10 Hot Urban Careers

Cities are cool again! The increased interest in urban issues, and rapidly evolving technological landscape, have multiplied the ways in which professionals can create more livable places. Nicole Ferraro looks at ten such positions.

1 minute read

March 31, 2013, 11:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"As people turn their awareness toward the fact that the globe is urbanizing at a rapid rate, it seems there can't be enough attention paid to those who have a role to play in how all of this pans out," observes Ferraro. "So if you're a Parks and Recreations employee, or a logistics manager, or an ecologist, who previously thought you'd spend your lonesome career flying under the radar of anyone's interest or concern -- think again!"

"What follows is our list of 10 jobs that are suddenly cool again, thanks to the surge of interest in cities around the globe. Take a click through the next 10 pages to find out what these jobs are, why they're big right now, what they pay (on average), and who the rockstars are in these environments."

Among the jobs making her list of the "10 City Jobs That Are Cool Again" are urban planner (natch!), civic hacker, climate strategist, and facilities manager.

For a more complete look at urban- and planning-oriented careers see Planetizen's Insider’s Guide to Careers in Urban Planning.

Friday, March 29, 2013 in Future Cities

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Concrete Brutalism building with slanted walls and light visible through an atrium.

What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities

How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.

February 28, 2025 - Justin Hollander

Complete Street

‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge

Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.

February 27, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Downtown Los Angeles skyline at sunset with new 6th Street Viaduct arches in foreground.

Downtown Los Angeles on the Rise: A Promising 2025

Fueled by new developments, cultural investments, and a growing dining scene, downtown Los Angeles is poised for significant growth in 2025, despite challenges from recent wildfires and economic uncertainties.

February 21, 2025 - Los Angeles Downtown News

People walking on San Francisco street with 'Slow Streets' signs.

San Francisco Slow Streets Bucks Citywide Trend, Reducing Injuries by 61 Percent

Low-cost interventions aimed at slowing traffic are making a major impact on road safety.

7 hours ago - KQED

Two pastel green/blue front doors on duplex with decorative wreaths.

How Single-Family Conversions Benefit Both Homeowners and Cities

Converting single-family homes to triplexes can ease the housing crisis and offer affordable, flexible options for more households. Why is it largely illegal?

March 4 - Strong Towns

Electric Cars

Report: Transportation Equity Requires More Than Electrification

Lower-income households often lack the resources to buy electric cars, signaling a need for a more holistic approach to improving mobility and lowering transportation costs.

March 4 - Smart Cities Dive

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.