Philadelphia Parking Authority

Philadelphia Parking Authority
Agency overview
Formed 1950
Jurisdiction City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Headquarters

701 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106[1]
Coordinates: 39°57′21″N 75°11′07″W / 39.95581°N 75.185357°W
Agency executives Vincent Fenerty, Executive Director
Richard Dickson, Deputy Executive Director
Corinne O'Connor, Deputy Executive Director
Joseph T. Ashdale, Board Chairman
Website http://www.philapark.org

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) was created by a Philadelphia City Council ordinance adopted on January 11, 1950, as authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Parking Authority Law (Act of June 5, 1947, 53 P.S. § 341 et. seq.). [2]

The Parking Authority:

to provide full parking services for Philadelphia residents, businesses and visitors.[2]

In popular culture it is the basis of the reality television show Parking Wars.

Policies

Off-street parking

Originally, the Parking Authority provided parking garages and parking lots, but various city departments were responsible for on-street parking.

On-street parking

In 1982, Philadelphia City Council was authorized by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to delegate certain powers formerly exercised by various city departments to the Parking Authority. In April, 1983, City Council transferred on-street parking responsibilities to the Authority.[2]

Functions transferred from the Streets Department:

Functions transferred from the Revenue Department:

Functions transferred from the Police Department:

However, both Police Department officers and SEPTA supervisors can issue parking tickets.

Functions transferred from the Department of Licenses and Inspections:

A vast majority of revenue for On-Street parking for PPA is generated from ticketing violations (63%) and meter parking (29%). Other revenue categories comprise less than 9% of PPA's On-Street parking income.[3]

Booting

A program to "boot" repeat parking violation offenders was authorized by City Council in 1983.[2]

Taxicabs and limousines

The Authority was authorized by the General Assembly in July 2004 to regulate taxis and limousines operating in the city, and to adopt and enforce regulations for their operations.[2]

Pilot red light safety program

The Authority has been authorized by the General Assembly to administer a pilot red light enforcement program.[2] Cameras are installed at intersections with a high accident rate, and fines are imposed for motorists who run red lights. Notices are sent by mail to offenders, based on photos of license plates and the motorists themselves.[4]

Staff

PPA Executive Staff

Board Members

Originally, the Authority's Board of Directors was controlled by city officials, but the legislature, acting at the initiative of Representative John Perzel,[5] has shifted control to state officials, including the Governor and officers of the legislature.[2]

Finances

Year Assets Liabilities Net Assets
2014 $348,552,000.00 $230,592,000.00 $117,319,000.00[6]
2013 $358,504,000.00 $246,896,000.00 $110,260,000.00
2012 $367,825,000.00 $263,113,000.00 $104,712,000.00[7]
2011 $379,346,000.00 $281,646,000.00 $97,700,000.00
2010 $376,351,000.00 $282,787,000.00 $93,564,000.00[8]
2009 $379,974,000.00 $296,739,000.00 $83,235,000.00

References

  1. "Philadelphia Parking Authority - Fact Sheet". Retrieved 2011-10-12. Headquarters Located: 3101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Philadelphia Parking Authority - History". Retrieved 2011-10-12.
  3. "Philadelphia Parking Authority - Redlights".
  4. "The PA Report "Power 75" List" (PDF). Pennsylvania Report. Capital Growth, Inc. January 31, 2003. Archived from the original on 2006-09-02. With the possible exception of the late Jim Manderino, Pennsylvania has not had, in recent years, a legislative leader with the power of this Philadelphian.
  5. 2012 Financial Statement
  6. 2010 Financial Statement

See also