Paint the Town
"Paint the Town" is a customized software program that allows planners and forecasters to “paint” maps on a computer screen to simulate existing and future land-use patterns.
These maps contain far more than a diagram of city streets — they also include detailed information about things like population density, sewer and water lines, and natural resources. Paint the Town also incorporates the comprehensive plans developed by local governments to indicate probable future uses of undeveloped land, down to the parcel level.
MARC's Research Services staff has held interactive sessions with planners in each county to “paint” parts of the region, using the expertise of local government staff to predict growth in population, housing and jobs and compare local data to existing regional forecasts. From these sessions, a metro-wide land-use map and forecasting tool will be developed.
Local governments around the region have shared centerline data for mapping 9-1-1 calls for several years. Paint the Town will take GIS data sharing to the next level, allowing MARC to more accurately forecast land-use and development patterns for long-range transportation and air quality planning. By “painting” different scenarios, planners can evaluate a variety of land-use patterns and identify the areas most appropriate for development.
Ultimately, tools like Paint the Town can have a positive impact on the region’s quality of life by helping cities develop in ways that will reduce traffic congestion and protect the environment.