What does a City Planner do?

City Planners help make cities as livable as possible. They make decisions about everything from the height of skyscrapers to the location and appearance of street signs. The work of City Planners preserves historic landmarks while directing new development that enables cities to grow and modernize. By taking environmental issues into consideration, they allow cities to cope with the effects of climate change and implement sustainable projects to protect ecosystems.

Their work can also improve the quality of life for residents through the introduction of affordable housing, the creation of parks and green spaces, improvements that attract new job-creating businesses and other initiatives. In addition, City Planners manage the costs associated with development, enabling cities to control their budgets.

City Planner skills and qualifications

Success as a City Planner requires a strong set of skills. Listing the following qualifications in your City Planner job description can help you identify and attract quality candidates:

• Analytical skills to interpret the results of market research, census, traffic flow, environmental and other studies
• Verbal communication skills to give presentations, lead meetings and collaborate with other city employees
• Understanding of zoning laws, land use regulations and building codes
• Written communication skills to write clear, concise project summaries and reports
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills to create projects that align with goals and initiatives and make sound recommendations regarding developer plan approval
• Time management skills to complete assigned tasks in accordance with strict deadlines
• Interpersonal skills to ensure positive interactions with the public
• Leadership skills to guide the activities of field researchers, analysts and other city employees who take direction from the City Planner
• Ability to use GIS, simulation, computer-aided design, graphic design, presentation, project management, spreadsheet, word processing, email and other software programs

City Planner experience requirements

City Planners often benefit from having at least one year of experience, working in a city planning office or in a related field, such as architecture, civil engineering, zoning, public policy or economic development. This experience could be a paid position or an internship. Typically, entry-level City Planners work under the direction of a more experienced Senior City Planner. If you need to fill a senior role, you may wish to specify a few years of previous work experience as a City Planner or a similar role in a local government office as a requirement in your City Planner job description.

City Planner education and training requirements

Generally, a master’s degree in urban planning is the minimum education required for City Planners. Admission into a master’s degree program usually requires a bachelor’s degree and previous coursework in architecture, urban planning, economic development and other subjects.

Some states may require City Planners to gain a license before working in the field. Requirements for licensing vary but often include passing one or more exams.

In your City Planner job description, you may want to list the American Institute of City Planning (AICP) certification as a required or preferred qualification. The AICP grants this voluntary certification to City Planners who meet a combination of education and experience requirements and pass a written examination.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this City Planner job description doesn’t fully reflect the details of your open positions, consider these related job titles:

• Architect
• Civil Engineer

City Planner job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a City Planner and a Regional Planner?

The duties of a Regional Planner are very similar to what City Planners do. Regional Planners guide the development of rural areas, counties and large economic development rather than cities.

What’s the difference between a City Planner and a Civil Engineer?

The difference between City Planners and Civil Engineers lies in the focus of the two jobs. City Planners create high-level plans to determine how cities grow and develop. Civil Engineers design specific projects, such as roads, bridges, tunnels and water systems.

What’s the difference between a City Planner and a City Planning Analyst?

City Planning Analysts and City Planners often work together in city planning offices but in different roles. City Planning Analysts conduct studies and compile reports that City Planners use when developing plans. In many cases, they report to City Planners.