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Nancy Homan worked for St. Paul's Department of Planning and Economic Development for 21 out of the last 23 years. Her tenure as an urban planner helped her earn respect from many of her colleagues throughout city government. This respect and the friendship of St. Paul's new mayor, Chris Coleman, has propelled Homan into the political spotlight as Coleman's Director of Policy, one of the top positions in the new administration.

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Nancy Homan earned her urban planning degree in 1977 and received a master's degree in urban planning in 1980. She then found an entry level position within St. Paul's Department of Planning and Economic Development and has mostly worked there ever since. While pushing for development within the city, Homan made a number of friends within city government, including the mayor-elect, Chris Coleman. She supported him as an alderman in the city, and again helped him in his campaign for mayor.

Experience Planning and Zoning Cultivates future Politicians

Homan's rise in city politics is no surprise given her duties as a city planner. City planning entails a thorough knowledge of a city and a vision for its future. These two attributes are definitely part and parcel of being a good city political leader. If you think you may ultimately want to be involved in city planning, you should look into earning an urban planning degree.

Earn an Urban Planning Degree Online

For those of you who want to earn an urban planning degree, but also need to work fulltime, there are online degree programs available that could suit your needs. Earning an urban planning degree online has become popular for many working professionals looking to balance their schoolwork and job responsibilities.

About the Author
Kirk Bangstad is an artist manager and singer working in Chicago, IL. His previous experience includes consulting for technology companies in the Silicon Valley and serving as a field director and publicist for a statewide political campaign. Kirk holds a B.A. in government from Harvard University.