What do Urban and Regional Planners do?

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

  • 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.
  • Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
  • Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
  • Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
  • Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
  • Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables such as population density.
  • Assess the feasibility of proposals and identify necessary changes.
  • Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
  • Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.
  • Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on projects.
  • Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.
  • Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
  • Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.
  • Supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists.
  • Investigate property availability.
  • Advocate for sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups.
  • Develop plans for public or alternative transportation systems for urban or regional locations to reduce carbon output associated with transportation.
  • Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.
  • Identify opportunities or develop plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or restore natural systems.

Related Jobs (Urban and Regional Planners)

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Necessary Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Systems Analysis
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Active Learning
  • Systems Evaluation
  • Writing

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