This sounds like a fantastic project. I'm a developer but unfortunately not in the steem API or utopian.io
I don't really have very much spare time either at the moment, however when I do get some I'll try to teach myself about those and then hopefully one day I'll be in a position to contribute.
Good luck
RE: Idea factory: How can you help to create the first place of a network of autonomous places based on blockchain to support citizens, entrepreneurs, learners, explorers, creatives and digital nomads?