Transforming Urban Landscapes: Balancing Innovation and Ethical Implementation in City Development

In May, Professor Chan was invited to participate in the Milken Institute Global Conference held in Los Angeles. The conference brought together influential thinkers to address complex global challenges through innovative ideas and solutions. One of the discussions centered on Transforming the Urban Landscape, a topic that many contemporary urban issues-the role of technology and the internet in reshaping our cities.

The discussion echoed themes not unfamiliar to us, considering the long-standing impact of another technological shift: the automobile's transformation of Los Angeles over decades. The city is renowned for its sprawling layout, car-centric culture, and lengthy commutes-a legacy that began with a public response to transportation needs. In the early 20th century, as urban populations surged and the public became dissatisfied with the city’s public transit system, improvements in road infrastructure were catalyzed by federal funding and the emergence of jitneys-unlicensed taxis often driven by those ld off from factories.

This period marked a shift that has been both embodied and regulated through policy, leading Los Angeles to take its distinctive form. As of recent estimates, approximately 24 of the city's land is comprised of about 21,700 miles of roads and over 18.6 million parking spaces.1

Nowadays, however, the tide appears to be shifting once more. In the 2016 election cycle, Angelenos voted by a significant margin 70 to increase their sales tax by half a cent for enhancing public transit infrastructure. The growing number of residents are opting out of personal vehicles in favor of a hybrid approach that includes ride-sharing platforms, buses, shuttle services, light rl systems, bicycle sharing schemes, car rentals, and walking.2 Indeed, urban development patterns have shifted, with higher-density structures emerging around transit stations and the expansion of bike lanes reclming road space. But is this enough to transform Los Angeles agn?

So, how do we know when a new technology innovation will redefine our cities for better or worse? Singapore stands as an exemplary model in leveraging technological advancements such as land and water building technologies to shape its modern urban landscape-a tightly planned city integrated with green spaces.3

Daniel Doctoroff from Sidewalk Labs envisions building a city from the internet up, using connectivity, big data, , social media platforms, sharing economy services, digital societies, and smart cities innovations. He harness the potential of technology to address urban challenges while ensuring corporate social responsibility.4

As we delve deeper into this discussion, the importance of predicting and responding to technological advancements becomes more apparent. Cities must establish capacity among decision-makers capable of anticipating technology trs and using them for public benefit without compromising their potential.

The questions remn: How do we distinguish between good innovations and bad? How can policymakers harness the power of innovation while shaping urban futures proactively?

These discussions are fundamental as they question our approach to integrating digital advancements into urban development. We must navigate a balance between embracing technological progress and ensuring its ethical implementation, all with the ultimate goal of building more livable cities for everyone.

In , Professor Chan's participation at the Milken Institute Global Conference sparked an engaging dialogue on transforming urban landscapes through technology. The insights and reflections serve as a testament to ongoing efforts in leveraging innovation for societal betterment while preserving the values that define our cities.

--Julienne Chen, Senior Research Associate
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