6 answers
John
Student
Roxbury Township, New Jersey
10
Questions
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What is it exactly that Urban Planners do?
It seems a little unclear to me exactly what urban planners do and I've recently considered it for a career. I was also wondering if it would be realistic to get involved in politics from a career in Urban Planning. Thanks!
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6 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7112
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day John!
What Urban Planners Do
Urban planners are professionals who develop plans and programs for land use in urban areas, focusing on the efficient and sustainable development of communities. Their work encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at improving the quality of life for residents while balancing economic, environmental, and social factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their roles and responsibilities:
1. Research and Analysis
Urban planners begin by conducting extensive research to understand the needs of a community. This includes analyzing demographic data, land use patterns, transportation systems, environmental impacts, and economic trends. They often utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualize data spatially, which aids in decision-making.
2. Community Engagement
Engaging with community members is crucial for urban planners. They hold public meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather input from residents about their needs and preferences. This participatory approach ensures that planning decisions reflect the values and desires of the community.
3. Developing Plans
Based on their research and community input, urban planners create comprehensive plans that outline how land should be used over time. These plans may include zoning regulations, transportation networks, public spaces, housing developments, and infrastructure improvements. Planners must consider various factors such as sustainability, economic viability, social equity, and compliance with local laws.
4. Policy Development
Urban planners often work with government officials to develop policies that guide land use and development practices. This can involve drafting legislation or regulations that promote smart growth principles—encouraging compact development that minimizes sprawl while enhancing public transit options.
5. Project Management
Once plans are approved, urban planners may oversee specific projects to ensure they align with the established vision. This involves coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
6. Advocacy and Education
Urban planners advocate for policies that support sustainable development practices at local government levels or through professional organizations. They also educate the public about planning issues such as zoning changes or new developments to foster understanding and support.
7. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Urban planning is inherently interdisciplinary; planners collaborate with professionals from various fields including architecture, civil engineering, environmental science, economics, sociology, and public policy to create holistic solutions for urban challenges.
Involvement in Politics
A career in urban planning can indeed lead to opportunities in politics or public service:
Policy Influence: Urban planners often contribute to policy discussions at local government levels where they can influence decisions related to urban development.
Elected Positions: Many urban planners transition into elected positions or advisory roles within city councils or planning commissions due to their expertise in land use issues.
Advocacy Roles: Planners may also work for non-profit organizations focused on urban issues where they engage in advocacy efforts that intersect with political processes.
Overall, a background in urban planning provides valuable insights into how cities function which can be beneficial for a career in politics focused on community development or environmental sustainability.
The probability that this answer is correct is 95%.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Planning Association (APA) - The APA provides resources on best practices in urban planning including guidelines on community engagement and sustainable development strategies.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - HUD offers information regarding federal policies affecting urban development as well as resources for local governments on effective planning practices.
National League of Cities (NLC) - The NLC focuses on municipal governance issues including land use planning which helps inform city leaders about effective strategies for managing growth and development challenges.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
What Urban Planners Do
Urban planners are professionals who develop plans and programs for land use in urban areas, focusing on the efficient and sustainable development of communities. Their work encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at improving the quality of life for residents while balancing economic, environmental, and social factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their roles and responsibilities:
1. Research and Analysis
Urban planners begin by conducting extensive research to understand the needs of a community. This includes analyzing demographic data, land use patterns, transportation systems, environmental impacts, and economic trends. They often utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualize data spatially, which aids in decision-making.
2. Community Engagement
Engaging with community members is crucial for urban planners. They hold public meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather input from residents about their needs and preferences. This participatory approach ensures that planning decisions reflect the values and desires of the community.
3. Developing Plans
Based on their research and community input, urban planners create comprehensive plans that outline how land should be used over time. These plans may include zoning regulations, transportation networks, public spaces, housing developments, and infrastructure improvements. Planners must consider various factors such as sustainability, economic viability, social equity, and compliance with local laws.
4. Policy Development
Urban planners often work with government officials to develop policies that guide land use and development practices. This can involve drafting legislation or regulations that promote smart growth principles—encouraging compact development that minimizes sprawl while enhancing public transit options.
