Crowdsourced Urban Planning on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Abdu Mohammed Kebede

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

75000

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will build a Cardano-powered platform for communities to propose, vote on, and collaborate in urban planning projects, ensuring developments reflect residents' needs and preferences.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Yes, this project will be open source throughout its lifecycle. We will use an MIT License, allowing for broad use, modification, and distribution. All core components, including smart contracts, front-end code, and data integration tools, will be hosted on a public GitHub repository. This open-source approach will enable developers, urban planners, and communities to collaborate, adapt, and build upon the platform, enhancing its reach and impact.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution:

Our solution addresses the significant disconnect between urban planning processes and community needs by developing a Crowdsourced Urban Planning Tool on the Cardano blockchain. This platform will empower citizens to actively participate in shaping their urban environments through proposals, feedback, and voting on development projects.

Problem Perception:

Urban planning often occurs behind closed doors, resulting in developments that do not reflect the needs or desires of the communities they affect. This lack of transparency and engagement can lead to dissatisfaction, ineffective use of resources, and a disconnect between residents and decision-makers.

Approach:

We aim to create a decentralized platform where residents can submit their ideas for urban projects, engage in discussions, and vote on proposals. By leveraging Cardano’s blockchain technology, we ensure transparency, security, and immutability of all contributions. Our approach encourages inclusivity, allowing every voice in the community to be heard and considered in the planning process.

Engagement:

Our project will engage local residents, urban planners, local governments, and civic organizations. We will conduct outreach initiatives, workshops, and informational sessions to educate communities about the platform and encourage participation.

Impact Demonstration:

To measure our impact, we will track:

• The number of proposals submitted and voted on by residents.
• User engagement metrics, such as participation rates in discussions and workshops.
• Community satisfaction surveys before and after project implementation to gauge perceived improvements in urban planning processes.

Unique Aspects:

What sets our solution apart is its foundation on a decentralized platform, ensuring that decisions reflect the collective will of the community rather than a select few. Additionally, utilizing Cardano’s capabilities allows for a more robust and secure method of managing urban planning data.

Importance to Cardano:

This project aligns with Cardano's mission to create a more equitable and inclusive financial and social ecosystem. By empowering communities and enhancing civic engagement, we contribute to the broader goal of developing a decentralized society. The successful implementation of this tool will showcase the real-world applications of Cardano’s technology, attracting further interest and investment in the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Impact:

The Crowdsourced Urban Planning Tool will significantly benefit the Cardano community by fostering active civic engagement and promoting democratic participation in urban development.

Value to the Cardano Community:

By enabling communities to directly influence urban planning decisions, our project enhances transparency and trust in local governance. This aligns with Cardano’s values of decentralization and community empowerment, demonstrating the practical applications of blockchain technology in everyday life. Successful implementation will attract more users and developers to the Cardano ecosystem, showcasing its potential for real-world impact.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure the impact of our project through both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Number of proposals submitted and voted on by community members.
• Participation rates in workshops and discussions.
• Increase in community satisfaction scores before and after project implementation.
• Qualitative Metrics:
• Feedback collected through surveys and interviews with participants to assess their perceptions of community involvement and satisfaction with urban planning processes.

Sharing Outputs:

We will share the results and learnings from our project through:

• Public reports and presentations detailing our findings and impact metrics.
• A dedicated section on our platform for sharing success stories, project updates, and community feedback.
• Engaging with local media and community organizations to promote the project and its outcomes, ensuring wide visibility and participation.

By creating a transparent and participatory urban planning process, our project not only benefits local communities but also strengthens the Cardano ecosystem, encouraging further innovation and collaboration.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Capability & Feasibility:

We possess the necessary capabilities and expertise to deliver the Crowdsourced Urban Planning Tool with high levels of trust and accountability. Our team comprises experienced professionals in urban planning, blockchain development, and community engagement, ensuring a comprehensive approach to project execution.

Existing Capabilities:

• Urban Planning Expertise: Our team includes urban planners with a deep understanding of community needs and the complexities of urban development. This expertise allows us to design a tool that effectively addresses real-world challenges faced by communities.
• Blockchain Development Skills: We have skilled blockchain developers experienced in utilizing Cardano's ecosystem, ensuring that our platform is secure, scalable, and user-friendly.
• Community Engagement Experience: We have successfully conducted outreach and engagement initiatives in previous projects, building trust and rapport with local communities.

Feasibility Validation:

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will:

1. Conduct a pilot program in select neighborhoods to test the platform and gather feedback from users.
2. Collaborate with local governments and civic organizations to ensure alignment with existing urban planning frameworks.
3. Utilize feedback mechanisms throughout the development process to iterate on the tool based on user input.

Trust in Fund Management:

To demonstrate our capability to manage funds responsibly, we will implement the following processes:

• Transparent Budgeting: We will maintain an open budget that details how funds will be allocated for each project phase, ensuring transparency for all stakeholders.
• Regular Reporting: We will provide bi-monthly financial reports and project updates to the Cardano community and stakeholders, detailing expenditures and progress.
• Third-Party Audits: We will engage an independent auditor to review our financials and project deliverables, further ensuring accountability and trust.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Outputs:

• Conduct a community needs assessment to gather insights on urban planning challenges.
• Host initial workshops and meetings with stakeholders to introduce the project and gather feedback.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of the needs assessment report, summarizing key findings and community priorities.
• At least two community workshops held, with participation from local residents and stakeholders.

Evidence of Completion:

• Published needs assessment report shared with the community.
• Meeting minutes and participant lists from workshops.

