PIBC: The State and Future of the Planning Profession

Last week, our Principal, Oleg, participated as a panelist in the State and Future of the Planning Profession webinar hosted by the Planning Institute of British Columbia.

The session featured a presentation by Dr. Roslyn Kunin, who shared findings from her Report examining current trends and future challenges facing the planning profession across British Columbia and the Yukon.

Drawing on 2021 Census data, the report provides important insight into how the profession is evolving, including:

• Shortage of Planners: A shortage of planners already exists and is expected to continue. Competition for talent is intensifying, particularly between public and private sectors. Recruitment and retention challenges are especially pronounced for experienced and certified planners.
• Metro Versus Non-Metro Areas: Location plays a major role in workforce challenges. In Greater Vancouver, attracting qualified planners is somewhat easier, but retention remains a challenge. In non-metro and smaller communities, both recruitment and retention are significantly more difficult, with challenges increasing as community size decreases.
• Changes in Planning Functions: Planners are navigating increasingly complex regulatory, policy, and legislative environments. The scope of work now extends well beyond traditional land use planning.
• Need for Skills and Certification: While many employers hire non-certified planners for entry-level roles, professional certification becomes increasingly important at more senior levels. This reflects the growing need for experienced practitioners who can manage complexity, provide strategic advice, and lead multidisciplinary work.

These trends point to a profession that is expanding in scope while also demanding a broader and more adaptable skillset. Today’s planners are expected to combine technical expertise with policy knowledge, and the ability to operate effectively in a rapidly changing environment.

During the panel discussion, Oleg shared several perspectives on how the profession can continue to evolve and strengthen. He emphasized the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, noting that planners must be proactive in expanding their skillsets to remain effective. He also highlighted the need to better align planning education with professional practice, particularly through increased opportunities for practicums and internships that expose students to real-world conditions.

For planners considering new career paths, particularly those transitioning from the public to private sector, Oleg offered practical advice grounded in experience. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, specifically, understanding how projects are initiated, how decisions are made, how market forces shape outcomes. Developing an awareness of project economics and risk is also critical, as is the ability to navigate client-driven processes that often differ significantly from those in the public sector.

Overall, the discussion reinforced a clear message, while the demand for planners continues to grow, so do the expectations placed on the profession. Addressing workforce shortages, strengthening education pathways, and embracing the expanding scope of planning work will be essential to ensuring the profession remains resilient and effective in the years ahead.