5. Project Management
Once plans are approved, urban planners may oversee specific projects to ensure they align with the established vision. This involves coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
6. Advocacy and Education
Urban planners advocate for policies that support sustainable development practices at local government levels or through professional organizations. They also educate the public about planning issues such as zoning changes or new developments to foster understanding and support.
7. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Urban planning is inherently interdisciplinary; planners collaborate with professionals from various fields including architecture, civil engineering, environmental science, economics, sociology, and public policy to create holistic solutions for urban challenges.
Involvement in Politics
A career in urban planning can indeed lead to opportunities in politics or public service:
Policy Influence: Urban planners often contribute to policy discussions at local government levels where they can influence decisions related to urban development.
Elected Positions: Many urban planners transition into elected positions or advisory roles within city councils or planning commissions due to their expertise in land use issues.
Advocacy Roles: Planners may also work for non-profit organizations focused on urban issues where they engage in advocacy efforts that intersect with political processes.
Overall, a background in urban planning provides valuable insights into how cities function which can be beneficial for a career in politics focused on community development or environmental sustainability.
The probability that this answer is correct is 95%.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Planning Association (APA) - The APA provides resources on best practices in urban planning including guidelines on community engagement and sustainable development strategies.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - HUD offers information regarding federal policies affecting urban development as well as resources for local governments on effective planning practices.
National League of Cities (NLC) - The NLC focuses on municipal governance issues including land use planning which helps inform city leaders about effective strategies for managing growth and development challenges.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
2047
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, John !
Dealing with the environment - land usage, transportation and other areas, urban planners create and develop plans for growth of towns and cities. It's basically a lot of researching, analyzing and recommending if plans can be executed or not. They have full knowledge of zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations. They give presentations to government agencies and the public or whomever they need to, including stakeholders.
In order to become an urban planner in your state of New Jersey, you would obtain a Masters Degree in Urban Planning. You would then go for your License from the State Board of Professional Planners. You pass the Licensing exam and renew your License every two years. In addition, it is recommended by the American Planning Association's New Jersey Chapter. to go for your exam for the Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners. The next step is to get experience doing urban planning work. Some employers might want you to have additional certifications, too.
You can go into politics with a background in Urban Planning and you can do politics before you become an urban planner. Adding political work will get you to know the local politicians and they can get to know you which would be helpful in urban planning. Although you wouldn't be working on laws or social issues, becoming familiar with the local government would benefit you. Urban Planners are not political scientists, so if you'd want a career in politics, you could prepare for it with a Bachelors or Masters degree in Political Science or go to Law School to become an attorney. There are some offices people can run for that do not require a law or poly sci background, though, so you'd have to know exactly what you'd want to do.
It may help you to find out what Urban Planners do by watching some presentational videos about this career. I have left some videos for you below that may be helpful.
So if you like being a college student, reading, researching, analyzing data, writing reports, and public speaking it just may be that a career in Urban Planning could be for you.
I hope this is helpful for a start and I wish you all the best !
TO LEARN WHAT URBAN PLANNING IS https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+work+of+Urban+Planners+explained
Dealing with the environment - land usage, transportation and other areas, urban planners create and develop plans for growth of towns and cities. It's basically a lot of researching, analyzing and recommending if plans can be executed or not. They have full knowledge of zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations. They give presentations to government agencies and the public or whomever they need to, including stakeholders.
In order to become an urban planner in your state of New Jersey, you would obtain a Masters Degree in Urban Planning. You would then go for your License from the State Board of Professional Planners. You pass the Licensing exam and renew your License every two years. In addition, it is recommended by the American Planning Association's New Jersey Chapter. to go for your exam for the Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners. The next step is to get experience doing urban planning work. Some employers might want you to have additional certifications, too.
You can go into politics with a background in Urban Planning and you can do politics before you become an urban planner. Adding political work will get you to know the local politicians and they can get to know you which would be helpful in urban planning. Although you wouldn't be working on laws or social issues, becoming familiar with the local government would benefit you. Urban Planners are not political scientists, so if you'd want a career in politics, you could prepare for it with a Bachelors or Masters degree in Political Science or go to Law School to become an attorney. There are some offices people can run for that do not require a law or poly sci background, though, so you'd have to know exactly what you'd want to do.
It may help you to find out what Urban Planners do by watching some presentational videos about this career. I have left some videos for you below that may be helpful.
