This general interest article is a primer on the urban planning profession, including expected qualifications and likely job responsibilities.
The recent destruction of much of New Orleans, as well as several other smaller cities and rural communities in the Gulf region, demonstrates the need for better layout and construction of urban areas. And, there is an occupational group whose mission is to do just that through design, planning, preservation and redevelopment. They're called city, urban or regional planners.
...According to the Department of Labor, the average planner earns over $50,000 annually. Those working in the larger cities or for the federal government agencies - or that have a lot of experience in certain specialties - can make considerably more. Some experienced planning professionals become consultants, often earning often more than $100,000."
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FULL STORY: Destruction of New Orleans underscores value of city planners

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie