Smart Streets, Smarter Data: Michael Belsky on Chicago’s Enforcement Evolution

In this episode of Parking Live, hosts Jade Neville and Matt Darst sit down with Michael Belsky, Comptroller for the City of Chicago, to unpack Chicago’s Smart Streets program and the broader transformation happening behind it.

While Smart Streets uses automated camera vehicles to identify bus lane and bike lane violations, the real story goes deeper. Chicago has paired technology with data science, operational analytics, and outcome-based decision-making to rethink how enforcement works at scale.

Since launching Smart Streets:

• Citation issuance increased by 158% without adding staff 
• Productivity including warnings rose as high as 760% 
• Repeat violators declined 
• Enforcement zones expanded from 46 to 192 based on risk and congestion data 

But this isn’t just about efficiency.

Belsky discusses how Chicago uses dashboards, hardship scoring, payment plans, and equity-focused deployment models to ensure enforcement is fair as well as effective. The city even reallocated booting operations using predictive data, shifting impact away from underserved communities and increasing successful payment outcomes.

You’ll also hear:

• Why parking enforcement is fundamentally about public safety — not revenue 
• How outcome-based budgeting and KPIs are reshaping city management 
• Why enforcement technology must evolve continuously 
• How Chicago is expanding Smart Streets through CTA buses 
• What other cities can learn from Chicago’s approach 

As Belsky puts it: if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.

This episode is a deep dive into what happens when governance, analytics, and curb management work together.

Parking Live is brought to you by Modaxo. Passionate about moving the world’s people.

Credits

Hosted and Produced by Jade Neville and Matt Darst.
 Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
 Editor: Patrick Emile
 Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
 Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Parking Live is brought to you by Modaxo — passionate about moving the world’s people.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.