Incorporating AI into Housing and Community Development

This 2-part presentation explores the use of AI in two North Central Region Extension projects.

Part 1: AI-Driven Detection and Mapping of Manufactured Housing Communities

Manufactured housing communities (MHCs) are residential neighborhoods consisting mainly of factory-built homes, providing affordable housing for economically disadvantaged households in the United States. Presently, there are few, if any, systematically created datasets that accurately map and detail the physical characteristics of MHCs, e.g., individual structures and footprints.

This presentation describes the methodology used based on high-resolution aerial imagery, computer vision techniques, and AI models to systematically detect and map MHCs. Applications of this dataset and methodology include urban planning, policy-making, disaster response, and research on housing and community development, providing insights beyond just mapping MHCs.

Presenter:

• Armin Yeganeh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Construction Management Program, Michigan State University
  Dr. Yeganeh’s research focuses on housing and real estate data analytics, as well as emerging technologies in the construction industry. Armin’s work contributes to the development of smart and sustainable residential buildings and communities. 

Part 2: Exploring the Potential Role of AI in Community Development

Effectively addressing critical community issues in the world today requires relevant and reliable data resources, however, identifying, accessing, and understanding data is a challenge. This webinar will present the ongoing exploration of utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the complex work of community development, so decision makers have the data they need to create resilient communities.

Presenters:

• Lisa Bates, Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
  As Assistant Director, Lisa oversees the CED unit’s data team and works with this team’s data science experts to improve access, use, and understanding of data for better informed community decisions.

• Christopher J. Seeger, PLA, GISP, Morrill Professor and Extension Specialist, Landscape Architecture, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
  As Director of the Indicators Program, Professor Seeger aims to provide community demographic, health and economic data resources to the public and local decision makers.

Register at:  https://bit.ly/3TodabA

After registering you will receive an email with the link to the webinar.