Outputs:

• Design and develop the initial version of the platform, including user interface and functionality for submitting and voting on urban planning proposals.
• Conduct usability testing with community members.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A functioning prototype of the tool available for community testing.
• Feedback collected from usability testing sessions, with at least 80% of participants reporting a positive experience.

Evidence of Completion:

• Access to the tool’s prototype shared with stakeholders.
• Summary report of usability testing findings and subsequent iterations made based on feedback.

Outputs:

• Official launch of the Crowdsourced Urban Planning Tool to the public.
• Marketing and promotional activities to drive awareness and engagement.

Acceptance Criteria:

• At least 100 users registered on the platform within the first month post-launch.
• A minimum of 10 urban planning proposals submitted within the same timeframe.

Evidence of Completion:

• Launch event documentation (agenda, participant feedback).
• Analytics report showing user registration and proposal submissions.

Outputs:

• Comprehensive Project Close-out Report detailing project outcomes, impact measurements, and financial summary.
• A project video showcasing the process, community feedback, and tool functionality.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Submission of the final report to Cardano and stakeholders.
• Publication of the project video on relevant platforms (e.g., YouTube, community forums).

Evidence of Completion:

• Final report document and video link shared with the community and stakeholders.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Project Team and Roles:

Abdu Mohammed

• Role: Project Lead
• Responsibilities: Overall project management, coordinating with team members, setting milestones, and overseeing the implementation process.
• Contact: abdum14@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: : linkedin.com/in/abdu-mohammed-714297191
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA): Certificate ID

Ermiyas G/Egziabher

• Role: Blockchain Developer
• LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com
• Responsibilities: Developing the crowdsourced urban planning tool, including back-end and front-end functionalities. Ensuring the platform is user-friendly and meets community needs.
• GitHub click here

Kewser Seid

• Role: Full Stack Developer and UI/UX Designer
• LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com
• Responsibilities: Designing an intuitive user interface and experience for the platform. Conducting usability tests to gather feedback for improvements.
• GitHub click here

Lewan Assefa

• Role: Community Engagement Specialist and Marketing Specialist
• LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com
• Responsibilities: Leading community outreach efforts, organizing workshops, and gathering input from local residents to ensure the tool meets their needs.

Planned Recruitment:

To expand the project team, we will be looking for individuals with the following skills:

• Data Analyst:
• Skills Needed: Experience in urban planning data analysis, familiarity with geographical information systems (GIS), and statistical analysis.
• Marketing Specialist:
• Skills Needed: Background in digital marketing, social media strategy, and community engagement to promote the tool and increase user participation.

Engagement with Team Members:

All team members have been engaged and have expressed their willingness to participate in the project. We have established direct communication channels through Discord and Telegram to coordinate efforts and share updates efficiently.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Budget & Costs Breakdown:

• Personnel Costs:
• Project Lead (2 months): ₳30,000 (₳15,000/month)
• Software Developer (2 months): ₳20,000 (₳10,000/month)
• UI/UX Designer (2 months): ₳15,000 (₳7,500/month)
• Community Engagement Specialist (2 months): ₳10,000 (₳5,000/month)
• Software and Tools:
• Project Management Software: Subscription for tools like Trello or Asana for 2 months - ₳3,000
• Design Software: Licenses for design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud) - ₳2,000
• Marketing & Community Engagement:
• Marketing Campaign: Costs for social media ads and outreach materials - ₳5,000
• Community Workshops: Venue rental, materials, and refreshments for 2 workshops - ₳3,000
• Miscellaneous Costs:
• Legal & Accounting Services: Consultation fees for legal and accounting advice - ₳3,000
• Contingency Fund: 10% of total budget for unforeseen expenses - ₳4,000
• Total Estimated Budget: ₳75,000

Third-Party Products/Services:

• Project Management Software: We will use tools like Trello or Asana to manage tasks, timelines, and team collaboration efficiently.
• Design Software: Licenses for software such as Adobe Creative Cloud to ensure high-quality design outputs for the user interface.

Alternative Funding Sources:

• If the total cost exceeds our requested funding of ₳75,000, we are exploring potential partnerships with local urban planning organizations and universities for additional financial support or in-kind contributions.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed budget of ₳75,000 for the "Crowdsourced Urban Planning Tool" project represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons:

1. Cost-Effective Personnel Rates: The personnel costs reflect competitive rates that are aligned with industry standards and average wages in our region. For instance, the monthly salaries for our project lead and developers are based on local market rates, which typically range from ₳10,000 to ₳15,000 per month for skilled professionals in the tech and urban planning sectors. This ensures that we are leveraging qualified individuals without inflating the budget excessively.
2. Investment in Community Engagement: A significant portion of the budget is allocated to community engagement initiatives, including workshops and marketing campaigns. These activities aim to actively involve local citizens in the urban planning process, ensuring that the tool meets their needs and promotes a sense of ownership. By facilitating community input, we aim to create a more effective and widely accepted planning solution, which directly benefits the Cardano ecosystem by fostering greater community involvement.
3. Open Source and Long-Term Sustainability: By committing to an open-source model, we ensure that the project outputs will remain accessible for future developers and urban planners. This approach promotes sustainability and allows for ongoing community contributions, enhancing the overall value of the project well beyond the initial funding period.
4. Potential for Scalability: The crowdsourced urban planning tool has the potential for broader application across multiple cities and regions, making it an innovative model that can be replicated. This scalability can attract further investment and partnerships, benefiting the Cardano ecosystem as it demonstrates practical use cases of blockchain technology in real-world applications.
5. Transparent Budget Management: We are committed to maintaining transparency in budget management. Regular updates and financial reports will be shared with the community, ensuring accountability and trust throughout the project lifecycle.