Understands spatial relationships, physical design, and how cities work
Ability to research and analyze information on a wide variety of topics (population, employment, environment, transportation, stormwater, etc.)
Master of techniques for involving a wide range of people in making decisions
Understanding of local, state and federal government programs and processes
Ability to communicate and coordinate with engineers, architects, surveyors, realtors, and a variety of other professional consultants
Understanding of the social and environmental impact of planning decisions on communities
Ability to work with the public and articulate planning issues to a wide variety of audiences
Ability to function as a mediator or facilitator when conflicts occur
Understanding of the legal foundation for land use regulation
Ability to solve problems using a balance of technical competence, creativity and strategic thinking
Ability to envision alternative scenarios, identify and weigh advantages and disadvantages, and to develop and pursue win-win solutions when applicable.
Understanding of geographic information systems and office productivity software.