According to the American Planning Association, "planning occurs when government officials, business leaders, and citizens come together to building communities that enrich people's lives".

Planners help government officials, business leaders, and citizens create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live.

The following links provide more detailed information on the field of planning and how planners can help build healthier and more vibrant communities:

https://www.planning.org/aboutplanning/ - American Planning Association

http://njplanning.org/ - New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association

http://bloustein.rutgers.edu/ - Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University