AI Impact on Jobs

A new wave of AI systems is expected to have a major impact on global employment markets. Goldman Sachs estimates that roughly two-thirds of U.S. occupations are exposed to some degree of automation, with 25 to 50 percent of tasks within these roles potentially being replaced by AI. However, automation does not necessarily equate to widespread job losses. Many jobs and industries are only partially exposed to automation, meaning AI is more likely to complement rather than replace human workers.

Certain fields may be more resistant to AI-driven automation, particularly those that rely on complex interpersonal relationships, hands-on services, and skilled trades. Jobs in nursing, plumbing, electrical work, and construction are among those expected to remain in high demand, though ongoing worker shortages in these sectors add another layer of uncertainty. While AI can optimize many processes, roles that require human judgment, adaptability, and physical presence will likely continue to be filled by people.

Historically, technological advancements have sparked concerns about job displacement, yet they have also created new opportunities and industries. AI's growing role in urban planning presents a similar challenge: while AI can streamline technical aspects of planning, it underscores the need for planners to enhance their human-centric skills. This includes community engagement, consensus-building, and cross-agency collaboration — functions that AI cannot easily replicate. As AI becomes more integrated into planning, professionals must focus on the skills that make human planners indispensable in shaping the future of communities. Read PAS Report 604, Planning With Artificial Intelligence, and explore the APA Research KnowledgeBase collection Artificial Intelligence and Planning to learn more about this coming shift, and check in with APA's Upskilling Planners initiative to keep your skillset up to date.