So if you like being a college student, reading, researching, analyzing data, writing reports, and public speaking it just may be that a career in Urban Planning could be for you.
I hope this is helpful for a start and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Bob Ritter
General Counsel - Telecommunications
1
Answer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Many people with Urban Planning degrees work in zoning and community development. On the local government side, they help to write and enforce zoning codes - deciding what can be built where, minimum standards for what different types of facilities should look like, and setting standards for things like roads, sidewalks, landscaping, distance of buildings from the road, and other visual and practical concerns. This is driven by comprehensive planning - every 10 years or so the government will create a master plan (typically with a lot of community input) to decide what they want their community to be, how it should look, what future needs they expect, and how to make sure they are encouraging and planning for development of all of the community's needs: Housing, stores, businesses, schools, parks, government facilities, etc.
On the private side, urban planning professionals in an engineering or consulting firm (or in house in a big company) help to design projects and interface with local officials. For example, a developer looking to build a big apartment complex will have someone reading the government rules and plans, figuring out how to comply when they can, how to ask for exceptions where they need it, and convince the local government the project should be approved.
Urban planning combines a little bit of law, design, architecture, social policy, and business all in the same job.
On the private side, urban planning professionals in an engineering or consulting firm (or in house in a big company) help to design projects and interface with local officials. For example, a developer looking to build a big apartment complex will have someone reading the government rules and plans, figuring out how to comply when they can, how to ask for exceptions where they need it, and convince the local government the project should be approved.
Urban planning combines a little bit of law, design, architecture, social policy, and business all in the same job.
T T
30
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
T’s Answer
Urban planners are professionals who develop plans and programs for the use of land. They help create communities, accommodate growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. Here are some key responsibilities and tasks that urban planners typically undertake:
1. Land Use Planning:
- Develop plans for land use in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
- Design zoning regulations to control the development and use of land.
2. Community Development:
- Work with communities to develop plans that meet their needs and goals.
- Engage with the public through meetings and consultations to gather input and feedback.
3. Environmental Planning:
- Assess the environmental impact of proposed projects.
- Develop strategies to mitigate negative environmental effects.
4. Transportation Planning:
- Plan and design transportation systems, including roads, public transit, and bike paths.
- Ensure transportation plans are integrated with land use plans.
5. Economic Development:
- Develop strategies to attract and retain businesses.
- Plan for commercial and industrial development to boost the local economy.
6. Urban Design:
- Create aesthetically pleasing and functional urban spaces.
- Work on the design of public spaces, streetscapes, and building layouts.
7. Policy Development:
- Develop policies and regulations to guide future growth and development.
- Ensure that plans comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
8. Data Analysis:
- Collect and analyze data on population growth, economic trends, and environmental conditions.
- Use data to inform planning decisions and predict future trends.
9. Project Management:
- Oversee the implementation of plans and projects.
- Coordinate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, developers, and the public.
10. Sustainability Planning:
- Promote sustainable development practices.
- Develop plans that balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.
Urban planners play a crucial role in shaping the development and growth of communities, ensuring that they are sustainable, functional, and livable for current and future residents.
1. Land Use Planning:
- Develop plans for land use in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
- Design zoning regulations to control the development and use of land.
2. Community Development:
- Work with communities to develop plans that meet their needs and goals.
- Engage with the public through meetings and consultations to gather input and feedback.
3. Environmental Planning:
- Assess the environmental impact of proposed projects.
- Develop strategies to mitigate negative environmental effects.
4. Transportation Planning:
- Plan and design transportation systems, including roads, public transit, and bike paths.
- Ensure transportation plans are integrated with land use plans.
5. Economic Development:
- Develop strategies to attract and retain businesses.
- Plan for commercial and industrial development to boost the local economy.
6. Urban Design:
- Create aesthetically pleasing and functional urban spaces.
- Work on the design of public spaces, streetscapes, and building layouts.
7. Policy Development:
- Develop policies and regulations to guide future growth and development.
- Ensure that plans comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
8. Data Analysis:
- Collect and analyze data on population growth, economic trends, and environmental conditions.
- Use data to inform planning decisions and predict future trends.
9. Project Management:
- Oversee the implementation of plans and projects.
- Coordinate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, developers, and the public.
