A window on the future of Phoenix with inCituAR‍

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The City of Phoenix is enhancing how residents engage with planning and development through its Office of Innovation. Partnering with inCitu, the City is using mobile augmented reality (AR) to let residents preview future projects by simply scanning a QR code (on-site or from home) without needing to download an app. Phoenix has applied a variety of methods for sharing inCituAR project QR codes with the residents of Phoenix.

Residents can view an ArcGIS StoryMap on the Office of Innovation website; scan the QR code on colorful postcards distributed through community partners, the offices of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and City Council offices and businesses; and by scanning a display at the future location of the development project. The QR codes are also shared via City newsletters and social media platforms.

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Girasol Apartments: Affordable Housing in focus

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The Girasol Apartments, now under construction, will bring more than 115 affordable and market rate units to Phoenix in its first phase, addressing a critical need for quality, secure housing. With inCituAR, residents can see the buildings in 3D before the structure is complete, helping the community connect with the project early on and track progress during construction.‍
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3rd Street Rio Salado Bike & Pedestrian Bridge‍

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The Rio Salado Bridge and Pathway, planned for 3rd Street, will connect neighborhoods across the Salt River, creating safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians while improving access to parks and downtown. The project design was chosen from three proposals through a public engagement process, ultimately combining a public art focus from one proposal with the bridge design from another to reflect community input. By sharing the design in AR, the city is ‘closing the loop’, allowing residents and stakeholders to see the results of their engagement, and how this new link will reshape mobility, recreation, and public gathering space in the city.‍
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Phoenix Fire Station #15

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Phoenix is utilizing inCitu to enhance community engagement for its General Obligation (GO) Bond-funded projects, including Phoenix Fire Station #15, in West Phoenix. A 1:1 3D model of the station was created and uploaded to inCitu in advance of a ceremonial brick-laying ceremony, to build excitement and engage residents in a new “digital” way. This event was attended by community members, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the Phoenix City Council, Fire Chief Mike Duran III, and other dignitaries. During this event, staff provided a hands-on session with the local community block watch group and students from the nearby elementary school. With 182 views, this event allowed staff to present a 3D model of one of the City’s most important developments, a much-needed fire station, in real time, at the development site.

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"Smart" Chilled Drinking Water Initiative

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Phoenix is also leveraging inCitu to advance its “Smart” Drinking Water in Public Spaces Initiative, by creating a 3D model of custom-designed “smart” drinking water and bottle-filling stations. In the past, staff would work with the vendor to haul an actual, steel drinking fountain to community events so that residents could see what made them unique. During a citywide outreach campaign in Summer 2025, the Office of Innovation utilized inCitu to showcase the project and let residents explore the 3D model and see how it will look when placed in their neighborhood, without the heavy lift of bringing the actual fountain. It proved to be more fun for residents, especially youth, and the city plans to continue using the feature to highlight “coming soon” locations.

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A New Model for Participation‍

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With these immersive activations, Phoenix’s Office of Innovation is investing in making city planning more transparent and collaborative. According to staff, incorporating augmented reality into the City’s community engagement efforts has fostered a whole new way to welcome residents into the process. Bringing future projects into the present will continue to help residents engage, provide feedback, and share in shaping a more inclusive and connected city.

Follow the Phoenix Office of Innovation for updates as the projects unfold.


Written in collaboration with Phoenix Office of Innovation