Team Members: Paul Asante Omayma Halabi - Ahma Urban Planners

Who are Urban Planners? Urban Planners also known as city planners are professionals that seek to examine, analyze and plan for the optimized use of land and infrastructure to suit society’s needs.

What do Urban Planners do? “Planners promote the best use of a community's land and resources for residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational purposes. They address environmental, economic, and social health issues of a community as it grows and changes.”

Some problems Urban Planners solve: Pollution Traffic Increase in population in a given area Disputes between individuals in a community (i.e. act as mediators) Urban Planners also aim to preserve the natural environment as much as is possible while meeting the needs of a community.

The Urban Planner’s Job Process Examine and analyze the current location, land, industrial, economic and social infrastructure, population and population growth rate, employment rate, habits and needs of the community etc and present a report detailing findings. After presenting the report urban planners then examine the proposed facility(-ies) and ensure it meets the needs of the community taking into account its changing tastes and preferences.

Who do Urban Planners work with? Developers Civic leaders Public officials Individuals living or directly linked to the community being scrutinized

Role of Urban Planners in Development Process Urban Planners are needed in the feasibility stage as well as the construction stage. This is to ensure that their plans are followed.

Training of Urban Planners Bachelor’s degree: a) environmental design b) geography c) economics etc Master’s degree: a) urban design c) urban planning

Some important skills to possess: Diplomatic and social skills to deal with individuals should disputes arise Research and analytical skills Be computer-literate especially with the use of spreadsheets and computerized geographical information systems