How to Become an Urban Regional Planner

The field of urban and regional planning offers exciting career opportunities. The major role of an urban planner or a regional planner is to plan and implement ways to make the best use of land resources, keeping in mind the growth of the community. The regional planner recommends the best locations where a school, a transportation system or other infrastructure should be developed. Whether it is about affordable housing, construction of a new stadium or a city developer's new project, the planner has a pivotal role to play. These professionals need to do all the planning considering a number of factors that may include economic, political, social, environmental etc.

While coordinating the development of urban areas, regional planners work in close contact with architects, economists, budget analysts and environmentalists etc. Before the planning begins, the regional planners make an analysis of the community needs, population trends and get in touch with development experts as well. Public hearings are also a part of the entire urban planning and development program. Besides recommending appropriate land use, regional planner also work towards preserving the environment and the heritage of a place.

To successful perform their task, city planners need to keep abreast of the government plans, policies and other legal issues that may have their involvement in the process. During the planning and development process, the regional planners keep in touch with and consult with government officials and discuss the development project with developers, community groups and lawyers. These professionals have the responsibility of determining the regulatory limitations and the effects of an urban or regional development project.

The urban or regional planner may work either to develop new communities or to renovate a blighted or run-down area. These regional planning professionals mostly work for on requests from city or state officials. Other planners work with private architectural firms and big construction companies. The planning and development work begins with accumulation of data about factors like economic, social, environmental issues, projected population growth etc. When a new community plans to move into an area, requirement arises for schools, hospitals, gardens, public places, roads etc. The urban planner's responsibility is to come up with a development project which makes the best use of land and does not make an impact on the environment. Public opinion always has a key role to play in all this urban planning and regional development process.

Education Require to Become a Regional Planner or Urban Planner
A master's degree in urban or regional planning is the standard requirement. Many planners possess only a bachelor's degree in planning. Today, there is keen competition and therefore the standard for urban planning jobs has gone up. For a strong foundation, it is always advisable for candidates to go for courses in public administration, landscape architecture, civil engineering, political science, geographic information system, economic, finance etc. Candidates who already have a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture can obtain a master's in one year's duration. A master's degree in a relevant field like urban design or urban photography may also be accepted.

For further career advancement, candidates can also decide to obtain certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners. The certification is granted to professionals on the basis of their educational qualification, working experience and passing an examination.

Job Outlook & Employment Opportunities in Urban Planning
The employment growth rate for urban planning or regional planning jobs is expected to grow faster than the average of all occupations through to the year 2014. Strong job opportunities exist both with government agencies and private architectural firms and organizations. Those aspire to work with the government can apply directly to the city, state or federal government agencies. In fact most of the regional planner and urban planners work with government agencies. In terms of budgetary considerations, there remains a big difference between state/ local governments and the private industry. Job opening for planners is expected to grow faster in the private sector.

Working Environment
As a regional or urban planner, professionals may need to work both indoors and outdoors. These professionals work for the standard 40 hours a week. However, planners with greater responsibilities may be required to put in extra hours, depending on the requirement of the development project. Work environment is good and the job also brings a lot of satisfaction knowing that the planners help others and work towards the overall growth of the community.

Salary of an Urban Planner
The annual salary of an urban planner may vary depending on the work experience they have, location of the work and the nature of the size of the planning and development project. Urban or regional planners earn an annual salary ranging between $54,300 and $85,600. The annual median salary of those with 8 years of experience in the industry is $62,500.