Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Census Data • Viewshed • Bicycle Infrastructure

Tactical Urbanism

Term from Urban Planning industry explained for recruiters

Tactical Urbanism is a practical approach to improving cities and neighborhoods through small-scale, low-cost changes that can be tested quickly. Think of it as trying out city improvements in a temporary way before making them permanent. For example, using paint and movable planters to test a new bike lane before building it permanently. It's also known as DIY urbanism, pop-up urbanism, or guerilla urbanism. Urban planners and designers use these methods to show communities how spaces could be improved and to gather real-world feedback before making expensive, permanent changes.

Examples in Resumes

Led Tactical Urbanism projects to transform underused parking spaces into community gathering areas

Implemented Tactical Urban interventions to improve pedestrian safety in downtown district

Designed and executed Pop-up Urbanism demonstrations for neighborhood revitalization projects

Typical job title: "Urban Planners"

Also try searching for:

Urban Designer Community Planner City Planner Public Space Designer Urban Development Specialist Placemaking Coordinator Community Development Planner

Where to Find Urban Planners

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you integrate tactical urbanism into a city's formal planning process?

Expected Answer: A senior planner should discuss strategies for working with city officials, securing permits, engaging stakeholders, and transitioning successful temporary projects into permanent improvements. They should mention examples of cities that have successfully incorporated tactical urbanism into their planning procedures.

Q: How do you measure the success of a tactical urbanism project?

Expected Answer: Should explain various ways to collect data and community feedback, such as counting pedestrian traffic, conducting surveys, gathering social media responses, and monitoring economic impacts on local businesses. Should emphasize the importance of both quantitative and qualitative measures.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are some common challenges in implementing tactical urbanism projects and how do you address them?

Expected Answer: Should discuss managing community expectations, working with limited budgets, addressing safety concerns, and navigating permits and regulations. Should provide examples of creative solutions to these challenges.

Q: How do you ensure community engagement in tactical urbanism projects?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for community outreach, such as workshops, social media engagement, partnerships with local organizations, and hands-on participation opportunities. Should emphasize the importance of inclusive planning processes.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are some examples of tactical urbanism projects?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe common projects like parklets, pop-up bike lanes, temporary pedestrian plazas, and community gardens. Should understand the basic principles of quick, low-cost interventions.

Q: Why is tactical urbanism important in urban planning?

Expected Answer: Should explain how it allows for testing ideas before permanent implementation, builds community support, and provides quick, cost-effective solutions to urban challenges.