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Urban planners are community experts who use local knowledge, advanced technology, and large amounts of data to craft plans, budgets, and programs that benefit their regions and cities. We all rely on them to establish the systems we depend on, from emergency response infrastructure to sustainable development. They constantly keep a finger on the pulse of their communities and help make them a better place to live.
If this sounds appealing, then the following guide is for you. Learn about urban planning as a potential career path and the necessary steps required to pursue it.
What Are Urban Planners? What Do They Do?
These professionals are employed by government agencies and consulting firms to forecast how a city will develop—and how to gather the right resources to support that future. This includes addressing a host of social and environmental issues like climate change, housing inequality, public transportation, and infrastructure. By working with city employees, engineers, developers, and environmental scientists, urban planners strategize about the best ways to serve their community’s residents based on the issues most relevant to them.
An urban planner is someone who enjoys engaging with citizens, learning about their needs and priorities, and crafting customized plans to make communities better and more efficient.
In addition to managing large amounts of socioeconomic data, urban planners host and attend community meetings to gather information directly from the source: the people. Local governments regularly hold hearings and town halls to propose changes to traffic patterns, new bus and train routes, taxes and bylaws, and much more—these are not only an opportunity for urban planners to explain the reasoning behind their plans and budgets, but also to learn from residents about what changes they’d like to see in their communities.
For these reasons, the best urban planners are both data-oriented and community-minded, existing at the intersection of social advocacy and strategic planning.
Trends in Urban Planning
Like most industries, urban planning is changing in the digital age. Even a century ago, municipal planning oftentimes involved developing a community from scratch, deciding where to build roads and homes after physically exploring undeveloped areas and examining their access to necessary resources. Now, urban planners are employed in both rural and highly developed areas, making nuanced tweaks to resource management and infrastructure using advanced software and data. Urban planners are even utilizing AI to predict trends, analyze metrics, and identify data anomalies to better address the concerns of the community.
The leaders and citizens of cities are also now more aware of long-term social and environmental challenges. Urban planning must account for sustainability and the known benefits of green spaces for human well-being. To enhance residents’ access to food and entertainment, especially for lower-income individuals, mixed-use spaces are becoming more popular. In fact, addressing the housing crisis is currently a key aspect of urban planning.
As cities become more accommodating to those with disabilities, along with the rising use of micromobility, autonomous, electric vehicles, and other technological changes, the urban planning profession must evolve as well. It is an exciting time to play a hands-on role in the sustainable and efficient development of our communities.
Becoming an Urban Planner
You can become an urban planner in a variety of ways, but these steps are highly recommended to secure a job.
Step 1: Pursue a relevant education
Urban planning is a discipline that prioritizes accredited education, specifically from universities that belong to the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). The PAB mostly endorses master’s programs, which can be applied to after receiving a related undergraduate degree (geography, urban studies, architecture, business, etc.). Attending a PAB-accredited university isn’t required to become an urban planner, though it will likely cut down on the time necessary to obtain your American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
Even more important than attaining credentials is the local specialization and networking you will have access to by attending school in the same city where you intend to work. Universities often partner with local governments on large projects, so by attending a nearby school, you may learn about the inner workings of local agencies and their programs—a key element of the urban planning experience.
Step 2: Gather some preliminary experience in the field
Most government agencies and consulting firms will look for internships or part-time job experience when you apply for an urban planner position. Look for roles where you can expand your relationship with the community through social advocacy or even volunteering, particularly near your intended work environment. You could also pursue financial or strategic planning internships since those are both relevant skills for urban planning.
Step 3: Apply for AICP certification
Obtaining a certification is a popular but not altogether necessary component of an urban planning career path. The certification requires a relevant education (either a bachelor’s or master’s degree), some experience, and a passing grade on an AICP exam.
Job Outlook for Urban Planners
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the urban planning industry is projected to grow about 4 percent between 2023 and 2033 (note: this is the average rate for all occupations). As more people move to cities, the demand for more advanced residential and commercial amenities will put a strain on the environmental and structural systems of urban centers. Planners will have their work cut out for them. This means more jobs and more nuanced and challenging tasks for the industry.
How Much Do Urban Planners Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the median annual pay for urban and regional planners is $81,800. As with many industries, this figure can vary greatly depending on experience. Many entry-level jobs require a master’s degree, which leads to higher compensation, and years of service in local government can further add to compensation levels.
Location is also a significant contributor. Larger cities with bigger budgets, more infrastructure, and higher costs of living will pay urban planners more than rural communities with fewer resources. For example, an urban planner in San Francisco can make over $100,000 annually, whereas a planner in Albuquerque, NM averages about $62,500.