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AI for City Planning: Benefits & Risks
Source: abc.net.au
Published on June 9, 2025
AI in Urban Planning: A Double-Edged Sword
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into urban planning, promising significant productivity gains. However, experts caution that without careful oversight, AI could lead to job losses and biased decisions, underscoring the need for ethical guidelines and human supervision.
Recent research highlights AI's potential to automate tasks such as data analysis and report generation, freeing urban planners to focus on strategic decision-making. Yet, the technology's ability to handle complex planning matters raises concerns about fairness and accountability, prompting calls for government regulations that balance innovation with safeguards against potential abuses.
How AI Could Help
Studies have shown that large language models (LLMs) could assist urban planners by providing local information, generating planning knowledge, and creating reports. For instance, AI tools like OpenAI's GPT-4 have been tested to summarize public submissions on planning proposals, completing tasks in hours that would take humans months.
Dr. Xinyu Fu, an urban planning researcher, notes that while AI can enhance productivity, it should not replace human planners. Instead, AI should augment their capabilities, allowing them to concentrate on critical aspects of their roles. In Australia, AI has already been adopted for tasks like development assessments, with councils exploring its use to improve public responsiveness and decision-making.
The Need for Guidance
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) has emphasized the importance of guidance for planners using AI. Nicole Bennetts from PIA warns that while AI can assist with straightforward tasks, it may struggle with more subjective decisions, particularly those involving climate change projections or complex social factors.
Professor Toby Walsh from the University of New South Wales AI Institute supports the idea of government-led AI regulation, noting that AI tools can improve public engagement and responsiveness. However, he acknowledges the potential for job displacement and stresses the need for policies that mitigate these risks while fostering responsible AI adoption.
As AI continues to reshape urban planning, experts agree that striking a balance between innovation and ethical considerations will be critical. With the right regulations and human oversight, AI has the potential to transform how cities are designed and managed, creating more efficient and inclusive urban environments.