Urban and Regional Planners

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

Median Annual Wage: $66,940

Education: Master's degree (81%); Bachelor's degree (8%); Professional degree (6%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Planner; Community Development Planner; Planning Director; Neighborhood Planner; City Planner; Community Development Director; Regional Planner; Housing Development Specialist; Housing Grant Analyst; Urban Design Consultant

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Urban and Regional Planners.

More Life, Physical, and Social Science Careers

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

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Urban and Regional Planners.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Urban and Regional Planners.

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