Urban planning

Urban planning is the political, technical, and design discipline related to the development of urban areas. Urban planners work on the analysis, design, strategy, and implementation of land use, which includes the built environment, socio-economic functions, and transportation. Urban planning is a field and profession that arose after 1900, primarily in industrial nations.

Ensuring that cities remain vibrant, healthy, and quality places requires an inter-disciplinary approach that includes transportation systems, macro and micro economic forces, socio-economic and cultural dynamics, nature and the environment, urban design, architecture, data analysis, and technology.

The main goals of an urban planner include:

• preserve and enhance quality-of-life;
• protect the natural and built environment;
• promote equity and equality;
• improve services to disadvantaged communities, and;
• deal effectively with growth and development of all kinds.