To envision, coordinate and balance the very delicate and complex relationships of an urban setting and understand and forecast the needs of a community and advise them on the best way to pursue their common goals. If you're working on today's issues, you are not a planner. A planner works on future issues, needs a vivid imagination, a good understanding of people in communities, and the technical understanding of the flow of goods and services in a high density population. Jack Hardisty, Development Services Director for the City of Bakersfield, uses the anthropological approach when planning for growth in the future.
Growth can be cancerous, disastrous, or growth can be healthy.
Proper planning can make the difference in how liveable a community is. A four-year college degree generally suffices for entry into the planing industry, and the ability to work towards problem and conflict resolution is a definite plus. They lend a lot to the quality of life, both visually and psychologically. They have a cooling effect, literally and psychologically. They create peace by allowing people to live more comfortably.