Athena Magazine
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| Cool Careers - Urban Planner by Nicole Marie Once during the month of May, and then again, amidst July’s thick, humid air, the earth’s orbit aligns the setting sun with Manhattan’s precisely configured city grid. Flanked by heaven-reaching skyscrapers, the warm amber sun illuminates the long stretch of road filled with roaring taxis and bustling businessmen. It is almost as if a portal to another dimension has been opened, and if you just follow the straight path into the light you might find yourself in another world. This biannual event is a perfect example of how the tactical art of city planning aids the ease and enjoyment of our metropolitan lives. This month I interviewed Sarah Goralewski, an Urban Planner for the City of El Cerrito, California, to find out what it takes to learn the trade and be on the job. NM: Let’s start with getting an overarching idea of what an Urban (city) planner actually does. SG: Sure. Anytime someone wants to build an apartment complex, open a shopping center or any kind of home building project, the city must approve the new development. That’s where urban planners come in to investigate the project proposal and decide whether it fits into how we want the city to grow. It’s very conceptual and if we think it’s appropriate, we allow it. |
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| NM: Can you give me an example of a typical day at the office? SG: Well, everyday is a little different. Sometimes I’ll work at the counter, helping drop-in citizens with their project ideas. Other times, I’m back and forth between the police department, the fire department, and other city departments, making sure new plans comply with their needs. Everyone works together examining and planning the growth and flow of the city. I also spend time out in the city exploring the neighborhoods of the proposed development. NM: Did you always want to be a city planner, or can you think of a specific event that led you to this profession? SG: When I graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology, I didn’t even know that city planners existed! It wasn’t until I was 25, teaching English in Germany, that I |
| started looking into going back to school for architecture. Although that field ended up including more math than I wanted to do, in my search for architecture programs I discovered Urban Planning which, considering my background in Sociology, ended up being perfect for me. NM: What kind of education did you go through? SG: After receiving my BA, I did a two year masters program. Some universities also offer undergraduate degrees in Urban Planning. But, the masters program gives you more options and allows for a smoother transition into managerial positions. After school, there are generally two routes to choose from, you can either work for the city, or a planning consulting firm. NM: What is your favorite and least favorite part about your job? SG: My favorite and least favorite are the same, the people. When a project goes well, the people are usually really appreciative which is very fulfilling for me. On the flipside, I often have to deal with citizens who are upset about the construction in their neighborhood and it's hard trying to balancing everyone's desires. NM: Once you were finally a City Planner, what was the most shocking part of the job/industry? SG: I never expected how political the job would be! Just because you have a great idea, it doesn’t mean you are necessarily going to get to build it. Politics play a huge part. NM: Do you still have time to keep up with your family life? SG: I don’t have kids, but other women I work with seem to find balance between their career and family. Some of my colleagues are managers working only three days per week. Working for the city is fairly flexible. NM: If someone were interested in becoming a city planner, what would be the initial step to take on that path? SG: Planetizen.com is a great resource for job postings, informal web classes and articles. Getting more involved in your community through the Parks and Recreation Commission or the local community center also gives you a feel for what it would be like working for the city. |
| NM: Finally, what do you think is the most beautifully and strategically planned city? SG: This may sound cliché, but Paris. All the different pieces blend together so well! It has the most amazing mix of stores, houses, beautiful parks, and cafes that overlook the streets. It’s a pleasant place to be for both tourists and residents. |
| Sarah Goralewski, Urban Planner |
| Paris, France |
November 2007