Artificial Intelligence
To power data centers, Google seeks autonomous control of thousands of homes’ electricity
The tech company has signed a deal to indirectly pay Mid-Atlantic residents to reduce their power demand when the grid is strained.
MBTA is using AI to catch drivers who park illegally
The transit agency is working in partnership with Hayden AI, and hopes the technology will improve transit safety across its network.
When AI goes rogue: what planners need to know
This summer, four major AI labs disclosed that their agents had slipped out of test environments. For planners, the lessons are about access, oversight and the one sandbox we can’t afford to lose: public trust.
This Ohio town is using AI to speed up transit analysis
The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority’s new AI tool correctly determined riders’ preferred ways to reach key commuter routes.
Data center backlash set to sway midterm elections
Data centers figure in state and federal races and are the subject of dozens of ballot measures.
Californians can now transform balconies into power generators
Gov. Gavin Newsom has legalized plug-in solar technology, which allows residents to plug solar panels directly into their outlets
MIT to create AI-powered hub for public transportation companies
Google awarded the project, titled the Public Transit Intelligence Hub, $2.1 million in funding.
MTA looks to bring AI-assisted, multilingual announcement system to subways
Some of the transit agency’s audio systems haven’t been upgraded in 40 years.
The future of GIS, explored
The pros and cons of ArcGIS Urban, CityEngine, AI assistants and more notes from the 2026 Esri User Conference.
Does every planner need an AI policy?
From a hundred-person agency to a one-person consultancy, the answer is yes. The difference is what “policy" means.
Data center developer offers over $4M per acre to buy out homeowners
Data center builders are outbidding home builders for land, prompting concerns about competition with housing.
5 ways to hallucination-proof your AI output
With public trust on the line, the stakes are high for urban planners to ensure accuracy in our AI work. Here’s how to do it.
New Jersey outlaws algorithm-driven rent setting
Landlords are now barred from using AI to establish rent costs.
AI promises to finally make public engagement meaningful. We put it to the test.
Everything you need to know about how we analyzed the 13,000+ comments submitted in the federal government’s request for information on Surface Transportation Reauthorization — and how you can do it in your own agency’s public engagement.
A planner's guide to AI prompting: Getting from vague to valuable
What you ask AI matters as much as which AI you use. Understanding effective prompt engineering can help you ask better questions.
GM CEO says AI writes 90% of code for its self-driving cars
The statement prompts questions about the reliability of using AI for 'safety-critical' software.
Texas bars data centers from raising utility costs for residents
Gov. Abbott is calling on the state's utility regulator to take steps to reduce energy costs for consumers and ensure data center operators pay for any added costs.
Oakland residents fear AI-fueled gentrification
The new tech boom that's driving up rents in San Francisco could have rippling impacts on East Bay communities.
Denver starts using AI to speed up housing permits
The CivCheck platform is designed to flag missing or incomplete application items and reduce the time it takes for applications to get approved.
Getting started with AI, part 2: What some planners are actually saying
Five practicing planners offer their advice for diving — cautiously — into using AI in their day-to-day work.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
