available parking, and planning solutions that will meet future parking needs and help keep traffic flowing.”

The nine voting members, all serving without compensation, include:

• Michelle L. Colvard, study director for the Center for Research on Women with Disabilities (CROWD) at Baylor College of Medicine
• Marcus L. Davis, president and CEO of The Breakfast Klub, Inc.
• M. Marvin Katz, a renowned Houston real estate, probate and estate planning attorney
• Evalyn L. Krudy, a former member of the Texas Medical Center Transportation Taskforce
• Joe R. Martin, president of Martin Productions, Inc.
• Mary Jo (Jody) McFadden, interim chief financial officer for Universal Ensco, Inc
• Charles D. Reedstrom, A Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP)
• Gerard Torres, manager in Government Affairs for Reliant Energy
• One member to be named at a later date
• Parking Commission Member Biographies (.pdf)

The six non-voting include:

• Bob Eury, Executive Director, Houston Downtown Management District
• Marlene Gafrick, Director of the Planning and Development Department for the City of Houston
• Mike Marcotte, Director of Public Works and Engineering Department for the City of Houston
• Dawn Ullrich, Director Convention and Entertainment Facilities Department for the City of Houston
• Barron Wallace, Partner, Vinson & Elkins, Harris County Commissioner's Court Representative
• Frank Wilson, President & CEO, METRO

Parking Management is a division of the City of Houston General Services Department. By servicing and maintaining almost 6,000 on-street parking spaces and numerous garages across the Greater Houston area, Parking Management creates sound regulations for all commercial and residential areas enhancing pedestrian safety, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and allowing emergency vehicles to reach their destinations. Parking Management also encourages parking awareness while supporting public transit initiatives.

For more information about Parking Management, please call 713.837.0311 or visit www.houstonparking.org.