An examination of the disconnect between planning education and practice Presented by Jennifer Brown CPA Conference 2010 April 13, 2010

Who am I? Born and raised in Calgary Attended the University of Calgary Transferred to the University of Saskatchewan B.A. in Planning (RUD now RUP) Graduated in May 2005 Summers spent with City of Calgary Water Services Strathcona County-Planning and Development Intern Kneehill County-Planner/Development Officer Town of Strathmore-Various Positions

What Did My Education Teach Me? Interdisciplinary nature of planning Importance and variety of effective public consultation Importance of place and space Recognizing the environment and community which you are working within Legislation and how it guides the process Legal and ethical responsibilities of planners

My First Two Hours of Work (Dum Dum Dum)

What Did My First Two Hours of Work Teach Me? Helicopter Theory Discomfort with regulation as a whole Regulation can always be identified Planners are educators Smaller municipality, higher altitude Keys are on the ring, find the lock that fits

Where Were the Gaps? Planning is a series of constant adjustments Assumption that planning is generally understood, experiences where similar Availability of resources Creation of peer groups Rural and Small Urban municipalities are a gold mine of experience

What Would I Tell New Planners?? Welcome Inter- relationships versus process Creation of community on all levels

THANKS!! Questions?