NAICS 925120 Quarterly Industry Report
Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 925120Sector: Public Administration (92)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (NAICS 925120) draws on data from the Census Bureau[4], Bureau of Labor Statistics[3], and the SBA[5]. Fair Market Value analysts examine planning workforce data, community development funding, and zoning trends specific to NAICS 925120. Quarterly updates reflect changes in federal development grants, planning regulations, and community investment priorities.
Industry Definition & Overview
Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (NAICS 925120) encompasses government establishments primarily engaged in the planning, administration, and coordination of urban development, community development, and rural development programs. This classification covers city and county planning departments, regional planning commissions, state community development offices, and federal programs like those administered through the Economic Development Administration. Zoning administration, thorough planning, and growth management fall within this code.
City and county planning departments represent the largest segment, with thousands of local planning offices operating across the country. These offices develop thorough plans, review development proposals, administer zoning codes, and guide land use decisions. Regional planning organizations coordinate transportation, infrastructure, and development across multiple jurisdictions. The Census Bureau[2] distinguishes planning and development administration from housing programs (925110) and economic programs (926110) by focusing on the physical planning and community development dimensions.
Planning employment includes urban planners, zoning administrators, GIS analysts, code enforcement officers, and community development specialists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics[3] tracks urban and regional planners as a distinct occupation, while the Census Bureau's ASPEP survey[4] captures community development within its government employment data. Federal programs like Community Development Block Grants and rural development initiatives through the USDA channel billions in funding through state and local planning agencies that shape the built environment across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
What's Included in This Industry
- City and county planning departments
- Regional planning commissions and councils of governments
- State community and rural development offices
- Zoning boards and zoning administration offices
- Economic Development Administration program offices
- USDA Rural Development program administration
- Historic preservation offices and commissions
- Brownfield redevelopment program offices
- Growth management and smart growth agencies
- Neighborhood revitalization and blight remediation offices
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Public Administration | 92 |
| Subsector | Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development | 925 |
| Industry Group | Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development | 9251 |
| NAICS Industry | Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development | 92512 |
| National Industry | Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development | 925120 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 925110 | Administration of Housing Programs | Housing program offices that coordinate with planning agencies on affordable housing siting, zoning for density, and community development investment priorities |
| 926110 | Administration of General Economic Programs | General economic program offices that align economic development incentives with urban planning goals for job creation and commercial district revitalization |
| 924110 | Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs | Environmental management agencies that coordinate with planners on land use impacts, stormwater management, and environmental review of development proposals |
| 926120 | Regulation and Administration of Transportation Programs | Transportation program offices that coordinate with planners on road networks, transit-oriented development, and transportation infrastructure investments |
| 921120 | Legislative Bodies | Legislative bodies that adopt zoning ordinances, approve thorough plans, and authorize community development funding through local budgets |
| 921140 | Executive and Legislative Offices, Combined | Combined executive-legislative offices in smaller jurisdictions where planning decisions are made directly by the governing body at regular meetings |
SBA Lending Summary
8
Total SBA Loans
$1.2M
Total Loan Volume
$150K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.51%
Average Interest Rate
40
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[1]
Key Insight: The U.S. Small Business Administration[5] does not establish size standards for NAICS 925120 because planning agencies are government establishments. Private firms providing urban planning, architectural, or development consulting services to government agencies are classified under their own NAICS codes. Those firms may qualify for SBA programs including the 7(a) loan program[6] and 504 loan program[7] under their respective industry size standards.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Truist Bank | 8 | $1.2M | $150K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of agencies are classified under NAICS 925120?
NAICS 925120 covers government agencies administering urban planning, community development, and rural development programs, including city planning departments, regional commissions, state development offices, and zoning boards. The Census Bureau[2] focuses on physical planning and community development administration.
How are planning agencies organized across government levels?
Federal agencies like the Economic Development Administration and USDA Rural Development fund programs nationwide. State community development offices distribute grants and set policies. Local planning departments handle zoning, thorough planning, and development review. Regional commissions coordinate across jurisdictions.
Does the SBA set a size standard for NAICS 925120?
No. The SBA[8] does not establish size standards for Sector 92 codes because they cover government entities. Private planning and development firms use their own NAICS codes for SBA eligibility.
What NAICS codes are closely related to 925120?
Related codes include 925110 (Housing Programs), 926110 (Economic Programs), 924110 (Environmental Programs), and 926120 (Transportation Programs). The Census Bureau[9] places urban planning under the environmental quality and housing subsector.
What private-sector industries commonly serve planning agencies?
Landscape architects (NAICS 541320), architectural firms (NAICS 541310), engineering companies (NAICS 541330), and IT vendors (NAICS 541512) are frequent contractors. Urban design firms, traffic consultants, and environmental planners also serve this market.
What activities are included under NAICS 925120?
Activities include thorough planning, zoning administration, development review, historic preservation, brownfield redevelopment, growth management, and rural community development. Federal programs like Community Development Block Grants and USDA Rural Development channel funding through these local and state agencies.
Can businesses serving planning agencies qualify for SBA loans?
Where are planning offices concentrated?
Planning departments exist in virtually every city and county across the United States. Regional planning commissions serve multi-county or multi-city areas. State development offices operate from state capitals. Federal program offices are based in Washington, D.C., with regional staff in major metropolitan areas.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [2]Census Bureau census.gov
- [3]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [4]Census Bureau's ASPEP survey census.gov
- [5]SBA sba.gov
- [6]7(a) loan program sba.gov
- [7]504 loan program sba.gov
- [8]SBA sba.gov
- [9]Census Bureau census.gov
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