Young people in New Zealand aren't taking up careers in planning, which is causing problems for many cities, and has developers upset about slow processing times.
"Lincoln University specialists say a chronic shortage of urban and environmental planners is becoming a real challenge, with bright students turned off by frequent criticism and debate within the property and land development sectors.
Christchurch developers have sounded their dissatisfaction with consent processes again this week, describing council planning procedures as slow, inefficient and overly expensive.
Dr Hamish Rennie, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management, says it's hardly surprising that some young people are put off a career in planning."
"He says part of the problem for the planning profession is in its name – which is general enough to cover a broad range of roles but does little to encourage young people to pursue a planning career."
"Dr Ali Memon, Professor of Planning and Environmental Management, says New Zealand planners are well regarded overseas and many planners with a few years experience are head hunted by agencies in the UK and Australia. The best students in the Bachelor of Environmental Management (BEM) programme are usually snapped up by employers mid-way through their final semester. Most take positions in local and regional authorities on a starting salary of more than $40,000, and advance steadily up the pay scale. Planning graduates with a Masters in Environmental Policy degree, which gives automatic accreditation with the New Zealand Planning Institute, are also in big demand."
FULL STORY: Environmental Planning Graduates in Big Demand

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies
Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms
The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.
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
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service