12 Technologies That Will Shape Future of Urban Planning

Experts from Forbes compiled a list of technologies they say will have the greatest impact on urban living, and several of them will have major impacts on urban planning practice.

2 minute read

July 17, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT

By Mary Hammon @marykhammon


Cars on road with simulated technology overlay

vachom / Adobe Stock

In a recent Forbes article, experts on its Technology Council pulled together a list of smart city technologies they say will transform urban living in the not-so-distant future. “Advances in managing everything from transportation to waste management promise to have a significant impact on residents and businesses, improving everyone’s overall quality of life,” the article reads.

Of the 19 trends identified, here are the 12 that have the most relevance to urban planners and related professionals:

  1. Autonomous vehicles “will transform mobility.”
  2. “Cognitive cities” technology powered by AI will make “concepts such as ‘smart cities as a service’ a reality.”
  3. Geolocation data will help cities enhance services for taxpayers and allow for better resource planning for businesses.
  4. “Context aware” computing that uses AI to build upon the Internet of Things will allow smart cities ”to be able to react more quickly and accurately to user needs and intents.”
  5. Air taxis have the potential to support urban development, reduce traffic congestion, and drastically reduce the delivery of emergency and medical supplies.
  6. AI-powered public transit will allow for “dynamically adjusting routes and schedules based on real-time data to minimize wait times and maximize efficiency.”
  7. Flexible workplaces and “pilot labs” may fill some of vacant commercial spaces cities are currently struggling with.
  8. Intelligent waste management will “monitor waste levels, optimize collection routes and enhance recycling. This reduces fuel consumption, lowers carbon emissions and minimizes landfill use.”
  9. Automated public transit payment systems will increase convenience of public transit for users.
  10. Intelligent traffic management systems will “use real-time data and advanced technology to improve traffic flows, reduce congestion and make public transportation more efficient.”
  11. Smart parking systems will “use sensors, cameras and data analytics to provide real-time information on parking space availability,” allowing drivers to “use mobile apps to find and reserve available parking spots, reducing the time spent searching for parking and decreasing traffic congestion.”
  12. Micro-mobility hubs will integrate electric bikes, scooters and car-sharing options, all accessible via a unified digital platform.

For the full list of 19 trends, check out the original Forbes article linked below.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Forbes

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Colorful blocky apartment building facade.

Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software

Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.

April 1 - Stateline

Silver electric BMW car parked in driveway of home in Oakland, California.

Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers

Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.

April 1 - City of Oakland

Sculpture of seated Jane Goodall holding hands with chimp on green lawn.

Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action

Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.

April 1 - Pasadena Star-News