Community, Economic & Urban Development

Community, Economic and Urban Development

In recent years, governmental entities and community planning groups have undertaken urban revitalization by focusing on initiatives that develop the local economy, create jobs, and maximize the use of local resources including the development of real property, transportation, water and other natural resources. Southwestern College has developed the Community, Economic, and Urban Development Program to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to be successful in this and related career fields. The program discusses the concepts of city planning, architectural design, land use, innovation, creativity, leadership, real estate, transportation, economics principles, and workforce development.

A work experience component offers volunteer or paid internship opportunities on local civic boards, commissions, councils, committees, private businesses, government agencies, or non-profit organizations located throughout San Diego County focusing on the south county region. Students gain practical skills and can work toward employment in the field or transfer to a four-year college or university that has related programs in the area of urban planning.

Program Awards

Our Community, Economic and Urban Development programs are included in the Business field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion
Urban Studies, Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Community, Economic and Urban Development, Associate in Science Degree: Career/Technical	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Community, Economic and Urban Development, Certificate of Achievement	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Urban Studies, Certificate of Achievement	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Urban planner has been considered one of the “best careers” in surveys conducted by various organizations. The following list is a sample of the career options available for individuals who complete studies in the Community, Economic, and Urban Development major. Some of these options require an advanced certificate or an associate degree; some require a bachelor’s or master’s degree: urban/city planner or designer, transportation planner, environmental technician, research analyst, title examiner, construction manager, operations manager, architect, real estate and land use designer, property and community association manger, economic developer, housing specialist, parks and recreation planner, surveying and mapping technician, workforce developer, community activist, charitable and social service organization worker/manager, and entrepreneur involved in urban planning and design.

The average annual salary in this field is $77,350 for occupations like Social and Community Service Manager.

Typical Duties

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Performing Administrative Activities
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Developing and Building Teams
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.