Becoming a Citizen Planner

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” –Martin Luther King

Who does Planning?

Professional planners. To achieve this status, one must study planning principles and history and become familiar with federal, state and local laws and regulations. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission staff is composed of such individuals. Planning professionals may be affiliated with planning organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Planners. There are college courses and degrees in land use planning.

Community leaders are not required to have a planning degree. Many, however, take classes, attend conferences and study other regions to learn about issues so they can make the best decisions for their communities. Many such leaders across the state of Pennsylvania rely on the advice of a knowledgeable and motivated citizenry.

Citizen Planners are individuals interested in playing a more informed and active role in shaping the future of their communities and in building the knowledge base of their neighborhood organizations. The Citizens Planning Institute is designed to help aspiring Citizen Planners:

• Identify community assets, assess needs, and shape positive neighborhood change.
• Understand how zoning code reform will improve the process and quality of development projects.
• Identify tools to protect a community’s unique assets and promote good development.
• Understand how planning will improve the likelihood that quality of life neighborhood improvements will get implemented.

Find out more about upcoming courses that will help you earn a “Citizen Planner” Certificate of Completion.