EMPOWER Spotlight – Russell Parking Management

RPM's dedicated EV charging area. Photo by Russell Parking Management.

Key Facts

Workplace Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Workplace Size: 30+ employees

Type of Workplace: Russell Parking Management (RPM) is a full-service parking management group based in Atlanta. One of its clients includes Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)--a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs by providing the space, resources, and support needed to grow businesses, create jobs, and build generational wealth. Its mission is to drive economic mobility through innovation, education, and community investment.

Charger Details: Three Level 2 dual-port chargers (6 ports), with one specially designed for ADA compliance.

Program Details:

• Interest from both employees and community members prompted RPM and RICE to explore EV charging infrastructure.

• Since RICE is located in an EV charging desert, EV chargers are accessible to employees and the public.

• RPM partnered with their EMPOWER EV Coach, Clean Cities Georgia, and an Atlanta-based Energy Services Company (ESCO), Integrated Solutions, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of RICE’s campus to determine the optimal strategy for implementing EV charging solutions.

• The EV charging infrastructure project also leveraged Georgia Power’s Make-Ready Program to help reduce infrastructure costs.

  
  

Organization Background

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), a hub for Black entrepreneurship and innovation in Atlanta, recently installed six dual-port Level 2 EV chargers—open to both employees and the public. This initiative was driven by Russell Parking Management (RPM) as a response to employee demand and a broader commitment to community access, especially in an area historically and currently considered to be a charging desert. RPM’s decision to pursue workplace charging aligns with its mission to empower underrepresented communities and foster inclusive innovation.

Vehicles charging at the RPM parking lot near Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Photo by Russell Parking Management

Program Evolution and Growth

The installation was made possible through a collaboration with Clean Cities Georgia and Integrated Solutions. As part of the EMPOWER Workplace Charging Program, Clean Cities Georgia and Integrated Solutions conducted a comprehensive site assessment of RICE’s campus to determine the most effective charging strategy. This included evaluating electrical capacity, site layout, and accessibility needs. The assessment process revealed several challenges, including the need to relocate the installation site three times due to utility constraints and Georgia Power’s service line requirements. Additionally, historic landmark zoning restrictions prevented curb modifications, requiring creative siting solutions that preserved both functionality and compliance.

Despite these hurdles, the project moved forward with support from Georgia Power’s Make Ready Program, which helped offset infrastructure costs. The chargers are now fully operational, and early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Employees with EVs expressed excitement about having reliable workplace charging in an otherwise underserved area. To ensure equitable access and cost recovery, RPM charges a fee for use and applies dwelling fees for extended sessions, though no formal time limits or sign-up systems are currently in place. This installation not only supports both RPM and RICE’s sustainability goals but also serves as a model for how mission-driven institutions can lead in clean energy adoption while advancing economic mobility.