All my life, I’ve loved sci-fi movies. Call me nerdy, but these movies are more than just entertainment; they are portals to other worlds, where the boundaries of reality are blurred and the impossible becomes possible. Amidst the starships and extraterrestrial encounters, there was one element that I found especially captivating–artificial intelligence (AI). From the endearing R2-D2 of Star Wars to the self-aware computer system, HAL 9000, in 2001: A Space Odyssey, these fictional depictions seemed like distant fantasies—products of someone's wild imagination. But with recent advancements in AI technology, this once-distant dream confined to the silver screen is now a force driving innovation and an increasingly integral part of how we work, communicate, and plan for the future. 

As a member of the CPEX team, I continue to be fascinated by current advancements in AI, especially in regards to community planning. Join me as I dive headfirst into the world of AI and community planning, highlighting the fascinating (and sometimes slightly spooky) capabilities of AI and its role in shaping the communities of tomorrow.

What is AI?

IBM defines AI as “technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.” These tasks include learning from experience, recognizing patterns, understanding natural language, and making decisions. AI systems can range from simple rule-based algorithms to sophisticated machine-learning models that evolve and adapt over time. AI is revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare and finance to transportation and manufacturing. Current uses include predictive analytics for disease diagnosis, algorithmic trading in financial markets, autonomous vehicles for transportation, and robotic automation in manufacturing processes. 

Some of AI’s most promising features will help people increase their efficiency, improve decision making, enhance productivity, and address complex problems at scale. However, legitimate concerns about this technology’s ethical implications include issues of bias in algorithms, job displacement due to automation, threats to privacy and security, and misuse of AI for malicious purposes. As AI continues to advance, striking a balance between harnessing its potential for societal benefit while mitigating its risks remains a critical challenge.

AI + Community Planning

AI’s use in community planning efforts has reached into areas such as transportation, development, and environmental management. The data and analysis provided can show planners, elected officials, and scholars how to optimize traffic flow, anticipate demographic shifts, and identify areas prone to natural disasters. With this information, people can streamline decision-making processes and enhance the efficiency of resource allocation—offering planners powerful tools to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Here are more details on ways AI can be used in planning.

  • Data Analysis and Predictive Modeling:

    • AI algorithms can quickly process vast datasets to identify patterns and trends, helping planners make data-driven decisions. For instance, in urban planning, AI algorithms can swiftly analyze traffic patterns from extensive datasets, enabling city officials to optimize transportation routes and reduce congestion.

    • Predictive modeling can enable planners to anticipate future challenges, such as population growth, traffic patterns, and environmental changes. For instance, by analyzing historical data and employing predictive algorithms, planners can estimate the demand for public transportation and allocate resources accordingly to accommodate future needs.

  • Community Engagement:

    • AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can facilitate more efficient and inclusive community engagement by providing information and gathering feedback. Natural language processing (NLP) algorithms can process and interpret text data from surveys, social media, and online forums to extract insights and identify common themes, helping planners make data-driven decisions that reflect community preferences and priorities.

  • Optimizing Infrastructure:

    • Data processed through AI can be used to optimize traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the efficiency of public services.

    • Smart city initiatives can leverage AI capabilities to monitor and manage infrastructure, improving overall sustainability and resilience.

How Other Cities are Using AI 

  • Tuscaloosa, AL

    • The City of Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama developed an AI-based technology that processes photos captured by cameras mounted on the city’s garbage trucks. The university states that the system can identify nuisances such as overgrown grass, abandoned vehicles, litter, illegal parking, and appliances or furniture left outside. A scoring system is used to indicate issues that must be addressed, and the photo, along with instructions on what must be remedied, is sent to the property owner.

  • Boulder County, CO

    • Boulder County is employing new technology meant to help first responders detect fires faster. The new partnership with Pano AI — the first of its kind in Boulder County —  uses high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence to help spot fires, check fuel conditions, and zero in on a specific location.

  • San Jose, CA

    • Measuring how the community uses facilities is important for the equitable delivery and maintenance of parks, public spaces, and recreational areas. The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) of San José is using anonymized foot traffic data to understand where and when people access recreational amenities. The PRNS staff is aware that quality parks are not available in many neighborhoods because of historical disinvestment in some areas as well as systemic and institutionalized racial exclusion. Using this collected data can help the city determine where there is a greater need for new, improved, and safer facilities for equitable resource allocation.

  • Boston, MA

    • Boston has employed AI to address parking challenges. Smart parking solutions utilize sensors and AI algorithms to provide real-time information on parking space availability. This not only reduces traffic congestion caused by drivers searching for parking but also enhances the overall parking experience for residents and visitors.

  • San Diego, CA

    • San Diego is using AI to improve water management and conservation efforts. The city employs machine-learning algorithms to analyze data from sensors placed throughout the water distribution system. This helps identify leaks, predict maintenance needs, and optimize water usage, contributing to a more sustainable water infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

The future of AI in community planning holds immense promise. As technology continues to evolve, here are some trends to watch.

  • Augmented Decision-Making:

    • AI technology will play a pivotal role in assisting planners with complex decision-making processes, providing insights based on vast amounts of data. For instance, AI could analyze demographic trends, traffic patterns, and environmental data to recommend optimal locations for new community facilities such as schools or parks. This augmented decision-making process could save time, reduce human bias, and enhance the likelihood of creating sustainable and inclusive communities.

  • Personalized Experiences:

    • AI-driven systems will enable the creation of personalized urban experiences, tailoring services and amenities to the unique needs and preferences of residents. For instance, AI algorithms could optimize public transportation schedules and routes based on real-time usage data and individual preferences, ensuring efficient and convenient travel experiences for residents. Furthermore, AI-powered virtual assistants could provide personalized recommendations for local events, activities, and services, enhancing community engagement and satisfaction.

  • Sustainable Development:

    • Using AI-enhanced analysis, community planners and others will have information to optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and promote eco-friendly practices, contributing to more sustainable and resilient communities.

As AI systems become more common and sophisticated, the technology can help planners navigate the complexities of community planning with greater precision, foresight, and efficiency. The future of AI can support development of vibrant, resilient, and more livable communities for generations to come as this innovation becomes integrated with human creativity, integrity, and expertise. 

If you’re interested in learning more about AI’s potential in community planning, we invite you to join us at the 2024 Louisiana Smart Growth Summit, April 25-26, at the Manship Theatre in downtown Baton Rouge. The Summit will provide opportunities to engage with experts, participate in thought-provoking sessions, and explore innovative solutions for smart growth. You don't want to miss the chance to be part of these transformative conversations. Register today and broaden your perspective on AI and other crucial topics shaping our collective future.