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ParkHouston Renews Accredited Parking Organization (APO) with Distinction
International designation establishes national and international standards for parking management and operations, customer service, professional development, safety, and security

June 6, 2018 -- ParkHouston recently renewed its status as an Accredited Parking Organization (APOTM), one of very few organizations to do so. APO is a designation for parking organizations that recognizes best practices in responsible parking management and operations, customer service, professional development, sustainability, safety, and security. Accreditation with Distinction is earned by those few organization that can demonstrate achievement of additional, more rigorous criteria. Originally accredited in 2015 in the inaugural class of APOs, ParkHouston demonstrated a continued commitment to the accreditation process and the pursuit of excellence in its operations, and was renewed for a second term of three years through 2021.

“It’s quite an achievement which follows a lengthy and arduous review,” explained Shawn Conrad, CAE, and chief executive officer of the International Parking Institute, the organization that sets standards for accreditation.

To earn accreditation, an organization must demonstrate its commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement through the implementation of parking industry best practices. Applicant organizations work with third-party reviewers to organize and present evidence of accomplishment of more than 250 criteria in 14 categories. APOs reapply for Accreditation every three years and are subject to review by IPI and the APO Board.

“Parking at an accredited facility assures the public that the parking organization adheres to a strict code of ethics and meets national and internationally endorsed standards for professionalism, accountability, responsibility, and performance,” Conrad said.

About ParkHouston
ParkHouston is a solution-focused partner that supports the City of Houston’s economic development by providing superior customer service, investing in cutting edge technologies and through active collaboration with stakeholders. As a division of the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department, we service and maintain over 9,200 on-street parking spaces across the area. We create sound parking management strategies for commercial and residential areas that enhance pedestrian safety, ensure a smooth flow of traffic and allow emergency vehicles to reach their destinations. ParkHouston also encourages parking awareness while supporting alternative modes of transportation.