Zoned Out: Inside the City Planner Career

Who designs the cities we live in?  We talk with urban planner Eddie Joe about careers in city planning, urban development, economic development, and public policy. Learn how city planners shape neighborhoods, parks, housing projects, transportation systems, bike lanes, and commercial districts while balancing the needs of residents, developers, businesses, and local governments.

Eddie shares how he broke into the profession, the education and skills required, what city planners earn, and the real-world challenges of zoning, affordable housing, community engagement, and redevelopment projects. We also explore the future of smart cities, GIS mapping, AI in urban planning, and the role planners play in creating more walkable, sustainable, and livable communities. If you're interested in careers in urban planning, architecture, real estate development, transportation planning, or local government, this episode offers valuable career insights and salary information.

Listen to more careers →

Resources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Urban Planner

American Planning Association

What is Urban Planning?

"How Much Can I Make?" Is nominated for 2026 Women in Podcasting Award!

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

Visit howmuchcanimake.info

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced 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.