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."
[Editor's note: Registration required for "free trial subscription."]
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.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont