A new generation of "decision support" tools are empowering ordinary citizens to participate in planning.
"Today, thanks to ever more sophisticated software, urban planning itself has increasingly come to resemble a SimCity-style public-policy game...Today, a new generation of GIS applications, known as ''scenario planning" or ''decision support" tools--which allow users to visualize, project, and manipulate a wealth of environmental data--have made citizens into major players in the gaming of urban futures...Across the United States, in communities from Chicago to Honolulu to Boston, these tools are enabling an unprecedented level of public participation in broad regional planning initiatives. Only when a public is fully engaged in the process, the thinking goes, will it pledge itself and its elected officials to the very real commitments and tradeoffs that are key to effective planning."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Sim civics
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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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.
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Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)