Urban Planner
Quick Facts
Median Salary$79,807
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+2.86%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
An Urban Planner plans and designs projects that maintain or improve the quality of life in urban areas or regions. Addresses specific transportation, economic development, housing and environmental issues. Develops plans that address aesthetic as well as technical concerns. Identifies community goals and anticipates the future impact of development plans.
Core Tasks:
- 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.
- 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.
- Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
- Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.
- Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
- Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.
- Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
- Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
- 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.
- Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on land use projects.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
- Advocate sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups.
- Investigate property availability for purposes of development.
What to expect as an Urban Planner
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
70% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Urban Planner related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
219 openings for Urban Planners
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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