Transforming Community Planning in Atlanta: Meet Black Arcs
Atlanta is buzzing with innovation, and at the forefront is a captivating new venture called Black Arcs, spearheaded by Canadian entrepreneur Jake Arsenault. This dynamic startup is aiming to reshape how communities plan their futures, tackling issues that often get overlooked in the day-to-day hustle of city management.
From Engineer to Change-Maker
Jake Arsenault, originally an engineer, made waves with his first venture, Inversa Systems, which utilized gamma-ray imaging to evaluate infrastructure health. Serving the Georgia Department of Transportation was just the beginning of his journey. Now, he’s set his sights on something he believes has the potential for even greater impact.
After two years of research and reflection, Arsenault realized he wanted to develop a technology that truly matters to communities. The spark for Black Arcs was ignited by one critical question: How do communities visualize the future impacts of their planning decisions before they spend money or delve into lengthy studies?
A Revolutionary Planning Tool
Arsenault’s solution is a brilliant concept: a community planning toolkit that allows for rapid prototyping of changes right on the spot. Imagine being able to test out changes like zoning for a new coffee shop or locating a new school during community meetings, rather than tabling discussions for later research. It’s all about creating a space where the community’s voice is heard, right when it counts.
To explain what Black Arcs is all about, Arsenault coined the term “interconnected impacts.” This means that all the variables impacting a community’s decision-making process can be visualized together. From education to environment, these intertwined factors can be navigated seamlessly, leading to informed and conscientious decision-making.
Building a Digital Twin
Black Arcs offers a subscription-based software product called Citisketch. This tool allows users to create a digital twin of their community, enriched with AI modeling to observe real-time consequences of proposed changes. Need to see how traffic might flow with a new red light? Curious about carbon emissions from a new drive-thru? Citisketch visualizes these scenarios dynamically, ensuring that decisions are backed by concrete data.
Metro Atlanta, characterized by various municipalities and a plethora of jurisdictions, stands to benefit tremendously. Arsenault anticipates that his predictive tool could significantly reduce costs associated with urban planning and development, helping both city and county officials navigate financial and logistical challenges.
Deepening Local Connections
What makes Black Arcs special isn’t just its technological prowess. Arsenault stresses the importance of personal connections, which have blossomed as he has returned to Atlanta from his base in Fredericton, New Brunswick. During a recent event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Consulate in Atlanta, meaningful relationships began to flourish, paving the way for potential partnerships.
Collaborations with Local Innovation Hubs
One such key collaborator is the Pendleton Group, a consulting firm known for its work with economic, community, and workforce development. With ties to the OpportunitiesNB initiative and Peachtree Corners—a smart city laboratory in Gwinnett County—these connections open the door for exciting new projects and pilot programs.
Thanks to their efforts, Black Arcs kicked off a demonstration project with the city, showcasing the potential of their tools. This partnership serves as a beacon for other municipalities realizing the benefits of data-driven planning methods.
Looking Ahead: Community Engagement and Research
While the journey has just begun, Arsenault is eager to engage with local universities to explore research possibilities and foster a collaborative environment for all stakeholders. His vision is ambitious: he wants to inspire people to get involved in the planning of their communities, similar to how popular crime shows dazzled audiences and made forensic science alluring. “Do you understand the machine you live in?” he asks. “Understanding our urban environment is key to shaping our future.”
With Atlanta showcasing its commitment to better governance and passion for impactful initiatives, Black Arcs is undoubtedly a company to watch. By prioritizing community involvement and data-driven decisions, this startup isn’t just about making a profit; it’s about changing lives and enhancing the community—one block at a time.
