Smart Planning in Action: How West Allis Uses Technology to Drive Better Development Decisions
Through the integration of digital tools, data analytics, and collaborative platforms, the City of West Allis’ Planning and Economic Development team has transformed how it engages with residents, supports businesses, and plans for the future. These innovations have not only improved transparency and efficiency but also ensured that development aligns more closely with the needs and aspirations of the community. Engaging the Community Through Digital Platforms One of the most significant ways West Allis has embraced technology is by using online surveys and digital engagement tools during its comprehensive planning efforts. Traditional public meetings, while valuable, often limit participation due to scheduling conflicts or accessibility barriers. To overcome this, the city adopted web-based platforms that allow residents to share their input at their convenience. These digital surveys have enabled residents to weigh in on critical topics such as land use, transportation, housing, and economic development. The format has not only broadened participation but also provided planners with quantifiable data that can be easily analyzed and visualized. This approach was instrumental in shaping the City’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan, ensuring it reflects a wide range of community voices and priorities. The Economic Development team also uses digital tools to stay connected with the local business community. Each year, a comprehensive survey is conducted to assess the perceptions of both prospective and existing businesses regarding the local business climate and city services. Additionally, the team publishes a monthly economic update, keeping entrepreneurs informed about new programs, funding opportunities, and regional developments. Mapping the Future With GIS Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become a foundational tool in West Allis’ planning toolkit. The city uses GIS to create interactive maps that illustrate future land use designations,
redevelopment areas, and zoning overlays. These maps are accessible to both internal staff and the public, offering a transparent view of planning initiatives. By layering data such as parcel boundaries, infrastructure, demographics, and zoning, GIS allows planners to visualize complex relationships and make informed decisions. For example, when evaluating a redevelopment site, staff can assess its proximity to transit, parks, and infrastructure capacity – all within a single platform. GIS also helped support the city’s shift to a maximum-based parking model in its updated zoning code. Instead of requiring excessive on-site parking, planners evaluate nearby street and shared parking options within a short walking distance, promoting more efficient land use. This spatial analysis capability has proven invaluable in identifying underutilized parcels, prioritizing investment areas, and clearly communicating planning goals to stakeholders. Harnessing Mobility Data With Placer.ai To gain deeper insights into how people move through and interact with different parts of the city, West Allis has adopted Placer.ai – a location intelligence platform that provides anonymized foot traffic data. This tool has been especially useful in evaluating commercial corridors, special events, and redevelopment opportunities. For instance, when a longstanding retail store along State Highway 100 became vacant, staff used Placer.ai to conduct a void analysis. The data helped identify a strong potential recreational reuse, leading to the successful recruitment of an indoor pickleball business to fill the space. Similarly, the platform has been used to analyze visitor patterns at the
The Municipality - October 2025 | 11
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