Wil Jones

Wil Jones is an Urban Planner, Community Designer, and graduate student at MIT DUSP whose research explores merging Black Atlantic traditions with modern technologies to enhance urban equity. His prior professional work includes developing resilience strategies, promoting philanthropic investment, and advocating for justice through community engagement. At The Rockefeller Foundation, he managed $46 million, aiding over 7,500 businesses and pioneering in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Currently, Wil is an Emerging Technology Fellow at the Office of Emerging Technology, City of Boston, where he works as a Project/Product Manager implementing Generative AI tools with municipal departments. He is also a Research Associate at the MIT Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism & Civic Data Design Lab, developing the “LCAU Generative AI Playbook for Civic Engagement.” This work bridges his roles, leveraging Generative AI to empower communities and improve urban planning.

Wil’s innovative approach to community engagement earned him the “Best Presentation” award at MITDesignX 2024 Pitch & Demo Day, with a prize of $5,000. He is hopeful that through the responsible facilitation of emerging technologies like Generative AI, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality, planners can empower communities and decision-makers to develop inclusive, vibrant, and equitable urban spaces.