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How an urban / regional planner can use AI, task by task

O*NET 19-3051.00: Urban and Regional PlannersMedian pay $89,320/year (BLS, May 2025)25 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: City Planner, Community Development Planner, Community Planner, Development Technician, Housing Development Specialist, Neighborhood Planner, Planner, Planning Consultant, Planning Technician, Regional Planner.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 13%AI-assist 77%Stays human 10%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 4 AI-ready, 19 AI-assist and 2 human-led tasks out of 25. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.Create & design · Weekly
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.Explain it clearly · Weekly
Assess the feasibility of land use proposals and identify necessary changes.Review & check · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists.Lead people · Weekly
Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.Be there for people · Monthly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 4

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.

Monthly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Field: [my area]
What I need: [new methods, recent findings, specific question]

Act as my tutor: explain the main recent developments, key papers to look up, and quiz me with 5 questions one at a time. I'll verify every paper exists.

10-minute exercise: Literature catch-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you keep informed about economic or legal issues.

Step 2Fill in [Field] and [What I need] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Look up two of the papers it names and read the abstracts. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge..

Investigate property availability for purposes of development.

Monthly

AI maps out the topic and options; confirm with real sources.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a fast research assistant. Ask it to map out a topic, compare options or list what to check. Use a tool with web search and ask for its sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to investigate property availability for purposes of development.

Context: We use Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE and Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Property: [address or parcel, type, purpose of research]
What I need: [ownership, zoning, liens, history, availability]

List the records and sources to check for each item, the order to check them, and what to look out for. Give me a summary template for my findings.

10-minute exercise: Property research checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you investigate property availability.

Step 2Fill in [Property] and [What I need] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pull at least two records it lists and fill in the summary template.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Obtain property information..

Prepare reports, using statistics, charts, and graphs, to illustrate planning studies in areas such as population, land use, or zoning.

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to prepare reports, using statistics, charts, and graphs, to illustrate planning studies in areas such as population, land use, or zoning.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical presentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare reports.

Step 2Fill in [Topic], [Audience] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

O*NET work activity: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations..

Prepare, maintain and update files and records, including land use data and statistics.

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to prepare, maintain and update files and records, including land use data and statistics.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Experiment: [describe]
Data: [paste]

Draft a structured record entry. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Lab or research record

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare, maintain and update files and records.

Step 2Fill in [Experiment] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

O*NET work activity: Record research or operational data..

AI can help you prep these 19

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.

Weekly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
System: [transport, treatment plant]
Requirements: [capacity, site]

Generate design options. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Civil system design concepts

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use (this week).

Step 2Fill in [System] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design civil structures or systems.. Also involves: Inform the public about policies, services or procedures..

Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 32% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Issue: [market, operations, policy]
Audience: [groups, dealers]

Write advice with reasons. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Business advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise planning officials (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on business or operational matters..

Assess the feasibility of land use proposals and identify necessary changes.

Weekly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to assess the feasibility of land use proposals and identify necessary changes.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Proposal: [paste or describe]
Criteria: [technical, ecological, legal]

Assess against criteria and draft recommendations. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Conservation proposal review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assess the feasibility of land use proposals (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Proposal] and [Criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation..

Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Issue: [hazard, wildlife, conservation]
Audience: [public, property owners]

Draft clear public information and FAQs. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Public environmental information

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you hold public meetings.

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate with the public on environmental issues..

Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on land use projects.

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to determine the effects of regulatory limitations on land use projects.

Context: We use Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE and Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Change: [proposed or new law, policy]
Our operations: [what we do]

Summarize what changes, who's affected, costs and risks, and options for responding. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Legal change impact brief

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine the effects of regulatory limitations (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Change] and [Our operations] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Share a one-page brief with your team. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze impact of legal or regulatory changes..

Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.

Context: We use ESRI ArcGIS software and Geographic information system GIS systems; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical presentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports.

Step 2Fill in [Topic], [Audience] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations..

Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 56% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Issue: [market, operations, policy]
Audience: [groups, dealers]

Write advice with reasons. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Business advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you recommend approval, denial and conditional approval of proposals.

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on business or operational matters..

Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.

Agency: [regulator, government]
Purpose: [update, compliance, request]

Draft a clear, formal message. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Agency communication

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects.

Step 2Fill in [Agency] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate with government agencies..

Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Proposal: [paste or describe]
Criteria: [technical, ecological, legal]

Assess against criteria and draft recommendations. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Conservation proposal review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you evaluate proposals.

Step 2Fill in [Proposal] and [Criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation..

Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.

Context: We use Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE and Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Initiative: [green space, restoration, conservation project]
What to measure: [biodiversity, water, carbon, use]

Suggest indicators, measurement methods, baseline data to find, and studies of similar initiatives. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Conservation impact research

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct field investigations, surveys and impact studies.

Step 2Fill in [Initiative] and [What to measure] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Find one of the comparable studies it mentions and check its results. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives..

Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Document: [permit, plan, grant application]
Criteria: [rules, priorities]

Review against criteria and draft comments. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Permit or plan review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review and evaluate environmental impact reports.

