Future Cities Competition Brings City Services to a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Ever wanted to design your own city from scratch? Middle-schoolers from around the state recently had that opportunity at the 2017 Regional Future City Competition. Nearly 50 teams of middle-schoolers gathered at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis to show off the city dioramas they built and to present information about how their cities were planned.

The League had the opportunity again this year to judge the “Building Quality Communities” special award. League judges looked for cities that promoted ideas to improve and maintain a high quality of life for residents. Many teams had outstanding ideas for this category, which made our decision difficult.

Three of Basabillion's student planners use the force
of good city planning and local government services.

This year’s recipient of the “Building Qualities Communities” award is “Basabillion,” designed by students from Black Hawk Middle School, located in Eagan. The team was very proud of their fictional city, which was inspired by the Star Wars planet of Endor.

According to members of the winning team, Basabillion has a native population of Ewoks (think teddy bears) as well as human citizens that share the city. The design of Basabillion started with solid infrastructure and services to create a better community. Residents can get from place to place by a taxi carpool service run through an app. The streets light up at night and are intended to be pedestrian friendly. For safety, the city uses community policing and plain-clothed officers. There is universal healthcare and a high minimum wage for all citizens. Citizens enjoy top-notch museums and history centers for fun things to do.

One of the most unique features of the city of Basabillion is its sense of community. The students designed public gathering spaces and programs to promote engagement between residents. Humans and the Ewok population live together in respect and harmony.

Black Hawk Middle School students did a fantastic job of designing a thriving community in their city of Basabillion. Not to mention that it’s always good to know we have a young generation of Star Wars enthusiasts.

All the students displayed great passion and talent for designing their cities. We would like to congratulate all the teams at the Future Cities competition. We hope to see you involved in local government one day!

See recaps of past Future City Regional Finals and the Building Quality Communities Award winners:

What Makes 'Crystal Waters' Sparkle? Future City Competition 2016

Future City 2015 and the Building Quality Communities Award

Cities of the Future as Imagined by Students of Today (2014)