One out of three planners work in the private sector. They are generally employed by developers, and work with architects, landscape architects and others to design residential, business and industrial projects that meet the needs of the population and business community and the requirements of local governments. Some planners also work as private consultants, either as part of a larger firm, or on their own. The other two thirds of the nation's professional planners work in the public sector, where they help local officials make decisions relating to social, economic and environmental concerns. They often confer with land developers, civic leaders and other public planning officials, and are called upon to present theirideas to city councils, at civic meetings, or before legislative commissions.
Planners work on a wide variety of projects.