Essential Urban Planner Skills

Answer 1

Students who are studying to work as urban planners learn about the principles of community planning and development. They learn how to engage in research to best understand what the public needs and how those needs can be met. When cities are rethinking their development plans, they work closely with professionals in this field who understand how communities develop and can offer comprehensive advice and solutions. Urban planners have to balance the needs of the public with the demands of government and business. Successful urban planners possess a skill set that allows them to work effectively with communities at all levels.

Planners & Public Good

Almost all urban planners spend some time working on residential developments. Even planners who work strictly on commercial issues need to know what the individuals who live in and near the towns and cities they work for need and are willing to support. Great urban planners reach out to communities and take their feedback into consideration. After all, many city planning initiatives are supported by tax payer dollars. It should be a priority for city officials and planners to speak to the needs of citizens. Professionals in this field can develop plans which make accessing businesses, community areas, and essential services simple. They can help create communities which foster resident satisfaction.

Planners & The Business Community

City planners need to have strong diplomacy skills in order to work with the public. They have to extend these diplomacy skills to their interactions with members of the business community as well. Businesses also pay taxes and wish for their money to support plans which will be beneficial to their development. Urban planners have to work carefully with businesses and residents to assure that both parties are happy with city plans and development projects. Most cities rely on both businesses and residents in order to maintain revenues and offer essential services. If one of these parties is unhappy, a city can struggle fiscally and can fail to attract new residents and businesses. A planner is one of the key contacts between a city planning department and these essential groups. They use their understanding of urban development, along with excellent negotiation skills, to please both the general public and the business community.