Urban Planning & Environmental Planning

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Urban & Environmental Planning Professional Education

Learn the policy, technical, and communication skills that help shape resilient communities, responsible development and environmental outcomes.

From policy and analysis to design and implementation, our program meets the continuing education needs of planners, attorneys, resource managers, government officials, developers and others involved in land use planning and the management of environmental resources.

Explore Programs in Urban & Environmental Planning

Communication For Planners

Effective communication is essential in planning work. This program helps professionals strengthen their ability to present information clearly, engage diverse audiences and communicate complex planning ideas with confidence.

  • Two online courses, complete in as little as 2 months
  • Practical training in technical writing, public engagement and stakeholder communication
  • Hands-on learning through real-world planning scenarios

Environmental Permitting and Exceptions

Environmental permitting can involve complex rules, review processes and exception pathways. This program provides practical guidance for professionals who need to understand how environmental permits and exceptions fit into project planning and delivery.

  • Three online courses, Complete in as little as 3 months
  • Comprehensive overview of federal, state and local environmental regulations
  • Practical strategies for integrating permitting requirements and reducing project risk

Land Use Planning

Land use planning is central to how communities grow and change. This program provides a foundation in planning concepts, entitlement processes and the decision-making frameworks that shape land development and community outcomes.

  • Five online courses, complete in as little as 6 months
  • Comprehensive training in California land use planning, policy and implementation
  • Practical instruction from experienced planning professionals using real-world case studies

Water Resources Planning and Management

Water resources planning and management are critical to sustainable development and infrastructure decision-making. This program introduces key issues related to water supply, resource management and planning for long-term resilience.

  • Four online courses, complete in as little as 6 months 
  • Comprehensive coverage of California water law, permitting and environmental regulations  
  • Practical instruction using real-world case studies and regulatory guidance 

Conservation Permitting

This program introduces the principles and processes involved in conservation permitting. It is designed for professionals who work with environmental review, compliance and resource protection in project planning and implementation.

  • Three online courses, complete in as little as 6 months
  • Comprehensive overview of federal and California endangered species regulations and conservation permitting
  • Practical strategies for navigating permitting requirements and supporting successful conservation outcomes

Housing Development, Policy and Planning

Housing development is shaped by policy, planning and implementation decisions at many levels. This program explores the relationship between housing needs, development constraints and planning strategies that support more effective housing outcomes.

  • Three online courses, complete in as little as 3 months 
  • Explore California housing policy, planning and subdivision regulations 
  • Practical instruction using real-world planning examples and case studies 

Urban Planning Tools and Techniques

This program focuses on the practical tools and methods used in planning work. It is designed to help professionals strengthen their technical skills and apply planning techniques in real-world settings.

  • Two online courses, complete in as little as 6 months 
  • Hands-on training in site analysis, planning and urban design 
  • Studio-based learning using real-world planning scenarios 

Organizational Training

When your team needs support beyond an individual program area, organizational training offers a flexible way to address workforce development goals. UC Davis CPE works with organizations to build training solutions that support leadership development, improve performance and help teams achieve meaningful results.

  • Designed for teams, departments and organizations
  • Supports leadership, performance and workforce development
  • Offers both customized and existing training options
  • Available in in-person, online and hybrid formats

Why Professionals Choose UC Davis CPE

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education offers practical, high-quality programs for working professionals who want learning they can use right away. Our programs reflect UC Davis’ commitment to applied knowledge, professional relevance and public service.

  • Learn from experienced instructors
  • Build skills you can apply in your work
  • Explore timely topics in planning, policy and environmental management
  • Choose flexible learning options that fit your schedule
  • Connect with a respected UC Davis program

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