143 Effective and efficient smart planning uses a location-based, data-driven approach and prioritizes the human element in community design. Urban and community planners are achieving critical strategic goals through location intelligence. Digital twins are becoming a key tool in urban development and planning, helping to visualize the future of cities and regions. They provide a clear and interactive view of proposed developments, helping planners make informed decisions and encouraging public participation. In southeast Michigan, Jeff Nutting, forecast coordinator for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), highlighted the importance of digital visualization in planning. “We wanted to show the potential of a site ... We needed something we could see and share, beyond just our imagination,” he said. This approach has allowed SEMCOG to create detailed, realistic models to visualize future developments and infrastructural changes. Planners in Kauai, Hawaii, sought ways to preserve the character of a historic Hawaiian neighborhood called Kaumakani. The planning department for the County of Kauai used maps and GIS technology to help record and protect Kaumakani’s unique character. A survey of the area gathered details and incorporated them in a new type of building code, protecting Kaumakani’s roots from cultural erosion. “To write the code, we made a lot of measurements, took photos of everything, and put together a series of features,” said Alan Clinton, an administrative planner for the county. As the map was developed, it revealed patterns that helped the planning department define the formal elements the landowners needed to include in their structures. In Montgomery County, Maryland, GIS technology is being used to create a dynamic digital twin. This allows developers to accurately identify potential opportunities and helps the public understand future community development. Smart Planning Montgomery County’s Thrive 2050 plan also prioritizes dense, sustainable housing. The plan emphasizes transit-oriented development and ensures racial equity and climate resilience. “We know we need to satisfy more residential development to keep housing affordable,” said Chris McGovern, manager of the Information Systems/Geographic Inventory System at Montgomery Parks and Planning. This focus on sustainability and resilience allows for a balanced approach to urban development. A key theme emerging from urban planning discussions is the prioritization of sustainability and resilience. Cities are increasingly focusing on reducing emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and preparing for the impacts of climate change. In Vienna, Austria’s, aspern Seestadt development, an ambitious commitment to lower environmental impact has been incorporated into the project’s comprehensive plan. “This gives every member of Wien 3420 the possibility of seeing a complete picture. ... Our goal is for every member of the organization to directly access it in their work,” explained Petr Bocharnikov, a digital strategist with the Swiss firm Sokigo, stressing the importance of a sustainable and resilient urban vision. Brownfield redevelopment, or the process of repurposing previously used or contaminated land, is emerging as a crucial approach to urban revitalization. By identifying, assessing, and remediating these sites, cities can create new housing opportunities, generate businesses and jobs, and improve the overall livability of urban areas. In Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) created a map-based Brownfields Inventory Site Selector tool to tackle the challenge of redeveloping formerly industrial sites. “We’re trying to eliminate as many impedances as possible,” said Patrick Carleton, deputy director at MetroCOG. “Getting information out there and accessible makes an easier path forward for redevelopment.” “With all the growth that’s happening, our plan is to divide the region into places that we talk to every year, instead of every three to five years,” said Matt Fulda, executive director at MetroCOG. Using GIS technology, planners determine how, when, and where their designs can have the greatest impact.
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