Much of the damage that we do to the environment takes place in the urban setting. Some environmental problems, such as smog, are primarily due to industrialization, increased automobile traffic, and other urban causes. Efficient planning can reduce traffic congestion, contain urban sprawl (which decreases commuter time), and increase the availability and convenience of public transportation. Thus, urban planners can help ease human and environmental stresses by modifying the infrastructure of urban areas. In addition to enhancing the quality of life within an urban area, urban planners have the opportunity to work to solve complex social problems, such as crime, poverty, affordable housing, and urban blight. They can also enhance the aesthetic and environmental quality of communities by preserving parks, natural areas, and open space.
The vast majority or urban planners work for government agencies. The most jobs by far are found in city and municipal planning departments. Fewer jobs are found at regional, state, and federal agencies. Planners help develop master plans, program objectives, and timetables to complete civic projects. Almost all metropolitan areas have a general plan that is designed to protect, preserve, and enhance the quality of the urban area. Furthermore, the general plan serves as a basis for coordinating public and private services, and growth and development within the urban area and adjacent parcels.
In larger cities, planners divide the general plan into specific planning jurisdictions and oversee the implementation of the various elements. These elements may include transportation, recreation, preservation, open space, and community facilities. Planners also develop expertise in economic and conservation issues and work in specialized areas, such as wetland preservation, central business district development, greenbelt, and specific neighborhood plans. Within these planning issues are specific objectives such as maintaining the historical character of a neighborhood, and encouraging or discouraging specific uses.
Regional Planner
Because people have begun to realize the complexity of both urban areas and natural resources, the need for regional planners has increased dramatically. Regional planners address issues that influence more than one jurisdiction or a highly sensitive area. Areas of concern for a regional planner tend to be somewhat broader than those of an urban planner and may focus on economic development, the preservation of natural resources, or reducing conflicts between municipalities. These government agencies focus on issues like traffic congestion and infrastructure that transcend community boundaries. Regional planners can assist in solving problems common to several urban areas, such as controlling pollution, finding more efficient ways to handle household waste, implementing recycling programs, or finding a location for an undesirable land use such as landfill. Regional planning organizations can attempt to protect vital natural resources that cross the boundaries of several cities, counties, or even states. These agencies may protect a specific natural resource like a bay or harbor, or in the case of California, the entire coastline. Often these agencies seek to find a balance between preservationists and economic developers. As you may imagine, regional planners can find themselves caught between two or more groups that have drastically different opinions regarding the best use of a particular natural resource.
Regional planning agencies that address more than one jurisdiction include: The Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities of Minnesota, The Association of Bay Area Governments in California, the Cape Cod Commission, and the San Diego Regional Planning and Growth Control Board. Other regional planning agencies focus on geographic areas considered sensitive to uncontrolled development. Examples of these agencies include: the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the California Coastal Commission, and Bay Vision 2020. While these agencies were created to address regional issues regarding important natural resources, there is an inherent conflict between local and regional government. Local governments are likely to be resistant to giving up control over the management of land within their jurisdiction to a regional planner. The inherent assumption is that the local government is not competent to manage natural resources or development. In addition the regional agency must also work with other local, state, and federal agencies. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency was formed in 1970 and was immediately subject to turbulent controversies generated by the conflicting interests of two states, five local governments, and 22 federal agencies with jurisdiction over the Tahoe Basin, not to mention the thousands of property owners whose ability to develop their properties was placed in doubt.
As with urban planners, regional planners are responsible for establishing land-use plans and implementing programs that ensure that the objectives of the larger program are fulfilled. Regional planning offers a unique opportunity to balance the use and protection of our natural resources.
