State Embraces Cloud Software for Planning, Analysis

A software package that helps cities, counties and special districts with sustainable urban planning has been embraced by California leaders as a way to deal with transportation gridlock, housing affordability, stresses on public budgets and public health issues. 

UrbanFootprint on Wednesday announced its "partnership with the state of California to bring its cloud-based urban planning software to over 500 cities, counties, and regional agencies." The firm raised more than $5 million in funding from a Silicon Valley venture firm, Social Capital, and from angel investors.

"This is SimCity for real," the company boasts. Indeed, the firm's website offers a dizzying array of interactive graphics, video demos and various ways to engage. 

"As California cities confront housing shortages, transportation challenges, and climate change, UrbanFootprint provides a platform for better, more transparent planning in shaping a more sustainable future for California cities," said Gov. Jerry Brown in discussing the partnership. "That's why the Strategic Growth Council funded the initial development of UrbanFootprint, and why providing it to California cities is so important."



UrbanFootprint's "California Civic" program will provide access to a data library, tools for building and testing scenarios, and real-time analysis. "Cities can evaluate present conditions and compare future alternatives for their impact on transportation systems, pollution and carbon emissions, energy and water resources, public health, and fiscal impacts," says a press release. 

"Cities can be a source of tremendous economic innovation, social integration, and a solution to climate change," said UrbanFootprint Principal and co-founder Peter Calthorpe. "Or they can underscore economic isolation, heighten environmental impacts, and reinforce social strife. UrbanFootprint marks an incredible milestone in our mission to give communities the tools they need to set the right course."

UrbanFootprint is an urban planning software company founded on 30 years of leadership in urban planning and analysis. Based in Berkeley, Calif., UrbanFootprint is a mission-driven enterprise dedicated to the advancement of sustainable urban planning and design.