Their work affects the pattern of development, urban design, environmental quality, the creation of jobs, and equality and opportunity. Planners work for cities and other government agencies, consulting firms, non-profit agencies and private firms. Planners develop and implement long range plans and projects and they help solve problems in cities and regions. They usually work in teams with other professionals, community members, and elected officials. In any given day a planner may be writing a report, analyzing information, brainstorming solutions, developing a plan, conducting a workshop with community members or making a presentation to city council.
Planners have good communication and writing skills.
Specialties include land use planning, historic preservation, transportation planning, housing and community development, policy development and management, economic development, environmental planning, urban design, urban development, and international planning. Students may also take a minor in quantitative methods, regenerative studies and many other fields. The Cal Poly Pomona program offers a broad foundation and an opportunity to specialize through core elective courses. The department is recognized as a national leader in planning education. It is the only accredited planning program in Southern California, and one of the largest in the nation.