Austin, TX evaluates the impacts of Archistar's eCheck assessment tool on permit review times
City officials worked with Archistar on integrating eCheck into its building permit system for the pilot. Permit applicants uploaded their 2D and 3D files through an easy-to-use interface. eCheck uses artificial intelligence to compare building plans against Austin's land-use and zoning ordinances. In minutes, applicants receive compliance reports indicating which areas passed, failed, or lacked sufficient information for approval.
Austin, TX
United States
Rødovre, DK paves the way for smarter urban development with Autodesk Forma software
Rødovre's high population density led municipal officials toward a data-driven approach to development. Autodesk Forma produces maps, visualizations, and simulations based on historical data and current proposals. Stakeholders test the impacts of development on factors ranging from road noise to green spaces. Months of internal testing were followed by the formal adoption of the cloud-based software for three urban development projects.
Rødovre, DK
Denmark
Gainesville, FL collaborates with University of Florida researchers on AutoReview.ai software
Gainesville sponsored research by university researchers into how artificial intelligence could expedite building plan reviews. A three-year collaboration turned planning team input into the software behind AutoReview.ai. This solution determines if submitted plans comply with local regulations and codes within 48 hours of submission. The city's investment in this project resulted in a faster review process applicable to local governments across the country.
Gainesville, FL
United States
Kitchener, ON Growing Together engagement campaign shapes the future of Major Transit Station Areas
Kitchener took a multi-faceted approach to shaping future developments at MTSAs with Growing Together. Online exercises on the Engage Kitchener platform asked for residents' favorite places and streets near ION light rail stops. Community members were also asked for comments on proposed Strategic Growth Areas supporting responsible development near MTSAs. In-person workshops and office hours used 3D-printed city models for informed discussions of growth proposals.
Kitchener, ON
Canada
Vancouver, BC designs Project Requirement Exploration Tool for laneway house permitting
Homeowners interested in building secondary units on their properties can develop project plans in PRET. The digital tool first asks for the user's address to determine eligibility for laneway house permits. A draft project plan creator walks eligible applicants through required permits in areas like street use, plumbing, and electrical. Vancouver streamlined PRET through testing by those who have built laneway homes.
Vancouver, BC
Canada
Kwinana, WA turns resident ideas into revitalized spaces with the Wellard Village 7 Day Makeover
Local residents proposed, voted on, and planned public space improvements during a brainstorming session. The council developed a Resource Bank with donated materials and funds. Community members and city employees brought approved ideas to life during the one-week event. Natural play areas, an arcade, and additional seating improved a high-traffic area of the village called The Strand. Follow-up surveys and a post-event Place Game provided additional avenues for public engagement.
Kwinana, WA
Australia
Odense, DK shapes local agreements on community improvements with the LEAP digital platform
A three-year engagement effort divided Odense neighborhoods into three cohorts for digital engagement on how to use 625 million kroner for neighborhood and school improvement. The LEAP - Leadership, Empowerment, and Advocacy for the People - platform hosted virtual meetings and sent online surveys to residents. Ongoing discussions with community members led to co-designed solutions for social vulnerability, public safety, and improved student outcomes.
Odense, DK
Denmark
Henry County, GA charts path on freight infrastructure with Smart Resilience Decision Support Tool
County officials seek sustainable solutions to freight vehicle traffic and warehouse site selection. The digital tool models the impacts of potential infrastructure projects on factors like transport accessibility, social vulnerability, and land-use suitability. County planners and community stakeholders adjust factor importance in search of optimal infrastructure solutions. Henry County received a $92,800 grant from the Georgia Smart Communities Challenge for the tool's development.
Henry County, GA
United States
Melton, VIC visualizes transport planning initiatives with its Moving Melton Transport Prospectus
Local officials sought an interactive method for promoting transport improvements in Australia's fastest-growing municipality. The Moving Melton website turns traffic congestion data into a map of projects in four categories: Public Transport, Roads, Active Transport, and Level Crossing Removals. Visualizations of where and how the community travels provide the necessary background to readers. Moving Melton also highlights job growth, benefit-cost ratios, and other impacts of planned projects.
Melton, VIC
Australia
Wellington City Council, NZ becomes the first city in New Zealand to use VivaCity traffic sensors
Eighteen VivaCity traffic-counting sensors were installed at 13 intersections to kick off the five-year project. Pole-mounted sensors gather and anonymize traffic data for categorization by transport method. The network also monitors traffic speed and congestion for ongoing analysis of local road conditions. Wellington will use long-term sensor data to inform decisions about the local bike network, event management, and behavioral change initiatives.
Wellington City Council, NZ
New Zealand
Georges River, NSW grades large-scale developments with its Environmental Sustainability Calculator
Applicants use the calculator when seeking approval for high-density developments with floor areas of 1,500 square meters or more. The tool asks for inputs about sustainable features like EV charging capacity, native plant use, and light-reflective or solar roofing. A points-based system determines if an application adheres to the council's Local Environmental Plan standards. Council officials worked with industry representatives on refining the tool prior to its introduction.
Georges River, NSW
Australia
London Borough of Barnet, GB Community Tree Portal inventories vital resources in net-zero efforts
Borough officials hope to plant 5,000 new trees by 2028 on the path to net-zero operations by 2030. The Community Tree Portal presents an overview of the current tree inventory and its ecological benefits. An interactive Tree Map includes layers for existing trees, planned plantings, and optimal planting locations. Portal users can select individual tree icons for details including photos, recent inspection dates, and Tree Asset Values.
London Borough of Barnet, GB
United Kingdom