What Is a Community Planner and How to Become One
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What Is a Community Planner?
A community planner develops assists in the planning and development of public space. Community planners typically work for the city; they think strategically about the use of local resources and create long-term and short-term plans for the municipality. As a community planner, examples of projects you may oversee include development of new bike paths, housing communities, or public parks. Once plans are approved, you issue permits to developers and construction crews. You also monitor the projects to ensure the city sticks to its official development budget. Other job duties include drafting legislation, planning new construction, conducting field investigations, mapping land areas, and predicting development trends.
How to Become a Community Planner
To become a community planner, earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in geography, civil engineering, urban planning, environmental planning, urban design, or a related field. Choose a program accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). Volunteer or acquire an internship with the local development department in your city or with a community planning firm to learn how to determine the best uses for land and to network with industry professionals. Study building local building codes, zoning codes, and environmental regulations. Understanding these regulations is a vital part of your job. Obtain an entry-level position as an assistant to a community planner to gain hands-on experience. Once you are confident in your development skills, seek community planner positions. Some states require community planners to be licensed, so research the licensing qualifications in your state. Certification is not required, but becoming certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) may make you a more valuable candidate in the job market.
What Is the Job Outlook for Community Planners?
There is a fairly positive job outlook for community planners. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for community planners to grow approximately 6% through 2024. Jobs for community planners with master’s degrees will grow at a much faster rate. As communities continue to develop, there is also a growing demand for community planners in the private sector who help build neighborhood plans, apartment complexes, and mixed-use developments.
