How do urban planners spend their days?
The day to day activities of a planner take them from their offices to the “field” and to meetings of many types. At the office, the planner reviews maps and drawings, makes calculations using tools like spreadsheets, writes memoranda and reports, and responds to inquiries for citizens, developers, and public officials. Planners also spend time in the field, taking surveys, talking with citizens, and observing physical situations. Planners also spend their time preparing for meetings and presentations. Planners meet with planning commissioners (citizens who are appointed to the planning board in the community. Planners also meet with neighborhood groups. During major planning projects, such as revising a comprehensive plan, the planner will coordinate public meetings.
