The Atlanta Regional Commission has come up with a novel way to seek public input as it updates its long-range plan for the region’s development: “Let’s play a game.”
The agency, which oversees regional planning and serves as a conduit for federal funds, will use a game to pick the brains of metro Atlanta residents. The game – dubbed "Future Focus" – will allow residents to explore major trends that will affect the future of metro Atlanta, including ride hailing/car sharing, autonomous vehicles, port traffic and an aging population.
The game isn’t intended to find out what residents WANT to happen, but what they think WILL happen, whether they think it’s good or bad. Players will read a series of statements, then select which ones they think are most likely and least likely to occur.
The results will be compiled to help regional leaders understand the future residents envision, as well as their major concerns.
The game is just one way the ARC is engaging the public as it prepares for the region’s growth through 2050. Among other things, it will host open houses in September and October and will sponsor a series of civic dinners where residents can discuss the region’s future.
You can play the game here. It's best played on a desktop or laptop computer or tablet (it's possible with a smart phone, but it takes some additional scrolling).
You can find more information about the ARC's regional plan and public outreach efforts here.
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