The involvement of younger generations in community planning is essential. To create cities which are inclusive and sustainable and represent the requirements of all residents. The urban population consists mainly of Millennials and Gen Z who belong to the 18 to 44 age range. According to the U.S. Census Bureau the combined population of Millennials and Gen Z reached 40% of total U.S. residents during 2023. The majority of younger citizens does not participate in local planning events and public consultations despite their significant presence in urban populations. Digital natives who prefer convenience alongside transparency do not connect with traditional engagement approaches that include paper surveys and in-person meetings. The City Business (CB) provides a solution by implementing digital tools which allow younger demographics to express their opinions to determine the urban space development direction.
Younger generations demonstrate different urban life priorities than the population aged above them. A Pew Research Center survey from 2021 demonstrated that Millennials and Gen Z place a higher importance on public transportation. And walkable neighborhoods compared to Baby Boomers at 66% versus 49%. Gen Z members from a 2023 Deloitte survey expressed significant worry. About climate change at a rate of 70% and they care deeply about sustainability together with affordable housing. Traditional planning methods which depend on physical attendance create barriers for young people. To participate because they have busy schedules or find these methods inaccessible. Young people can contribute to planning discussions about transportation and housing and public spaces. Through surveys and instant reactions and feedback tools available on the digital platform CB. Through this flexible system people can participate anytime they choose from their mobile devices whether commuting or from home.
Young people connect better with the digital features of CB because they use them in their everyday life. Common Sense Media conducted a 2022 study which showed that 62% of Gen Z members dedicate more than four hours per day to smartphone usage mostly spent on social media and online communities. The interface of CB operates similarly to existing digital platforms which young users already know from their daily experience. Through social sharing capabilities and QR codes the platform enables users to promote planning projects easily to other users. The distribution of park survey information through QR codes at local coffee shops and social media platforms. Allows the survey to reach active young people in their preferred spaces. The approach stands in direct opposition to traditional planning methods. Which depends on mailed flyers and public notices that tend to pass unnoticed by younger people.
Younger generations become more engaged when transparency is present in the planning process. Young people who belong to the Millennial and Gen Z groups demand clear institutional practices. Since they do not trust hidden processes. The Edelman Trust Barometer from 2020 demonstrated that young adults exhibited a lack of trust. In local government with only 49% of respondents showing confidence in their right actions. The content management system of CB maintains transparency through its platform. By presenting complete project information and scheduled timelines together with ongoing project updates. Young individuals tend to maintain their participation levels when they can observe how their feedback leads to meaningful changes. The dashboard of CB shows essential information along with community opinions to participants so they can view the direct effects of their input. The transparent approach establishes faith that their input is essential thus motivating them to continue contributing.
Planners use the CB system to establish contact with diverse and representative populations. The current meeting structure predominantly draws older and wealthier residents who exclude younger voices particularly from underrepresented communities.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that 60% of renters between 35 and under spend more than thirty percent of their income. On housing expenses which creates a significant affordability challenge for young people. The interface of CB together with offline survey features allows individuals from all backgrounds to participate regardless of their internet availability or financial situation.
The user-friendly design of CB creates a bridge to connect planners with younger residents who typically stay away from planning processes.
The CB platform delivers essential data to planners that helps them understand young people’s priorities. Through survey data and sentiment mapping analysis a city using CB would discover that its younger residents demand more bike lanes and green spaces.
The data-based approach guarantees that planning decisions match actual community requirements instead of depending on speculative theories. The projected 68% global urban population by 2050 according to United Nations data makes it essential to engage younger generations because of their growing numbers. The urban spaces of tomorrow will be shaped by how Millennials and Gen Z individuals perceive sustainability alongside their views on technology and equity.
Cities need to accept tools like CB instead of sticking with outdated methods to include younger generations in their decision-making processes. The involvement of planners with younger people at their preferred touchpoints both online and in mobile devices. And community settings enables them to build trust and collect valuable feedback. The goal extends beyond meeting participation requirements because planners need to create urban environments that benefit the entire community.
The implementation of digital platforms by cities will lead to planning decisions that Millennials and Gen Z drive toward smarter and more inclusive development thus allowing cities to adapt to their resident populations.
