Planners in public works?

Debbie Leistner

Transportation Planning Manager City of Gainesville, Florida

lthough the responsibilities of public works revolve primarily around the engineering realm, improved service delivery comes from the synergy created between the different disciplines that comprise public works. According to the American Planning Association (APA), planners traditionally help shape the built environment by creating and implementing comprehensive plans, writing codes and enforcing regulations that protect the health, welfare and well-being of a community. Planners are trained to examine the big picture and to evaluate how individual elements interact seeking to create consensus around short- and long-range strategies to achieve community or organizational goals.

As a professional planner, I enjoy working in public works for several reasons. First, I participate in a variety of programs and services that have a direct impact in the community. Second, I collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines on a daily basis. And, most importantly, I get exposed to new challenges and have many opportunities to explore new technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of services.

Public works organizations are complex with broad responsibility over infrastructure and services. Engineers and planners collaborate on a daily basis to ensure that organizational needs are met. While planners focus on the overall vision and strategies, engineers are responsible for the detailed technical aspects ensuring that standards are met and that safe, cost-effective solutions are implemented.

Coordination between planners and engineers is essential as their strengths and organizational value are complementary. In the delivery of capital projects, for example, planners and engineers work closely together to implement infrastructure improvements that meet the community’s needs. Working together and focusing on the strengths of each discipline, lead and support roles are intertwined during the life cycle of projects. This collaboration promotes a creative environment where the goal is to deliver a project that meets all applicable standards, is inclusive of best practices, is conscious of the environment and its context, and is cost effective. Planners typically take the lead during the initial stages in the identification of needs, preparation of plans, data gathering and analysis, development of alternatives, coordination with external agencies to ascertain project eligibility for state and federal funds, and development of strategies to assist with project funding. Engineers take the lead during the final stages, once the project is funded and added to the department’s work program, coordinating the design and construction phases.

Good communication between planners and engineers is key, and staff planners in public works help bridge the gap with traditional planning departments facilitating communication and the exchange of information and ideas. This is an important role as there are many facets where it comes to play, for instance in the periodic updates to comprehensive plan elements or the land development process where land use and zoning decisions directly impact the ability of public works to provide adequate levels of service.

In Gainesville, Fla., planning has always been a strong component of public works. The planner’s role has evolved and expanded over the years to include three staff planners with responsibilities over strategic planning, development review, transportation planning and GIS. Yes, planners belong and we are here to stay!

Debbie Leistner can be reached at (352) 334-5070 or leistnerdl@ cityofgainesville.org.