Federal agencies do not become involved in the local planning process, they focus on larger issues, such as transportation, housing, and environmental protection. While the federal government does not work directly with communities on specific planning issues, it does provide major funding for development, redevelopment, transportation, subsidized housing, and many other programs.
Community development programs have never gotten over the stigma attached to the Urban Renewal Programs established under the Housing Act of 1949 and eventually dropped in 1973. Under the Urban Renewal Program, "undesirable uses" such as low-income housing and small businesses were razed for new developments. As a result of urban renewal, 600,000 dwelling units were demolished; this displaced approximately two million people, most of whom were poor. A total of 250,000 new dwelling units were built, and most were occupied by middle-income and high-income households. Because of the problems with the original urban renewal plan, future federal programs are likely to be more focused on what is referred to as categorical grants: money designated for housing, economic development, transportation, etc.
Employment opportunities exist in many federal agencies and planning consulting firms hired by the federal government. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) hires a number of planners. Those interested in air quality and transportation issues can find employment with the Department of Transportation. The government is presently changing its focus on transportation needs from automobile to long-and short-distance rail systems. This project requires input from transportation planners and will also benefit the environment because less carbon monoxide will be released into the environment. With the planned closing of military bases throughout the nation, the Department of Defense will need planners who can implement programs to convert the former military bases to civilian uses.
Educational Requirements
The basic requirement for a career in planning is an undergraduate Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in planning. In addition to a planning degree, study in real estate, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, public policy, or political science can help focus students. While a master's degree in planning is not required, it is becoming essential. According to the American Planning Association (APA), 55 undergraduate and 87 graduate programs offered an APA certified degree in planning in 1993.
Students are encouraged to work with planning professionals while still in college to gain practical work experience. Check with the city, regional, and state planning agencies. Because these agencies have only a limited capacity to accommodate students, experience can also be gained in college departments involved in the school planning process, or with real estate consulting firms, large developers, and nonprofit organizations working with government planning agencies.
Professional Certification
The American Planning Association offers members the opportunity to become members of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). To qualify, members must have a combination of education and professional experience, and pass a written examination. The level of experience required for consideration ranges from eight years for those without a college degree to two years for those with a graduate degree in planning from an APA accredited university. Contact the APA for further information.
Setting
Most planners work for government agencies. Federal planners work primarily in Washington, D.C., but some work in locations outside of the capital. State planning professionals work at the State capitals or in field offices located throughout the state, while regional and city planners work locally. Government offices are usually comfortable, well-lit facilities, located in a city downtown location.
Planners work 40 hours per week with a regular work schedule. Some government agencies may offer a more flexible work schedule, such as four, ten-hour days rather than the traditional five-day workweek. Occasionally planners are required to work nights and weekends, particularly when they are required to meet with concerned citizens or elected officials. Because most planning jobs are with city and county agencies, planning departments are usually small.
Planners work in a politically charged environment. They are often asked to solve a planning issue that involves competing political parties, various government agencies, and concerned business and citizen organizations on a range of social, economic, environmental, or preservation issues. In general, planners seek to find one solution to cover multiple problems and competing interests. Given these circumstances, political conflicts are bound to arise. Planners need to mitigate between opposing groups and are often required to find solutions that are both practically and politically feasible. Those who enjoy the challenge of working with a variety of interest groups in a political atmosphere should pursue a planning career.
