Implement participatory platforms: Use interactive digital tools like mobile apps or virtual reality simulations to let residents visualize and contribute to planning decisions. Gamify engagement: Introduce point-based challenges or incentives for residents who actively participate in surveys, workshops, or pilot projects, fostering a sense of ownership. Leverage local ambassadors: Partner with community leaders to bridge gaps, ensuring culturally inclusive communication and greater trust. Adopt transparent decision-making: Provide real-time project tracking dashboards, showcasing how resident feedback shapes urban development, reinforcing accountability and inclusion.

To ensure residents feel included in urban planning, prioritize transparent, two-way communication. Host public forums, virtual meetings, and neighborhood workshops to gather diverse perspectives. Use multiple channels—social media, newsletters, and community boards—to keep residents informed. Actively listen by documenting feedback and demonstrating how their input influences decisions. Implement participatory tools like surveys, interactive maps, and mobile apps for real-time engagement. Partner with local organizations to reach underrepresented groups. Maintain ongoing dialogue, not just during major projects, reinforcing that urban planning is a collaborative effort that values community voices and needs.

The key to any proper planning process is transparency. From an urban planning perspective, and to ameliorate community cohesiveness - I propose to go back to the time residents received a letter from the urban planning authority in their town outlining a summary of the location's masterplan, and priorities. The letter should briefly invite idea, and concerns and let the resident know that their reply in writing would be kept confidential. Many won't take the time to reply to the letter. Those are the ones who would not show up at the forum nor would they truly want to be engaged. The few that take the time to write back with complaints, ideas, and suggestions are the ones you want to engage with further. You want them on a committee.