10. Sustainability Planning:
- Promote sustainable development practices.
- Develop plans that balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.
Urban planners play a crucial role in shaping the development and growth of communities, ensuring that they are sustainable, functional, and livable for current and future residents.
Andre M
Restaurant Consultant
16
Answers
Dayton, Ohio
Updated
Andre’s Answer
Urban planners help design and organize cities and towns. They decide where buildings, parks, roads, and schools should go to make communities work better and grow in smart ways.
They also think about how to solve problems like traffic, pollution, and housing shortages while making areas safer and more enjoyable for people.
As for politics, urban planning is a great way to get involved! Urban planners often work with government leaders to make decisions, so this career can be a strong path to entering politics or influencing policies.
They also think about how to solve problems like traffic, pollution, and housing shortages while making areas safer and more enjoyable for people.
As for politics, urban planning is a great way to get involved! Urban planners often work with government leaders to make decisions, so this career can be a strong path to entering politics or influencing policies.
Jami Ibrahim
Career Consultant, Urban Planning, GIS, Resume Writing
27
Answers
Kaduna, Nigeria
Updated
Jami’s Answer
Hello John,
Urban planners play a crucial role in developing and managing land use in urban areas. My work as an Urban Planner typically involves a combination of research, analysis, and community engagement to create plans and policies that guide the growth and development of cities, towns, and regions. Some of the other responsibilities you can expect to undertake include: land use planning, transportation planning, environmental sustainability, policy development, as well as collaboration and advocacy.
You’d be thrilled to know that there are pathways to politics from urban planning. As a Planner, you could:
1. Community Engagement: Urban planners often engage with community members and stakeholders, building relationships and understanding local issues, which can be advantageous in a political career.
2. Policy Knowledge: The experience gained in policy development and implementation equips urban planners with insights into how government processes work, making them suitable candidates for political roles.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: Urban planners develop strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, essential qualities for politicians who need to address complex issues.
4. Public Interest Focus: A commitment to improving community quality of life aligns well with many political agendas, making urban planners appealing candidates for public office.
5. Networking Opportunities: Urban planning positions often involve collaboration with local government officials, giving planners a chance to build networks that can be useful in a political career.
If you’re considering urban planning as a career, it typically requires a degree in urban planning or geography, along with practical experience. For me, I had my Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and then pursued a Master’s in Geographic Information Systems. You may also want to look into obtaining professional certification or licensure, depending on your location. Be sure to apply to professional associations as well to gain membership.
Engaging in local community boards, advocacy groups, or planning commissions can also facilitate a transition into politics. Overall, urban planning is a fulfilling field that not only allows you to impact urban environments but also provides a meaningful foundation for a future in public service and politics.
Good luck!
Urban planners play a crucial role in developing and managing land use in urban areas. My work as an Urban Planner typically involves a combination of research, analysis, and community engagement to create plans and policies that guide the growth and development of cities, towns, and regions. Some of the other responsibilities you can expect to undertake include: land use planning, transportation planning, environmental sustainability, policy development, as well as collaboration and advocacy.
You’d be thrilled to know that there are pathways to politics from urban planning. As a Planner, you could:
1. Community Engagement: Urban planners often engage with community members and stakeholders, building relationships and understanding local issues, which can be advantageous in a political career.
2. Policy Knowledge: The experience gained in policy development and implementation equips urban planners with insights into how government processes work, making them suitable candidates for political roles.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: Urban planners develop strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, essential qualities for politicians who need to address complex issues.
4. Public Interest Focus: A commitment to improving community quality of life aligns well with many political agendas, making urban planners appealing candidates for public office.
5. Networking Opportunities: Urban planning positions often involve collaboration with local government officials, giving planners a chance to build networks that can be useful in a political career.
If you’re considering urban planning as a career, it typically requires a degree in urban planning or geography, along with practical experience. For me, I had my Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and then pursued a Master’s in Geographic Information Systems. You may also want to look into obtaining professional certification or licensure, depending on your location. Be sure to apply to professional associations as well to gain membership.
Engaging in local community boards, advocacy groups, or planning commissions can also facilitate a transition into politics. Overall, urban planning is a fulfilling field that not only allows you to impact urban environments but also provides a meaningful foundation for a future in public service and politics.
Good luck!