Armed with a fascination with how the built environment comes to be and an undergraduate degree in geography, Autumn discovered urban planning. After finishing her graduate degree she worked in multiple roles around the country, ultimately leading Blueprint Tallahassee, a inter-governmental agency she once interned at during her time as a graduate student.
Under Autumn’s direction Blueprint Tallahassee developed one of the most transformative projects in Florida’s capital city—Cascades Park. Now a centerpiece of Tallahassee, this 24-acre park combines state-of-the-art stormwater management with all the community amenities of a large metropolitan park and has since generated an economic impact of over $310 million dollars.
“One of the most exciting things about being in planning and having some years behind me now is being able to walk around the Tallahassee community and see the projects that I've worked on.”
“Planning at its base is about equity. And the planning profession celebrates the strengths of everyone. It's more about the merits that you bring to the job, how hard you work, how interested and passionate you are in your career.”
Urban planning is the practice of shaping cities and communities through thoughtful design and policy. Urban planners work with governments, communities, and private developers to guide how places grow and change—balancing needs like housing, transportation, economic development, and environmental protection.
At its core, urban planning is about equity, sustainability, and justice. Planners aim to fix past harms, uplift marginalized voices, and create spaces where everyone can thrive. We are change-makers; combining analysis, creativity, and community input to build a better world.
Learn MoreChoosing an urban planning program can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting first step toward building a career that shapes your future and the future of our communities. Whether you’re interested in sustainability, transportation, housing policy, or design, there’s a program that fits your goals and learning style.
From hands-on studio courses to data-driven policy programs, urban planning offers many paths—and finding the one that interests you the most makes all the difference. Learn more about the different types of schools, programs, certificates, and degrees that are available so you can choose the program that best connects your passions with real-world skills.
Get an OverviewStart your search for schools that offer urban planning programs. Compare different learning institutions across the U.S. and Canada to find the one that best fits your interests and goals.
School of Architecture of Planning
Levin College of Public Affairs & Education
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is one example of an organization demonstrating the impact of urban planning on the ground. As a nonprofit think tank that researches and recommends creative, nonpartisan approaches to land as a solution to economic, social, and environmental challenges, the Lincoln Institute connects students, educators, and professionals with ideas that shape better cities by balancing community needs with responsible land stewardship.
The Institute also collaborates closely with educators and organizations like the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) to strengthen urban planning curricula. This helps students get a feel for real-world challenges, consider creative uses and approaches to land policy, and prepare for life-long careers that make a lasting impact.
Learn More About The Lincoln InstituteUrban planning offers a diverse range of career opportunities focused on shaping and improving our world. Take a peek at some of the common jobs in the field and learn more about this growing industry.
Develops land use plans, accommodates population growth, and revitalizes physical facilities.
Designs and evaluates transport systems, like roads, public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian paths.
Combines planning & architecture to shape the physical layout and aesthetics of urban spaces
Focuses on sustainable development and environmental compliance in urban projects.
Researches and develops policies related to housing affordability, zoning, and developmental regulations.
Works to attract businesses, create jobs, and support economic growth in an area.
Discover career guidance, planning trends, education pathways, and real-world perspectives to help you better understand urban planning and build your future in the profession.
