MICHIGAN ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION NEWS
Scenario Planning for Urban Futures Learner Spotlight with Madeline Hiller
February 11, 2025
by Britney Rivers
The Scenario Planning for Urban Futures professional development course offers participants hands-on experience with scenario planning, a crucial practice for urban development. This tool enables cities to prepare for an uncertain future by exploring multiple potential scenarios and their long-term impacts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the urban and regional planning profession is projected to grow by 4% by 2033. As the profession grows and cities evolve, planners need to address challenges like climate change, changing regulations, and budget constraints. The course empowers learners to craft agile urban plans informed by current and emerging trends.
We interviewed Madeline Hiller, program coordinator at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. She participated in the course in the spring of 2024. Her work focuses on strategic planning for disaster recovery, housing, and urban greening. In her role, she collaborates with course instructor Heather Hannon. Madeline shares her insights from the program.
Can you describe your current role and responsibilities at the Lincoln Institute for Land Policy?
Madeline: I am the program coordinator for planning practice and scenario planning at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. My main responsibilities on the scenario planning team are managing our research cycle, educating people about scenario planning, and coordinating workshops. This year our research focus is scenario planning for disaster recovery and resilience.
Why did you decide to take the Scenario Planning course?
Madeline: I participated in the Scenario Planning for Urban Futures course in Ann Arbor because I wanted to gain professional training in scenario planning to inform my scenario planning work at the Lincoln Institute. I wanted to give better feedback and guidance to our research groups running workshops in their communities. Not all urban planning practitioners are experts in scenario planning, so I wanted to expand and hone my scenario planning skills and knowledge to be able to support our research groups to the best of my ability.
Another reason I decided to take this course was because of the instructors. Dr. Goodspeed is well-known in the scenario planning world and has great publications on scenario planning. Working with Dr. Goodspeed and learning from him was great. Additionally, I work with Heather and learn from her every day.
Participating in a structured, expert-led workshop is a valuable experience. I wanted to gain practical knowledge about the facilitation and functionality of the scenario planning process. The course allowed me to experience a scenario planning workshop from the perspective of a participant while teaching me how to effectively facilitate thanks to the instructor’s exemplary facilitation skills.
What was the most impactful aspect of the course for you?
Madeline: As an in-person learner, I was able to create a community with the other students in the class. We were able to get to know each other, sharing ideas and experiences. The group work and discussions were extremely useful. One of my favorite parts of the course was when we practiced mock scenarios where we played roles as both community members and city planners. Building empathy with the people we work with and teach is essential – this activity helped me see the community member’s point of view. Additionally, it demonstrated areas that might cause confusion and highlighted where we, as future facilitators, may need to provide clarity.
I enjoyed crafting scenario narratives and imagining different futures based on various factors. This creative aspect was valuable, especially since at the Lincoln Institute, we often facilitate scenario planning workshops with communities.
What was your favorite part about the course or the instructors’ lectures?
Madeline: I appreciated how the instructors, Rob and Heather, dedicated time to connect with us in class and during breaks. Even outside class, they continued the conversations and listened to our questions and reflections. They also encouraged us to develop our workshop scenarios based on our communities back home, which enhanced the practical application of what we learned.
Additionally, in the hybrid learning format, they effectively engaged virtual participants by consistently checking in and ensuring inclusivity. This approach helped maintain a strong connection between the in-person and online students, which can often be challenging in a hybrid setting.
How have you implemented what you learned from the Scenario Planning for Urban Futures course in your organization?
Madeline: One important lesson from the program was how to create focal questions. I used this skill when a research group needed help with their workshop outline. I provided examples and guidance on how to develop critical questions.
Since participating in the course, I have begun presenting and teaching about the scenario planning process with Heather. This usually entails explaining the process, creating scenario narratives, and walking people through a mini-workshop but has been adjusted based on the audience.
Would you recommend this course to others?
Madeline: I would definitely recommend this course. Even though I’m not a certified planner, this course allowed me to develop valuable skills in scenario planning. I connected with like-minded professionals and explored a somewhat niche area in the planning world.
At the Lincoln Institute, we focus on land use and land policy. Urban planning, rural planning–all community planning–is super relevant today. And, you can apply scenario planning to all aspects of planning. I am looking forward to using scenario planning in more contexts and geographies and exploring how it can be woven into planning processes.