Abstract
As a result of the ongoing rise in urbanization all around the world, cities are facing more complex problems in governing the city, ensuring participation, and giving every citizen access to resources. This paper examines the role of participatory urban planning in fostering comprehensive governance and investigates how internet inequality affects these efforts, using New York City as the primary case study. Empirical data and critical theories are used to explore the transformative potential of platforms like Decidim to democratize urban governance and critique existing smart city frameworks that often prioritize efficiency over equity. About 27% of households in NYC lack broadband access; the Bronx has the most acute disparities. These findings show the need to address digital issues when developing urban policies to ensure that participatory tools are available to marginalized communities. Actionable strategies to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital literacy, and the equitability principle in smart city design are presented, serving as a roadmap for developing urban spaces that reflect the aspirations of all citizens. The study concludes with; NYC needs to address the digital divide by developing the infrastructure, making the service affordable, and promoting literacy. It can also improve civic participation through hybrid models and gain lessons from global examples, while leveraging AI to increase the effectiveness of civic engagement and urban governance.