Can AI-driven city planning be fair and inclusive?

Digital systems and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing how cities are planned and managed, from housing developments to public transport networks.

As AI takes on a greater role in that decision-making, senior lecturers Dr Elham Bahmanteymouri and Dr Mohsen Mohammadzadeh from the School of Architecture and Planning are leading research into the ethical risks and concerns that come with it.

The research captures a range of perspectives and attitudes towards AI-driven planning, through surveys and interviews with key stakeholders across Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch. This includes urban planners, policymakers, Māori and community leaders, and professionals developing AI-based planning tools.

The findings reveal a mix of optimism and concern. While many professionals welcome AI's potential to improve efficiency, others warn about risks related to bias, transparency and accountability.

Bahmanteymouri’s research hones in on these risks and concerns – like how digital systems might inadvertently favour certain demographics, make inequitable decisions, or overlook the needs of vulnerable communities.

"AI can affect people in ways that are not always obvious," she says.

"Decisions about where new housing is built, how public transport is designed, or which neighbourhoods get upgraded could unintentionally favour some groups over others or leave communities behind.

"This needs to be carefully considered as governments and local authorities continue to integrate AI and digital technologies into urban governance and decision-making processes."

The project offers key recommendations for building responsible and inclusive AI governance, including:

• Closely monitoring AI use in planning and actively involving communities in all decisions that affect them
• Designing governance frameworks that embed inclusivity, transparency and accountability into the technology’s deployment.
• Ensuring that Māori perspectives and community voices are central to the entire development process of digital planning tools.
• Improving digital literacy to support informed governance.

The research is funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, which also provides data via the World Risk Poll, a global study on public perceptions of risk and safety. This data helped pinpoint specific concerns and attitudes towards AI globally and in New Zealand.