A new technology- and data-drive approach to planning could provide direction as society faces challenges of unprecedented scale.

Jason King, associate and parametric design lead at IBI Group, writes about a technological innovation available to the planning profession that will allow informed responses to the novel crises of the COVID-19 pandemic: parametric modeling.
Here is how King describes parametric modeling, for the uninitiated:
The parametric modeling process — which can include the custom development of tools to assist the design of buildings, the planning of transit system and land use plans — enables the efficient use of large datasets and the correlation of variables to approach flexible planning. This unlocks many "what ifs" for a wide range of problems across multiple scales.
According to King, IBI Group is devoting much of its time and energy in developing parametric modeling to support cities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its related crises. The article also includes a case study of a parametric model used by the Los Angeles County healthcare system to anticipate operational challenges and also includes a section on holistic approach to data that cities must adopt to realize the potential of parametric modeling.
But before digging into those examples King describes the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it requires a different kind of planning:
Generally speaking, the planning process needs to look for lessons learned in the past to make informed decisions about the future. Depending on the nature of the planning, the timespan from "past to future" can be decades. In the case of COVID-19, however, we are learning about the virus in real time. We do not have decades or even years of precedents to formulate a response. Therefore, pandemic planning processes must be agile with the ability to incorporate continuous uncertainty and change.
FULL STORY: A parametric approach to pandemic resilience

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

In Most U.S. Cities, Archaic Laws Limit Roommate Living
Critics argue laws preventing unrelated adults from living in the same home fail to understand the modern American household.

Ten Signs of a Resurgent Downtown
In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.

California Moves to Limit Autonomous Trucks
A bill passed by the State Assembly and moving on to the Senate would require autonomous semi trucks to have a trained human operator in the vehicle.

Minnesota Budget Includes Significant Transit Investments
After a contentious debate, the state legislature passed a budget that changes how transportation projects are funded and supports increased transit service in the state.

Proposed Land Value Tax Plan in Detroit
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan proposes hiking property taxes for vacant land and buildings while lowering the rate for occupied homes and businesses in a split tax plan he contends will resolve many of Detroit's blight and high property tax woes.
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
City of Orange
City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.