The Ethical Concerns of Artificial Intelligence in Urban Planning

Thomas W. Sanchez, Marc Brenman and Xinyue Ye

Journal of the American Planning Association, 2025, vol. 91, issue 2, 294-307

Abstract: Problem, research strategy, and findingsThe integration of a artificial intelligence (AI) into urban planning presents potential ethical challenges, including concerns about bias, transparency, accountability, privacy, and misinformation. As planners rely more on AI for decision making, the potential for these systems to perpetuate biases, obscure decision-making processes, and infringe on privacy becomes more pronounced, potentially undermining public trust and excluding marginalized communities. We reviewed existing literature on AI ethics in urban planning, examining biases, transparency, accountability, and privacy issues. Our methodology synthesized findings from various studies, reports, and theoretical frameworks to highlight ethical concerns in AI-driven urban planning. Recommendations for ethical AI implementation emphasize transparency, inclusive data sets, public engagement, and robust ethical guidelines. Our research identified critical ethical concerns in AI-driven urban planning. Bias in AI systems can lead to unequal outcomes, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Transparency issues arise from the black box nature of AI, complicating understanding and trust in AI-driven decisions. Privacy concerns are heightened due to extensive data collection and potential misuse, raising the risk of surveillance and data breaches. Limitations include the availability of specific literature focused on AI ethics for urban planning and the evolving nature of AI technologies, suggesting a need for ongoing research and adaptive strategies. Human oversight and continuous monitoring are essential to ensure ethical practices, with an emphasis on community engagement and public education to foster trust and inclusivity.Takeaway for practiceUrban planners should adopt a proactive approach to mitigate ethical risks associated with AI. Ensuring transparency, involving diverse community groups, and maintaining robust data privacy measures are crucial. Prioritizing public engagement and education will help to demystify AI technologies and build public trust. Addressing these ethical concerns allows planners to leverage AI’s potential while safeguarding equity, privacy, and accountability in urban development.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/01944363.2024.2355305

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