This weekly update shows how AI agents are changing city planning and building across the world.

Two cities in California, United States, are leading the way with smart computer helpers for building permits. Lancaster became one of the first cities to use agentic AI - smart computer programs that can make decisions on their own. These AI agents will check building applications automatically and help people fix problems faster.

San Jose, another California city, started testing AI to help with housing permits too. The city has a big problem - 90 percent of building applications get sent back because of missing information. The AI helper will check applications before people submit them.

Meanwhile, data centers - the big buildings that power AI - are causing fights in many American communities. Some cities like Tucson, Arizona said no to new data center projects because people worry about water use and higher electric bills. Other places like St. Charles, Missouri want to ban data centers for a whole year.

The construction industry is getting a huge boost from AI investments worldwide. Companies are spending billions of dollars to build new data centers and AI facilities. The AI construction market is worth almost $5 billion in 2025 and could reach $22 billion by 2032.

A big technology conference called Yotta 2025 happened in Las Vegas this week, bringing together leaders who build digital infrastructure. The event focused on making AI-ready buildings that don't harm the environment.