A few weeks ago, Covington, Kentucky reimagined what parking could be for their community.
As the 4th Street and Brent Spence Bridge construction reshapes regional access patterns, most cities would hunker down and hope for the best. Covington did the opposite. They invested in innovation that actively supports local businesses, making downtown more accessible and more discoverable than ever before.
The Coverage That Followed
When cities make bold moves to support local economies, people notice:
“As we navigate the bridge construction, our focus remains on supporting our local businesses and ensuring our community thrives,” said Mayor Ron Washington. “Having a local company that shares our mission of strengthening the local economy makes this solution even more powerful.”
During a challenging infrastructure period, Covington chose to invest in tools that actively drive customers to downtown businesses. They recognized that parking could be part of their economic development strategy, not just a management necessity.
Naashom Marx, Chair of the Covington Motor Vehicle Parking Authority, saw the bigger picture immediately:
“Through my work in innovation and economic development across Kentucky and beyond, I’ve seen many technology solutions overpromise and overcomplicate. Proximity stands out because it understands what cities actually need. Their platform connects residents and visitors to local businesses, keeps dollars circulating locally, and supports Covington’s goals as a smart, accessible, and economically vibrant city. As we navigate bridge construction and downtown disruption, Proximity helps turn challenge into opportunity. I would strongly recommend Proximity to other cities looking for a modern, community-centered parking solution.”
What It Looks Like On The Ground
Walk through downtown Covington today and you’ll see the difference. Clean signage , seamless payment options, and most importantly, connections forming between visitors and the local businesses around them.
When someone parks near the new SparkHaus development, they might discover Better Blends just opened inside. A visitor parking in the morning may receive an offer from the coffee shop a block away. These aren’t random ads, they’re relevant, timely connections that help people discover what Covington has to offer.
Why This Example Matters
Covington proved that supporting and prioritizing local businesses during challenging times doesn’t require massive budgets. It requires strategic thinking and a willingness to try new approaches.
“Covington understood this vision immediately,” said Grant Murray, Proximity’s founder. “During a time when access patterns are changing due to bridge construction, they recognized that modern parking technology could actually boost local commerce rather than simply maintain the status quo.”
If you’re a city leader watching Covington’s success and wondering how this could work in your community, we’d love to talk.
