4 answers
John
Student
Roxbury Township, New Jersey
10
Questions
Asked
251 views
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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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1998
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
27
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 Midgette
Restaurant Consultant
9
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.