WHAT IS AN URBAN OR REGIONAL PLANNER? Planning the future!

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About Urban and Regional Planners…  They develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas  They are responsible for planning where certain buildings, highways, etc. are located in cities 3 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Why is planning important?  Population—plan so that cities do not become cramped and can expand in the future  Energy—make sure the city will have enough energy NOW and in the FUTURE  Economics—figure out ways that planning can make businesses want to come to the city and spend money  Efficiency—plan so that all land owned by the city can be used effectively and not wasted 4 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

What should I expect to be as a planner?  Be prepared—to appear before a city council and present information about the expansion of the city with facts, charts, and models of what the expansion will look like  Be organized—to successfully organize a city based on many possible future factors such as, population growth, economic growth, demand for certain products  Be creative—to use your imagination when planning—make a city look beautiful for future generations! 5 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

What is best for the people?  What do the people need? Schools, police/fire departments, good roads/highways, safety from harmful industries and pollution  What do the people want? Shopping centers, parks, entertainment areas, outdoor entertainment  How does it help the city? Nice cities have more businesses and investments, larger populations for economic growth, and great futures as expanding cities 6 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Some interesting facts………. Median wages (2014)$32.18 hourly, $66,940 annually  Employment (2012) 39,000 employees  Projected growth ( ) Average (8% to 14%)  Projected job openings ( ) 21,400  Sample of reported job titles:  City Planner  Community Development Director  Community Development Planner  Housing Development Specialist 7 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

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