Ethics of AI in Urban Planning White Paper

Anjan Kumar Ojha

Abstract:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how cities are planned, managed, and experienced. From
traffic optimization and predictive zoning to sustainable resource allocation and real-time public
engagement, AI is enhancing the capacity of urban planners to make informed, data-driven decisions.
However, as these systems become deeply embedded in the urban fabric, they raise critical ethical
questions. Without appropriate safeguards, AI can reinforce structural inequities, compromise privacy,
and erode public trust. This white paper explores five foundational pillars of ethical AI in urban
planning—Fairness and Bias, Community Engagement, Transparency and Accountability, Data
Privacy, and Interpretability—and outlines strategies for responsible deployment in urban systems.