AI in Action: Practical Use Cases in County Planning

Artificial intelligence is reshaping county planning, offering powerful tools to streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance public engagement. This session explores how AI is being successfully implemented in planning practice and the legal considerations that come with it. AI-driven automation is transforming permit reviews and inspections, reducing processing times while ensuring compliance with local regulations. Predictive analytics is revolutionizing zoning and land use decisions, helping planners anticipate development trends and optimize land allocation. AI-powered community engagement platforms are strengthening public participation by efficiently gathering and analyzing resident feedback. Meanwhile, GIS mapping and spatial analysis are advancing infrastructure planning and disaster preparedness through dynamic AI-driven models. Beyond technology, this session will examine legal implications tied to AI adoption in county planning, ensuring it meets APA’s CM Law Credit Criteria. Discussions will focus on land-use law, environmental regulations, and constitutional law considerations that impact AI-based planning decisions. Speakers will explore the practical effects of recent legislation, including regulatory efforts and court decisions within the last 10 years that shape planning policies. Additionally, the session will highlight key legal challenges—such as procedural conflicts, policy interpretations, and how different levels of law (federal, state, and local) apply to AI-driven planning innovations. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, including strategies for adapting legal frameworks to support AI integration, ordinance examples for local planning, and recommendations that promote AICP values, including diversity and inclusion. Join us to understand AI's role in county planning through a legal lens, learn about key court cases shaping AI policy, and gain practical knowledge for navigating AI’s impact on planning law.

Guest Host: APA County Planning Division