Urban and Regional Planner

Urban and Regional Planners identify community needs and develop short- and long-term solutions to progress and revitalize communities and areas. They also develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

An Urban and Regional Planner is designing a new community outside of a growing city. After multiple stakeholder engagement sessions, the Planner begins by becoming familiar on current environment policies and regulations. Follow-up actions include determining the most efficient sites for construction and conducting field investigations and environmental studies to determine how the plans will affect the area’s wildlife and ecosystems. The design includes plans for land, water, and energy use for the duration of the project to warrant environmentally-friendly practices.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.
  • Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
  • Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternative and recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
  • Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
  • Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

City Planner, Community Development Director, Community Development Planner, Housing Development Specialist, Housing Grant Analyst, Planner, Planning Director, Regional Planner, Urban Design Consultant

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$73,050

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Master’s Degree, Continuing Education Credits, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification for Planners (recommended)

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Decision-Making Skills, Management Skills, Organizational Skills, Math Skills, Creativity, Time Management

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Architect, Civil Engineers, Economists, Geographers, Landscape Architect, Market Research Analysts