They study population, employment, and economic trends. They get input from committees make up of citizens. Then they design the layout and report the costs of recommended changes. They may try to help solve community disputes by suggesting choices for development that are acceptable to opposing parties. Urban and regional planners may suggest improvements to health care facilities and schools to ensure that they meet community needs.
Planners often use computers.
They use computers to record information and to make their reports. Computer databases and spreadsheets are widely used to figure out program costs. They are also used to predict future trends. Planners focus on costs and trends in housing, population, transportation, and employment. Computerized systems let planners map land areas and make overlay maps.