Step 2Fill in [Document] and [Criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review environmental permits, plans, or reports..

Identify opportunities or develop plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or restore natural systems.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 48% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to identify opportunities or develop plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or restore natural systems.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and SAP software; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Resource or project: [range, environment, facility]
Objectives: [protect, improve, comply]

Draft standards or a project plan with specifications and metrics. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Sustainability standards or project plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you identify opportunities.

Step 2Fill in [Resource or project] and [Objectives] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects..

Advocate sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups.

Monthly

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to advocate sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Initiative: [describe]
Audience: [groups, government]

Draft a pitch and responses to objections. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Promote a sustainability initiative

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advocate sustainability.

Step 2Fill in [Initiative] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Promote environmental sustainability or conservation initiatives..

Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.

A few times a year

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.

Context: We use Oracle Java and Hypertext markup language HTML.
Issue: [product, construction]
Specialists: [engineers, experts]

Draft questions and data to share. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical problem collaboration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate work with economic consultants or architects.

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Specialists] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems..

Conduct interviews, surveys and site inspections concerning factors that affect land usage, such as zoning, traffic flow and housing.

AI helps you prepare questions; the listening is yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare better questions and to organize your notes afterward. Listening to the person in front of you is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to conduct interviews, surveys and site inspections concerning factors that affect land usage, such as zoning, traffic flow and housing.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
What I need to learn: [topic]
Who I'll ask: [type of people]
Method: [interview, survey, observation]

Draft the questions or observation checklist, sampling tips, and a template for recording answers. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

10-minute exercise: Interview or survey design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct interviews and surveys and site inspections concerning factors.

Step 2Fill in [What I need to learn], [Who I'll ask] and [Method].

Step 3Pilot it with one person and fix the confusing parts.

Don't record people or paste their answers into AI without consent and your employer's approval.

O*NET work activity: Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys..

Prepare, develop and maintain maps and databases.

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to prepare, develop and maintain maps and databases.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Map: [geological, survey, mosaic]
Data: [sources]

Outline the workflow, layers and symbology. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Map preparation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare, develop and maintain maps and databases.

Step 2Fill in [Map] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

O*NET work activity: Prepare maps..

Research, compile, analyze and organize information from maps, reports, investigations, and books for use in reports and special projects.

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to research, compile, analyze and organize information from maps, reports, investigations, and books for use in reports and special projects.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel and IBM Lotus 1-2-3; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Data: [paste or describe]
Question: [what to determine]

Suggest analysis steps, methods and code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Geoscience data interpretation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you research, compile, analyze and organize information.

Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

O*NET work activity: Analyze geological or geographical data.. Also involves: Compile geographic or related data..

Respond to public inquiries and complaints.

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to respond to public inquiries and complaints.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Topic: [results, practice information]
Audience: [public, officials]

Write plain-language answers. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Technical information for the public

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you respond to public inquiries and complaints.

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

O*NET work activity: Provide technical information or assistance to public..

Develop plans for public or alternative transportation systems for urban or regional locations to reduce carbon output associated with transportation.

A few times a year

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to develop plans for public or alternative transportation systems for urban or regional locations to reduce carbon output associated with transportation.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and SAP software; the work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Resource or project: [range, environment, facility]
Objectives: [protect, improve, comply]

Draft standards or a project plan with specifications and metrics. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Sustainability standards or project plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop plans for public or alternative transportation systems.

Step 2Fill in [Resource or project] and [Objectives] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects..

These stay human 2

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Dealing with the public: very important · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time

Supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Team: [technicians, scientists]
Issue or goal: [quality, project]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Leading a lab team

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Issue or goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Supervise scientific or technical personnel..

Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an urban / regional planner. Part of my job is to mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.

Context: The work draws on geography, law and government and transportation.
Parties: [agencies, landowners, users]
Issue: [describe]

Prepare a session agenda and techniques. Then play a party. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Mediation session plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mediate community disputes.

Step 2Fill in [Parties] and [Issue] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Mediate disputes..

Get the full prompt pack for Urban and Regional Planners

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Negotiationimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Active Learningimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Learning Strategiesimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Critical Thinkingimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Active Listeningimportance 4.1/5
Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Writingimportance 3.9/5
Used in: Documenting/Recording Information

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Chief Sustainability Officers20% human-led · Same preparation · $213,990/yr · usually master's degree
Skills to build: Management of Personnel Resources, Learning Strategies, Instructing
Political Scientists17% human-led · Same preparation · $142,080/yr · usually doctoral degree
Skills to build: Learning Strategies, Instructing, Critical Thinking
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary26% human-led · Same preparation · $98,070/yr · usually doctoral degree
Skills to build: Instructing, Learning Strategies, Writing

Getting into this job

Master's degree is most common (56% of workers)

Bachelor's 40%
Graduate degree 60%

On-the-job training: 1–3 months
Related experience: 1–2 years
Professional certification: important (3.3/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe AcrobatAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAutodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationDassault Systemes SolidWorksESRI ArcGIS softwareExtensible markup language XMLHypertext markup language HTMLMicrosoft Access