Reflecting the needs of people using community engagement in urban planning

Community engagement in urban planning is the process where citizens play an active role in the planning, design, and management of their communities. It involves a range of activities that give residents and other stakeholders a say in how their neighborhoods are developed or revitalized. Community engagement in urban planning gives the power to the people. This blog explores how these contributions turn urban spaces into places that truly feel like home.

Why engage stakeholders in urban planning?
Citizens know their neighbourhood’s ins and outs. They know where traffic bottlenecks are, where public spaces are underused, and where a new store could thrive. They can provide urban planners with all sorts of input that could otherwise easily be overlooked. Plans are developed and executed better as people have a lot of knowledge about the places they’re involved in. Planners have expertise in design and regulation, but residents often know what will actually work in practice. Marrying these perspectives means resources are used where they're most effective. Better plans from the start mean fewer costly revisions later. If you nail it early with community input, you're not spending on fixes after the project developed. Moreover, people support what they help create. Engaging the community in the planning process builds a sense of ownership and commitment to the outcomes, which can lead to higher satisfaction and lower resistance to new developments. In conclusion, getting the community in on urban planning is more than just a moral obligation, it’s smart to do. It saves money, makes for stronger plans, and taps into local know-how.

When to facilitate community engagement?
Community engagement can be facilitated in several phases of a project. Generally speaking, the earlier stakeholders are engaged, the more likely they are to support the plans. However, the earlier you engage stakeholders, the more time you may need to invest in engagement aswell. If stakeholders are engaged only in the ideation phase, and then they never hear from the urban planner again, they likely do not feel engaged. Which could result in them believing their input wasn’t taken seriously. On the other hand, if you start having citizens engage only from a later phase, they may not be happy with the decisions already made.

Why use online participation?
Using online tools, you facilitate an easy-to-use solution to bring together a lot of input. Not everyone has time to come to council meetings to deliberate on zoning laws. In other words, online tools reduce friction when it comes to civic engagement. People can quickly & easily leave their feedback anytime from any place. This way, you engage groups you otherwise wouldn’t. In urban planning this is often called ‘the quiet middle’, consisting of nearly 70% of people. Online platforms democratize participation, allowing the silent majority a voice, turning the 'quiet middle' into a valuable source of input to improve your plans.

Why use maps?
Maps are not just fun to look at. The location-based data and spatial distribution is very valuable as residents pinpoint their exact problems and concerns - for example around traffic safety. By letting residents reply on a map, you may find suggestions to improve daily commutes, prevent traffic accidents, uncover hidden environmental issues and increase senses of safety by finding out which places are poorly lit.

At MapTalk, we understand every project comes with unique challenges in regards to engaging stakeholders & communities. That’s why we try to help you find the best strategy when it comes to civic engagement. Book a demo now!