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Cities nationwide are recognizing the political will to build more housing, with organized groups advocating for change at local and state levels. Laws in various states are facilitating construction and easing regulations. Despite these efforts, housing issues remain largely overlooked, especially by younger citizens. In today's email, we explore innovative approaches like gamification for urban planning to engage the public and simulate real-world outcomes.

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Now, let's dig in!

Can Cities Use Gamification To Engage Citizens in Urban Planning?

Cities around the country are increasingly recognizing the political will to build more housing. Organized groups like Grow the Richmond and Dorchester Growing Together are emerging to help residents pressure local politicians. "YIMBY" organizations, such as Texans for Housing, are advocating at the state level. These activist groups have already made an impact in both Democratic and Republican areas.

California and Florida have passed laws to facilitate housing construction in retail zones, converting vacant malls into apartments. Utah and Massachusetts are incentivizing new multifamily housing developments near public transit. Additionally, eight states have passed laws easing the addition of ADUs to existing homes.

Despite housing becoming a significant issue for some, it remains largely overlooked by many, especially younger citizens. A recent study showed that only 20 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds engage in local politics related to urban planning.

To engage people with city issues, politicians and urbanists are turning to video games. A new academic study shows promising results using real-world buildings and realistic urban simulations in a game called Cities: Skylines. This game goes beyond the popular Sim City by incorporating zoning, public services, transportation, and tax policies. Advanced game engines can then simulate the likely outcomes of any changes.

"While games and game playing are often dismissed as trivial or problematic, they can serve as powerful tools in delivering information and understanding of how systems operate, leading to real-world engagement in processes that previously seemed opaque," said Professor Pal Coulton of Lancaster University, one of the study's authors.

Advanced video game logic might not even be necessary. Some cities have already used online portals to gauge public tolerance for higher density. For example, San Diego conducted a survey using an interactive city map, allowing participants to add housing units to designated areas, helping develop a housing blueprint.

However, public support for housing is not enough. The planning and permitting process in most cities is riddled with pitfalls and often dominated by vocal dissenters. By providing better online resources, including engaging platforms like video games, cities can better understand where there will be the most support for changes.

Anyone doubting the public's willingness to play a video game about urbanism should consider the nearly 12 million copies of Cities: Skylines sold to armchair urban planners worldwide.

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