A town planner is someone who determines what a community and its residents require in order to thrive. He devises and implements strategies that he believes will benefit the greatest number of people for the least amount of money. Some city planners collaborate with other local or regional planners to create plans that may benefit residents in neighboring neighborhoods and districts.
The task of town planning is widely regarded as extremely difficult. Because a town planner is more likely to change or upgrade an existing town than to plan a new one, his first task is usually to determine which features and systems are currently successful. After establishing the positives, he usually moves on to areas where he believes he can improve.
Better land management, improved public transportation, better streets and roads, and slum renovation are all common goals of a town planner. A town planner’s regular goal is to create new recreational parks or improve existing ones. His renovation plans frequently include upgrading outdated public utility systems such as water, electricity, natural gas, and underground telecommunications structures.
A city planner’s reformation strategies are typically introduced presenting broad concepts before moving on to more specific ones. He could put his plans in motion holding a town meeting to hear citizens’ opinions and suggestions on a variety of topics. He can contribute his own ideas or simply listen and take notes on what others have to say.
Before drafting any official proposals for public review, a town planner usually conducts extensive research into the town’s history and demographics. His investigations usually reveal the city’s past successes and setbacks in project management and land development. Demographic data provides him with a wealth of information that he can use to plan for his town’s current and future needs.
The town planner usually presents his proposals to local government entities, such as planning commissions or urban growth boards, once his information is complete and organized. This can be done in a private or public setting. Citizens in some areas hold town meetings to review the plans and provide immediate feedback to the commission and planner.
The educational requirements for the position of town planner differ depending on where you live. A bachelor’s degree in regional planning or urban development is required in a large number of towns. Some municipalities demand a master’s degree in a field related to urban planning. When applying for this position, having a background in city, town, or community planning is advantageous.