Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/1261181
1 City planners succeed when their work is backed by local knowledge and input. Most departments create strategies to engage their communities in conversation that results in honest feedback about city projects, proposed budgets, and plans. California's City of Pasadena, for instance, launched Our Pasadena—an initiative to accommodate community growth while protecting the city's historic character. The project is backed by ArcGIS ® Urban, a web-based 3D experience for urban planning and development from location intelligence leader Esri. Pasadena's planning department uses the technology to collaborate and test scenarios for plans across the city. Residents can view these 3D scenarios to understand how changes to zoning codes will affect the community. They can easily see how, for example, increasing a building's setbacks will change the current streetscape. Where once planners and residents viewed changes on a 2D plan, they can now walk down a virtual street and experience alternative futures. Workshops and other public meetings are difficult for many in the community to attend, so more cities are opting to engage and share information online. City planning departments can post maps and surveys on their website. Site visitors can take a virtual tour and answer survey questions to share their reactions. Responses are captured and immediately reported to the planning department so planners can make decisions and refine plans. ENCOURAGE CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT 4