Predicting urban change: my thoughts on modelling, AI & the future of planning
- Bradley Rasmussen
- Apr 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 16
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Data-driven urban growth modelling is transforming city planning.
AI tools enable planners to simulate zoning and infrastructure outcomes.
Accuracy testing builds trust and transparency in predictive models.
Bridging gaps between technology, policy, and funding is crucial for sustainable urban growth.
Professionals can already leverage these platforms for scenario testing and insight-driven decision-making.
It was a pleasure to join Nicole Bennetts RPIA on her Hustle & Bustle podcast to talk about something I’m deeply passionate about — how technology can help shape the future of our cities.
As the team behind Forecaz, we’re focused on empowering urban planners and policymakers to make more informed, data-backed decisions about growth and land use.
Intersection: Urban Growth Modelling / AI / Practical Planning
During the podcast, our conversation explored the exciting intersection of urban growth modelling, artificial intelligence, and practical planning. Through Forecaz, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in modern planning:
How to test future scenarios and forecast their real-world implications before they happen.
Urban growth modelling matters because it gives planners a way to visualise the ripple effects of zoning changes, infrastructure investments, and demographic shifts. By combining sophisticated data analysis with predictive AI, we can simulate multiple outcomes, identify risks early, and guide evidence-based policy decisions.
CORE THEMES DISCUSSED:
The fundamentals of urban growth modelling and why it’s become essential in today’s planning landscape.
The growing role of AI in making predictions more reliable and adaptive.
Real-world case studies where scenario testing is shaping better development outcomes.
How we validate the accuracy of our models to ensure they’re not just predictive, but practical.
Navigating the balance between technological capability, planning policy, and available funding.
Advice for urban professionals seeking to incorporate these tools into their workflows.
It was a rich and rewarding discussion that underscored why this field is evolving so quickly - and how collaboration between data scientists, planners, and government stakeholders is key to its success.
Urban growth isn’t just a technical problem - it’s a shared opportunity. By combining AI-driven insights with human judgment, we can pave the way for more sustainable, equitable, and liveable cities.
At Forecaz, that’s the mission that drives our work every day.
Listen to the full conversation with Nicole Bennetts on the Hustle & Bustle podcast:
