The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) has officially kicked off the development of the Louisiana Offshore Wind Roadmap, an initiative that holds immense promise for our state’s energy future. CPEX is proud to partner with DENR and Jacobs to create a comprehensive plan that will guide Louisiana’s trajectory in the offshore wind industry. This roadmap will be our strategic guide to harnessing Louisiana’s vast potential in the offshore wind industry, positioning our state as a leader in this emerging market. Through comprehensive planning, robust public engagement, and a focus on sustainable growth, we aim to create quality jobs, attract new investments, and ensure energy independence for generations to come. The first meeting of the Offshore Wind Advisory Committee will be held virtually on Thursday, September 5th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We invite all stakeholders and the public to join us in shaping this exciting future. Let’s make sure Louisiana is ready to lead in offshore wind energy!

Louisiana is no stranger to the wrath of Mother Nature – hurricanes, flooding, and coastal erosion have long plagued our communities, leaving us to adapt and rebuild time and time again. However, this past summer, Louisiana faced an unexpected and unprecedented threat: wildfires, fueled by extreme heat, strong winds, a high-pressure heat dome, and one of the most severe droughts in our recorded history. Wildfires have blazed across parts of the southern U.S. in recent months from Texas to Alabama, fueled by downed trees and plant debris left over from storms such as Laura, Delta, and Ida. In Louisiana, more than 60,000 acres burned across 17 parishes, forcing evacuations, destroying crops, and sending buildings up in smoke. It barely rained in the month of August, leading to a state-wide burn ban as first responders and the Louisiana National Guard struggled to contain the fires. The impacts to our agricultural sector in particular are devastating. Agriculture plays a crucial role in Louisiana’s economy and food security. The wildfires and droughts this summer caused widespread damage to crops and livestock and disrupted the livelihoods of countless farmers. These losses have far-reaching consequences, affecting the availability and affordability of food for our communities. In a regular year, our annual precipitation makes us one of the wettest states in the country – but in an era of climate change, it’s becoming clear that climate-amplified disasters will not be limited to the well-known culprits. A proactive, planning-based approach to ensure the well-being of our communities is more necessary than ever as we look back on an unusual summer and prepare for a changing future. The devastation in Beauregard Parish this summer hit especially close to home, as I watched news reports of nursing homes in DeRidder being forced to evacuate from the Tiger Island fire – the largest wildfire ever recorded in our state’s history. My parents still live in that area, and they were on my mind as they too stood ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. As life-long Louisiana residents, we have faced the prospect of weather-related disaster many times – but watching family members repeatedly weather Louisiana’s ongoing cycle of disaster and recovery gets harder every year. It’s not just my family, though; thousands of Louisiana families found themselves in similar situations, facing not only material losses, but also the profound mental health effects of the constant threat of disaster. As people across our state faced wildfires instead of hurricanes this summer, I thought about what “resilience” means for our friends, family and neighbors. Louisianians are rightly celebrated for their incredible resilience and ability to pull themselves and others through disaster events, but we can’t continue to subject our people to these traumas. We must recognize that true resilience involves adapting our infrastructure, practices, and policies to meaningfully mitigate the impacts of disaster so that individuals and communities do not have to endure hardship and loss time and time again. By implementing comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies, we can reduce the physical, mental, and environmental stress that our communities endure. Louisiana’s unique vulnerability to climate-amplified disasters demands a proactive and planning-driven approach. This means investing in disaster-resistant infrastructure, implementing sustainable land use practices, and fostering community engagement and education on climate adaptation. It means developing strategies that safeguard not only our physical environment but also our mental well-being. It’s past time for us to move beyond the cycle of reacting to emergencies and accelerate our efforts to plan and prepare for a future that is increasingly uncertain. The City of Gonzales has taken a significant stride by becoming the second city in Louisiana to establish its own community-driven climate action plan. Gonzales is setting a commendable example and has embarked on this journey towards climate resilience, aiming to synchronize its endeavors with Louisiana’s Climate Action Plan. Their goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40-50% by 2030 and ultimately achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Gonzales is doing their part to ensure that their residents as well as our state are prepared for future climate impacts, and we look forward to seeing other communities follow their lead. Together, we can chart a path towards a more resilient Louisiana, where our traditions, culture, and way of life endure the test of time, regardless of the challenges that come our way. PHOTO FROM: U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

All my life, I’ve loved sci-fi movies. Call me nerdy, but these movies are more than just entertainment; they are portals to other worlds, where the boundaries of reality are blurred and the impossible becomes possible. Amidst the starships and extraterrestrial encounters, there was one element that I found especially captivating–artificial intelligence (AI). From the endearing R2-D2 of Star Wars to the self-aware computer system, HAL 9000, in 2001: A Space Odyssey, these fictional depictions seemed like distant fantasies—products of someone’s wild imagination. But with recent advancements in AI technology, this once-distant dream confined to the silver screen is now a force driving innovation and an increasingly integral part of how we work, communicate, and plan for the future. As a member of the CPEX team, I continue to be fascinated by current advancements in AI, especially in regards to community planning. Join me as I dive headfirst into the world of AI and community planning, highlighting the fascinating (and sometimes slightly spooky) capabilities of AI and its role in shaping the communities of tomorrow. What is AI? IBM defines AI as “technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.” These tasks include learning from experience, recognizing patterns, understanding natural language, and making decisions. AI systems can range from simple rule-based algorithms to sophisticated machine-learning models that evolve and adapt over time. AI is revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare and finance to transportation and manufacturing. Current uses include predictive analytics for disease diagnosis, algorithmic trading in financial markets, autonomous vehicles for transportation, and robotic automation in manufacturing processes. Some of AI’s most promising features will help people increase their efficiency, improve decision making, enhance productivity, and address complex problems at scale. However, legitimate concerns about this technology’s ethical implications include issues of bias in algorithms, job displacement due to automation, threats to privacy and security, and misuse of AI for malicious purposes. As AI continues to advance, striking a balance between harnessing its potential for societal benefit while mitigating its risks remains a critical challenge. AI + Community Planning AI’s use in community planning efforts has reached into areas such as transportation, development, and environmental management. The data and analysis provided can show planners, elected officials, and scholars how to optimize traffic flow, anticipate demographic shifts, and identify areas prone to natural disasters. With this information, people can streamline decision-making processes and enhance the efficiency of resource allocation—offering planners powerful tools to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Here are more details on ways AI can be used in planning. Data Analysis and Predictive Modeling: AI algorithms can quickly process vast datasets to identify patterns and trends, helping planners make data-driven decisions. For instance, in urban planning, AI algorithms can swiftly analyze traffic patterns from extensive datasets, enabling city officials to optimize transportation routes and reduce congestion. Predictive modeling can enable planners to anticipate future challenges, such as population growth, traffic patterns, and environmental changes. For instance, by analyzing historical data and employing predictive algorithms, planners can estimate the demand for public transportation and allocate resources accordingly to accommodate future needs. Community Engagement: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can facilitate more efficient and inclusive community engagement by providing information and gathering feedback. Natural language processing (NLP) algorithms can process and interpret text data from surveys, social media, and online forums to extract insights and identify common themes, helping planners make data-driven decisions that reflect community preferences and priorities. Optimizing Infrastructure: Data processed through AI can be used to optimize traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the efficiency of public services. Smart city initiatives can leverage AI capabilities to monitor and manage infrastructure, improving overall sustainability and resilience. How Other Cities are Using AI  Tuscaloosa, AL The City of Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama developed an AI-based technology that processes photos captured by cameras mounted on the city’s garbage trucks. The university states that the system can identify nuisances such as overgrown grass, abandoned vehicles, litter, illegal parking, and appliances or furniture left outside. A scoring system is used to indicate issues that must be addressed, and the photo, along with instructions on what must be remedied, is sent to the property owner. Boulder County, CO Boulder County is employing new technology meant to help first responders detect fires faster. The new partnership with Pano AI — the first of its kind in Boulder County —  uses high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence to help spot fires, check fuel conditions, and zero in on a specific location. San Jose, CA Measuring how the community uses facilities is important for the equitable delivery and maintenance of parks, public spaces, and recreational areas. The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) of San José is using anonymized foot traffic data to understand where and when people access recreational amenities. The PRNS staff is aware that quality parks are not available in many neighborhoods because of historical disinvestment in some areas as well as systemic and institutionalized racial exclusion. Using this collected data can help the city determine where there is a greater need for new, improved, and safer facilities for equitable resource allocation. Boston, MA Boston has employed AI to address parking challenges. Smart parking solutions utilize sensors and AI algorithms to provide real-time information on parking space availability. This not only reduces traffic congestion caused by drivers searching for parking but also enhances the overall parking experience for residents and visitors. San Diego, CA San Diego is using AI to improve water management and conservation efforts. The city employs machine-learning algorithms to analyze data from sensors placed throughout the water distribution system. This helps identify leaks, predict maintenance needs, and optimize water usage, contributing to a more sustainable water infrastructure. Looking Ahead The future of AI in community planning holds immense promise. As technology continues to evolve, here are some trends to watch. Augmented Decision-Making: AI technology will play a pivotal role in assisting planners with complex decision-making processes, providing insights based on vast amounts of data. For instance, AI could analyze demographic trends, traffic patterns, and environmental data to recommend optimal locations for new community facilities such as schools or parks. This augmented decision-making process could save time, reduce human bias, and enhance the likelihood of creating sustainable and inclusive communities. Personalized Experiences: AI-driven systems will enable the creation of personalized urban experiences, tailoring services and amenities to the unique needs and preferences of residents. For instance, AI algorithms could optimize public transportation schedules and routes based on real-time usage data and individual preferences, ensuring efficient and convenient travel experiences for residents. Furthermore, AI-powered virtual assistants could provide personalized recommendations for local events, activities, and services, enhancing community engagement and satisfaction. Sustainable Development: Using AI-enhanced analysis, community planners and others will have information to optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and promote eco-friendly practices, contributing to more sustainable and resilient communities. As AI systems become more common and sophisticated, the technology can help planners navigate the complexities of community planning with greater precision, foresight, and efficiency. The future of AI can support development of vibrant, resilient, and more livable communities for generations to come as this innovation becomes integrated with human creativity, integrity, and expertise. If you’re interested in learning more about AI’s potential in community planning, we invite you to join us at the 2024 Louisiana Smart Growth Summit, April 25-26, at the Manship Theatre in downtown Baton Rouge. The Summit will provide opportunities to engage with experts, participate in thought-provoking sessions, and explore innovative solutions for smart growth. You don’t want to miss the chance to be part of these transformative conversations. Register today and broaden your perspective on AI and other crucial topics shaping our collective future.

Communications and Special Initiatives Coordinator, Amelia Gabor, stands on the ‘Tiger Lagoon’ creative crosswalk by artist Marc Fresh. Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, unveiled  its first Creative Crosswalk on Tower Drive last month, marking further progress toward a beautiful and pedestrian-centered campus. Having spent my last months as a student advocating and planning for LSU’s newest colorful street addition, I am immensely proud to see my vision for an even more walkable and vibrant campus come to life. As part of my capstone class at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, my group was tasked with identifying an issue at LSU to spend our last semester trying to address or solve. Eager to share the knowledge I gained during my internship at the Center for Planning Excellence (my best and only claim to professional legitimacy at that point), I proposed we consider the benefits pedestrian-friendly infrastructure offers to students and the shortcomings of the existing crosswalks on campus. For many of us who reside in Baton Rouge–and undoubtedly college towns across the country–college is our first opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a walkable community. Residential spaces, grocery stores, restaurants, and social hubs are never more than a 15 minute walk away. I enjoyed years of grabbing a latte or lunch at City Pork in the Design Building, studying and relaxing in the shaded green space of the Quad and Parade grounds, and meeting friends at the LSU Library or Student Union. This could all be achieved without ever starting my car, which is a blessing considering I’ve been unofficially voted Baton Rouge’s Worst Driver 2019-2023 by those who’ve graced my passenger seat. To myself, my group members, and nearly 35,000 LSU students, campus feels like a walkable utopia, an escape from Baton Rouge traffic for the day.     But even in this people-centric utopia, data reported by the Advocate revealed that forty-one pedestrians were hit by cars on campus between 2013 and 2018. This revelation, coupled with an awareness of the many fading crosswalks on campus, crystallized our cause. The innovative idea that emerged was TigerCross, an initiative aiming to increase pedestrian safety, mobility, and campus beautification through the implementation of one or more creative crosswalks. which use art to enliven streets as engaging and safe places for people. Unlike standard black and white crosswalks, creative crosswalks utilize colorful patterns, images, and designs that reflect the local culture, history, or themes relevant to the area. Their rising popularity can be attributed to their ability to beautify public spaces, create a sense of place, and foster community pride, ultimately making the simple act of crossing the street a more enjoyable, memorable, and safe experience. The advancement of campus mobility was not a new concept. LSU has made strides toward creating a more bike- and pedestrian-friendly campus, from the decision to close campus to vehicles during operating hours a few years ago to the recent addition of e-bikes and e-scooters. The most recent LSU Campus Master Plan – completed in 2017– identified connectivity, mobility, and pedestrian safety as priorities, outlining strategies like converting unnecessary parking lots into pedestrian amenities and open green space, emphasizing a system of major pedestrian routes providing safe and clear paths to major campus destinations, removing cars and parking within the campus core to reinforce pedestrian priority, collaborating with the city to create new walking, biking and transit-only corridors, and so much more. However, when the TigerCross team began examining LSU’s pedestrian infrastructure, we realized that many of these initiatives had not been achieved. This, coupled with the $636,808,794 in deferred maintenance costs that LSU was managing, made it clear that a student-led, student-funded push was just what this campus needed to bring mobility and pedestrian safety back to the forefront of the conversation. Our team compiled research and data highlighting the necessity and viability of a Creative Crosswalk on LSU’s campus; identified the key players that needed to approve the project; and put together a budget to propose to student government. By the time our budget was approved and we received the go-ahead from the Department of Campus Planning, Design, and Construction, the semester was coming to an end, and we feared that this initiative wouldn’t see the light of day. When I began my post-grad life working full time at CPEX, I remained determined to make TigerCross a reality. I worked with my former professor to advocate for a new group of seniors to take up the cause. After some convincing, we found a group that was interested in identifying an artist, presenting the designs, ensuring they were compliant with ADA standards, and overseeing the implementation and unveiling. I offered my advice to the team throughout the latter half of the project because they too faced roadblocks (no pun intended) in getting it approved and implemented. The new creative crosswalk features a colorful and eye-catching design that displays two tigers bathing in what we’re calling “Tiger Lagoon.” It is located at a high-visibility, high-foot traffic area on Tower Drive between the LSU Student Union and quad, making it a critical location for pedestrian safety. The addition of a creative crosswalk to this intersection demonstrates LSU’s commitment to the well-being of its community. It serves a dual-purpose as a high-visibility crosswalk that enhances pedestrian safety and a public art installation that showcases the creativity and talent of the local artist Marc Fresh.     Throughout this experience, I’ve learned how important it is to have infrastructure that facilitates walkability–and to do it right. We faced many challenges and more than a few critics; there were so many occasions where we doubted this would be possible. Offers for partnerships with several student art organizations were declined. We lacked the technical understanding or artistic advice to assert opinions on asphalt porosity, corresponding paint type, and other intricate logistics to Campus Campus Planning, Design, and Construction. We found it incredibly difficult to find an account to hold the funds we were awarded– student government funds are typically spent directly, not reserved. Not only did we not meet the amount to warrant an account with the LSU Foundation, they were not allowed to accept student funds, disqualifying us from a landing page on their website. Through all of these challenges and more, our champions were our professor Robert Mann, Director of Campus Planning, Greg Lacour, and Assistant Director of Campus Planning, Dennis Mitchell. Their expertise and enthusiasm helped us find solutions, like the decision to commission community artists, address logistical issues, and transfer funds to the College of Art and Design, where Dean Alkis Tsolakis held it until implementation. Evolution comes with growing pains, and I hope that sharing my journey with this project can encourage others who are passionate about pedestrian safety and mobility. TigerCross is a great example of how institutions, planners, and, yes, students and individuals can prioritize pedestrian safety while also adding to the beauty and uniqueness of their communities. It’s a great addition to LSU’s campus, and we hope it leads to the installation of more Creative Crosswalks in and around Baton Rouge.