Managing and Envisioning Uncertain Urban Futures with Scenario Planning

Emerging technologies, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic are making it essential for planners to incorporate uncertainty into long-range plans. Urban scenario planning responds to these developments by integrating modeling and simulation tools with an analysis of uncertainty. A methodology for long-term strategic planning that enables communities to create and analyze multiple plausible version of the future, scenario planning can be used to envision sustainability or enhance resilience. Drawing on his recent book, Scenario Planning for Cities and Regions: Managing and Envisioning Uncertain Futures, this event will feature a brief overview of scenario planning concepts and practice, and then be followed by a hands-on activity where attendees will consider key driving forcesthat will shape the future of our cities.

Robert Goodspeed is an Assistant Professor of Urban Planning and Director of the Graduate Certificate in Urban Informatics at the University of Michigan.

Registrants will receive a Zoom link via email the week of the event. Times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (GMT-4:00).

If you require any accessibility accommodation, such as live captioning, audio description, or a sign language interpreter, please email news@design.upenn.edu to let us know what you need. Please note, we require at least 48 hours’ notice. If you register within 48 hours of this event, we won’t be able to secure the appropriate accommodations.