Sometimes the best ideas come from the problems that frustrate us most. For Grant Murray, founder of Proximity, that frustration started during his time as a student at the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics. Wrestling with confusing parking kiosks and outdated payment systems on the way to class gave him a front-row view of a system that desperately needed reimagining.
Today, that student frustration has evolved into a venture-backed startup transforming parking across the country. And in a full-circle moment, Proximity is coming home to Lexington through partnerships with LEXPARK, the city’s parking authority, and Xpress Parking Services, a leading private parking operator.
Where Parking Creates Possibility
These partnerships fundamentally shift how parking connects to local commerce and community life.
Parking operators will save thousands monthly compared to previous systems while dramatically improving the experience for everyone who parks in Lexington. No more confusing kiosks. No more clunky apps. Just a clean, intuitive interface that works the way modern technology should.
But Proximity doesn’t just make parking easier, it creates new touchpoints between the people parking and the places around them, strengthening connections throughout Lexington’s neighborhoods and districts.
A Homegrown Solution
“At the time, parking was something students dreaded, and local businesses had no way to engage those visitors in real time,” said Grant Murray. “We’ve built a platform that makes parking simple and actually benefits the community. Coming back to where it started is incredibly meaningful.”
Laura Boison, Executive Director of LEXPARK and current chair of the Gatton College Finance Department Advisory Board, sees the partnership as proof of Gatton’s innovation culture. “This is more than a technology upgrade, it is a homegrown solution that aligns with our mission to improve the city, strengthen our community, support local businesses, and engage students.” Boison said.
Gatton College has long emphasized creative problem-solving strategies combined with practical impact, empowering students to identify community challenges and turn ideas into solutions. Murray’s journey from a frustrated student to the founder embodies the entrepreneurial mindset Gatton cultivates.
Why This Matters for Lexington
For Students: No more parking anxiety. No more wondering if the payment went through. Just scan, pay, and get on with your day.
For Local Businesses: New opportunities to connect with people who are already in your neighborhood, creating natural pathways for discovery.
For the City: Significant cost savings, improved resident satisfaction, and a parking system that actively supports economic development rather than just managing spaces.
For Parking Operators: A modern platform that reduces operational costs while enhancing service quality, proving that operators don’t have to choose between better experiences and better budgets.
Innovation From Lexington, For Lexington
“This is innovation for Lexington, from Lexington,” Murray added. “We’re excited to create something that helps students, businesses, and the city alike.”
Proximity will roll out across Lexington locations in the coming weeks, starting with the transit garage and Jefferson Street along with Xpress Parking’s lots around the city.
This is what happens when entrepreneurial thinking meets real community needs. When someone who experienced the problem firsthand builds the solution that actually works.
