Bringing Planning to the People: Social Media as a Tool – Streetsblog USA

Introduction to Urban Planning through Digital Platforms

In today’s digital age, urban planning is being introduced to people, particularly Gen Z, through online platforms. The widespread use of digital algorithms is shaping the public’s understanding of city design and its impacts. “Urban Planning TikTok” has emerged as a space where planners and non-planners can explore new interests, engage in discussions, and learn how to get involved. By strategically leveraging online content, Vision Zero advocates can educate viewers on the infrastructural, economic, and social impacts of car culture in the United States. This presents an opportunity to empower viewers to take action and contribute to sustainable development goals.

Urban Planning Trend on TikTok

TikTok, a short-form video platform, has become a hub for urban planning content. Keywords such as “urban planning,” “walkable cities,” and “CityTok” are generating millions of views and thousands of posts. Content creators on TikTok use various styles, including storytelling, case studies, and trend-based memes, to engage viewers and expand their reach. This trend on TikTok is helping to raise awareness about urban planning and its related topics.

Content Styles on Urban Planning TikTok

• Storytelling: Content creators aim to connect viewers’ lived experiences with urban planning topics.
• Case Studies: Content featuring case studies showcases how cities approach city design.
• Memes: Trend-based memes quickly and entertainingly convey planning-related messages.

Impact of #UrbanPlanningTikTok on Viewers

The popularity of urban planning content on TikTok has helped educate the public about the built environment and its impact. Viewers and creators have developed new interests in topics such as car centricity, zoning, and sustainable cities. Many viewers go beyond watching videos and further explore urban planning by reading literature and listening to podcasts. Some viewers feel empowered to take action in their local communities by participating in local government meetings and joining community organizations. Urban planning content has proven to be valuable not only to the general public but also to planners, elected officials, and policymakers.

Impact of #UrbanPlanningTikTok on the Field of Urban Planning

Social media platforms have provided urban planners with a new way to communicate and engage with communities. This has created an opportunity to hear diverse voices within the community, including those who may not typically participate in formal planning processes. However, there is still a lack of diversity within the field of urban planning, with a majority of urban planners being white. By showcasing urban planning and the work of urban planners on platforms like TikTok, there is a chance to diversify the field and involve a wider range of people in planning processes.

#UrbanPlanningTikTok + Gen Z

Gen Z, the first generation to grow up with the internet, is uniquely positioned to engage with urban planning. They have shown a willingness to take action and have been disillusioned with existing systems. Factors such as the popularization of micromobility, remote work, and concerns about climate change have further pushed Gen Z towards decentralizing car culture and embracing alternatives. This generational shift presents an opportunity for urban planners, Vision Zero advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote realistic alternatives to car-centricity. By crafting policies that support pedestrian-centric infrastructure and shifting public opinion, we can create safer, healthier, and more equitable communities.

The impact of #UrbanPlanningTikTok goes beyond a video on a social media platform; it has the potential to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals and the creation of better cities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 5: Gender Equality

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
• SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: usa.streetsblog.org