City Planner Career: Salary, Urban Planning Jobs & How Cities Are Designed

We talk with NYC urban planner Eddie Joe about what city planners actually do and how cities are designed in the real world. From post-pandemic retail strategy and neighborhood revitalization to affordable housing, zoning, and economic development, Eddie explains how urban planners help shape the communities where we live, work, and travel.
We also discuss urban planner salaries, career opportunities, transitioning from architecture into city planning, and the skills needed to succeed in the field. Along the way, we explore GIS mapping, AI, smart cities, public engagement, and the complex balancing act between developers, government agencies, and local residents. If you're interested in urban planning careers, public policy, real estate development, or designing better cities, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential professions shaping modern life.
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Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation
About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people. A former CBS Producer and a documentaries filmmaker.
During her years at CBS, Mirav developed a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.